Director of Counseling Tracy Bugglin and Counselor Leah Shirer shared advice for the Muskie Community in response to COVID-19 stress in an interview with Orbit Media on March 20.
Bugglin and Shirer provided an overview of mental health issues that can arise during a time of crisis, as well as how to cope with feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress because of COVID-19.
“During times of uncertainty that we’re in right now, it’s very normal that a person might experience an increase in mental and emotional health issues. People might be feeling anxious, fearful, or sad as well as other emotions during times of crisis,” said Bugglin.
The first step to understanding how yourself and others are feeling during a time of crisis is recognizing different signs of mental health problems.
Some signs of emotional distress may be a feeling of hopelessness, disbelief, anxiety, changes in appetite and energy levels, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with memory, insomnia and nightmares. Some physical signs of distress can be headaches, body pains, stomachaches, and skin rashes.
The second step to dealing with crisis stress is to cope in healthy ways.
“It’s real important to be careful not to lean on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as increased use of alcohol or other substances during this time. That is sometimes something people turn to, so we want to be real careful with that,” said Bugglin.
Healthy ways to cope include staying connected with the people you find supportive, using a meditation or relaxation app, sitting calmly or doing yoga through online videos, staying active, and continuing to do healthy hobbies, such as reading a book or doing a puzzle.
Another way to take care of yourself during this time is to make sure you’re eating foods that make you feel good and are healthy, not comfort foods that can be unhealthy.
Setting a routine is also important for your mental health during times of uncertainty. Set a to-do list, an action plan or a goal for each day and follow through with it. Doing these can help an individual feel like they have control over their situation.
Another important step is to limit your information intake.
“Constant exposure to the news and social media can be very overwhelming. Just be cautious and be aware of how much is too much for you. Every person is different,” said Shirer.
Counseling Services will help students find assistance and community resources in their home area. Students should contact Bugglin or Shirer for guidance on finding an appropriate resource.
Any student who is experiencing mental and/or emotional distress, even if it is seemingly small, is urged to reach out to resources available to them.
“It’s helpful to understand your feelings are normal and allow yourself to process the different emotions you’re feeling,” said Shirer.
Bugglin and Shirer are working from home as of March 23, but remain readily available to assist students, faculty and staff with mental health questions or concerns.
The Crisis Text Line is available by texting TALK to 741-741. The National Suicide Hotline is available at 1 (800) 273-8255.
Bugglin can be contacted by email at tbugglin@muskingum.edu. Shirer can be contacted at lcook@muskingum.edu.
