Coping with Covid-19

We know physically isolating yourself as you take care of your health can be a stressful experience amidst an already challenging time.

If you find yourself struggling to cope with loneliness, anxiety—pretty much any reaction—please know that this is very normal.

Focus on what is within your control, stay in touch with others for support, and practice intentional, healthy self-care. This time will pass and hopefully, you’ll be back to your routine soon.

You're probably asking yourself, "How do I do this?"

So we're here to share some information and let you know we’re thinking of you.

Quarantine & Isolation

Common signs of distress in response to Covid-19

Most of us were never taught how to quarantine/isolate, but we’ll come out of this stronger than ever by practicing some of these strategies: maintaining a daily schedule, remaining focused on schoolwork, and taking advantage of remote opportunities.  

The first step in coping with distress is recognizing the potential signs that you are experiencing it:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• Stress from the experience of monitoring yourself or being monitored by others for signs and symptoms of Covid-19
• Sadness, anger, or frustration because friends or loved ones have fears of contracting the disease from having contact with you
• Guilt about not being able to perform normal school, work, or other duties during quarantine

Other emotional or mental health changes include, but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Traumatic distress

Recognizing Distress

While in Quarantine or Isolation

• Increased worry, fearfulness, or feelings of being overwhelmed
• Feelings of fatigue or exhaustion that persist and/or intensify
• Inability to focus or concentrate that may be accompanied by decreased academic performance
• A feeling of hopelessness and/or a paralyzing fear about the future
• Sudden anger, sadness, irritability, or noticeable changes in personality
• Sleep difficulties
• Isolating or withdrawing from others, fear of going into public situations
• Increased unhealthy coping behaviors (e.g., increased alcohol or drug use, engaging in risky/impulsive behaviors)

Emotional Wellness and Covid-19

Remind yourself that your emotions are valid. There’s no right way to respond to the challenges associated with Covid-19. This situation is novel, evolving, and unpredictable.

Stay connected. During this period, it’s important to maintain appropriate social distance. Make sure to find other ways to stay in touch with your social supports (a phone call, video chat, or text).

Maintain your typical schedule as best as you can. Meals, classes, study time, relaxation time, etc. Having a schedule helps us contain emotions and feel a sense of control during a time of uncertainty.

Maintain perspective. While this is a significant event for all of us, remind yourself of what’s good in your life and what’s important to you: health, friends, academic goals, religion, or spirituality.

Engage in self-care. Maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to sleep and waking up around the same time each day. Work towards maintaining good nutrition and regular meals, which includes limiting alcohol and caffeine intake and getting some exercise. When the weather is nice, go for a walk or spend time outside ( while wearing a mask and maintaining 6 feet of physical distancing, of course). Practice deep breathing, relaxation, yoga, or Qigong. Try taking up an activity that requires use of your body and mind, which can give you an emotional break: knitting, art, playing an instrument, etc.

Six Daily Questions to Ask Yourself in Quarantine

Ask yourself these six questions every day.

Looking for Something to Do?

Practice Mental Wellness Through Art, Movement and Sound

Coloring
700 free printable nature-related coloring pages

Print off a free printable coloring page from the “Color Our Collections” campaign with coloring sheets from over 100 museums and libraries from around the world or choose from 1,500+ coloring pages with Just Color.

Create Vision Boards
A Vision Board is compromised of a collection of images that you select depicting wishes dreams and goals as well as inspirational pictures and words.

Virtual Concerts
Intimate video performances recorded live at the desks of musicians.

Get Outside… Virtually
Ten amazing virtual museum tours and virtual tours of National Parks.

Physical and Mental wellbeing are Linked
Consider some of these free virtual fitness classes for getting your body moving.

There is Help!

Reach out to your support network and use campus resources. Reach out to friends and family for support and equip yourself with information about on-campus resources.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Longwood offers counseling through Zoom sessions. If you feel that you are struggling to cope or would like some added support from a trained mental health professional, please don’t hesitate to reach out by phone (434.395.2409) or email (longwoodCAPS@longwood.edu).  For more information, visit CAPS.

Quarantine & Connect is a drop in Zoom hour that is offered twice a week through Longwood CAPS. Drop-in and connect with others at Longwood. Just call CAPS (434.395.2409) or email (longwoodCAPS@longwood.edu) to ask about Quarantine & Connect. 

The Disaster Distress Helpline, is a 24/7 national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

ULifeline is a confidential online resource dedicated to offering college students resources for their mental health and wellbeing.              

Quarantine Chat is site that randomly connects you with others who are in quarantine or isolation.