Attention:

Northern Vermont University is now part of Vermont State University! Please visit VermontState.edu for accurate information.

Coronavirus Update: Wellness, Health, and Counseling is Remote Ready

March 19, 2020

March 19, 2020

NVU Students:

Please call or email for support!

NVU-Johnson Wellness Center: 802.635.1265 or WellnessCenter@NorthernVermont.edu

NVU-Lyndon Health and Counseling Center: 802.626.6440 or LyndonHealth@NorthernVermont.edu

Your peers all over the world are preparing to transition to remote learning following notices from their schools that face-to-face instruction has been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here at Northern Vermont University, we want you to know we are all here for you during this transition. We recognize that the impact of moving to remote learning often goes beyond academics. You probably have many questions and concerns during this time.

For most of us, having to unexpectedly leave or disengage with our community – even if just for a short time – can be stressful. If you are feeling that stress, remember that is a natural response. Beyond that, others of us who live with anxiety or other mental illnesses can experience exacerbated symptoms from the added stress.

Tips for Staying Well

To help you cope through this period, consider the following tips for staying well:

  • Maintain routines as much as possible. Whether you are at home or at a location off-campus or participating in remote learning from your residence hall, try to maintain your typical schedule throughout the day.
  • Practice healthy habits and the kinds of self-care that most benefit you. Prioritize getting a healthy amount of sleep, eating well, avoiding alcohol, and moving or exercising regularly.
  • Avoid crowds — but stay connected. You might find yourself distanced from the people you would normally see on campus. If so, make the effort to stay connected through social media, email, texting, and video calls.
  • Seek news only from reliable sources, and only in short stints. As with all things, we can find ourselves over-consuming news and updates. Try not to become absorbed in the coverage for long periods of time, and find opportunities to appropriately disconnect.
  • Take breaks to ease your mind and distract yourself when you start to worry. Play a game. Watch a movie. Take a yoga class https://yogawithadriene.com/free-yoga-videos/ or https://www.doyogawithme.com. Try a meditation app like: Insight Timer, Calm, Headspace, Breathe, Stop, Think, or Aura. For more coping skills to consider, head to activeminds.org/selfcare. Try this breathing exercise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdbbtgf05Ek

More Than a Bad Day

If what you are feeling seems bigger than what these techniques can support, seek help from a professional. NVU is offering remote support to students:

For immediate assistance on Campus:

  • NVU-Johnson – Please call the Hall Advisor on Duty at 802.730.3439 or Public Safety at 802.635.1205. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call Lamoille County Mental Health Emergency Services during business hours at 802. 888.5026 or after hours page the emergency services worker on duty at 802.888.8888.
  • NVU-Lyndon – Please call the RHD on Duty at 802.274.3152 or Public Safety at 802.626.6452. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis you can call Northeast Kingdom Human Services 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines at 802.748.3181 or 1.800.649.0118.
  • To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “HOME” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

Sharing Compassion

Many students experience daily issues impacting their work – including food or housing insecurity, and financial struggles – which could undoubtedly become even more challenging in the face of school closures. More information on our campus food pantries.

Speak Up

Finally, if you are a student with significant concerns about how school closures could impact your health and wellbeing, please get in touch with staff and/or faculty you trust to get the assurance and support you need. While COVID-19 is bringing new and difficult challenges to so many, let’s continue to show up for each other, and be ready to help a friend who is struggling – even if that help is through a remote connection.

Jonathan M. Davis

Dean of Students