Dealing with your Stress Reactions

By THE COUNSELING CENTER

“We are all in this together” is a common statement being made in media during this time of social distancing. While this is true, we are all dealing with social distancing regulations, it does not mean we all deal with stress the same.

For many students, you may be dealing with increased stress or anxiety since we moved classes online. The uncertainty of what will happen with the disease, how long we will have to stay at home with social distancing, or how will friends and family be can cause increased stress. Being home instead of at college may also interrupt your study routine. The constant viewing of COVID-19 coverage on TV, online, on social media, or any other source can increase stress levels.

Here are some tips:

• Set a schedule and boundaries for your schoolwork with your family, so you can work without interruption.
  • The College of Saint Rose has provided some Tips for Remote Learning During COVID-19 on the Coronavirus Announcement on the main college page.
• Limit your intake of COVID-19 news, this includes notifications on your phone. You can stay aware of information without being constantly connected.
  • Read factual sites, such as the Centers for Diseases Control (CDC.gov) instead of news sources that include more hype.
• Recognize your level of stress.
  • Are you having trouble concentrating?
  • Do you constantly worry about yourself or your family members getting sick?
  • Feeling extra irritable?
  • Find yourself breathing more rapidly?
  • Having trouble sleeping and/or feeling overwhelming fatigue?
• Deal with your stress
  • Having routines and schedules can really help create control and decrease stress.
  • Take deep breaths
  • Exercise
  • Practice mindfulness or mediate
    • Apps like Headspace, Calm, Stop-Think-Breathe, Insight Timer, and others can help
• Recognize a panic attack – which can come from high stress
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sweating profusely
  • Trembling
  • Feeling your heart rapidly beating in your chest
• Dealing with panic attacks
  • Breathe deeply
  • Close your eyes
  • Tell yourself you are having a panic attack
  • Talk to someone – contact the counseling center

Some students already have some anxiety or depressive disorders and at times like these the stress and isolation may make your symptoms worse. Here are some useful things to remember during this isolation period:

• Make sure to track your symptoms.
• Continue taking your medications.
• Continue all recommendations from your healthcare provider.
• Reach out if your symptoms change or you need more assistance during this time.

If you would like to discuss your stress or anxiety reach out to the Counseling Center. During this time please email [email protected] with any questions and to make appointments. Follow us on Instagram @csrcounselingctr to learn about upcoming events.