Student Counseling Information

Managing your mental health during these stressful and changing times

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. News of a widespread public health concern like COVID-19 (Coronavirus) can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Many students across the nation are dealing with sudden changes to their regular schedules and some are faced with difficult home situations

We have designated counseling resources dedicated to assisting our students. As some of you may of transitioned home you are STRONGLY encouraged to find a provider close to your current location, with whom you may stay in treatment if remote learning continues throughout the rest of the semester.  The link below will help you identify treatment facilities and community therapists in your area.

Find Treatment In Your Area

How to Connect with Us During the Coronavirus Emergency

Counseling Services will be checking email (counseling@manhattantech.edu) Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Students should use email to ask to speak to a counselor to address questions. For all emergency and urgent situations (i.e., thoughts of killing yourself or others, feeling an imminent risk to yourself), PLEASE, call 911 or any of the local resources listed.

Please reach out to campus or local resources for help if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Steps in order to support yourself:

  • Acknowledge your emotional responses.  Give yourself time to reflect on these and think about how you might be coping with your feelings.
  • Develop and maintain regular routines and activities such as exercising or studying at regular times during the days. 
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade.
  •  Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19.  Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly.
  • Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships.
  • Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking.

Recognizing symptoms of distress – A self-checklist*

  • Excessive worry, fear, and/or feelings of being “stressed” or overwhelmed.
  • Persistent sadness, tearfulness, and/or loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
  • Feelings of hopelessness and/or dread about the future.
  • Unexplained physical symptoms, such as an upset stomach, increased heart rate, nausea, fatigue, etc.
  • Increased anger, irritability, agitation and/or disruptive behaviors.
  • Inability to concentrate or focus.
  • Significant changes in sleep, appetite and/or self-care.
  • Social isolation or withdrawal.
  • Fear or avoidance of public spaces.
  • Thoughts about death, dying and/or suicide.
  • Impulsive, reckless or risky behaviors (substance abuse, self-injury, etc.)

It’s completely expected and appropriate to experience fear during situations like these. It’s also important to know how to manage overwhelming anxiety and keep perspective as the situation unfolds. Here are some resources and tips that may be helpful:

CARE FOR YOUR CORONAVIRUS ANXIETY

HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR COVID-19 ANXIETY

THE JED FOUNDATION

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has guidance on managing mental health and coping during COVID-19.  Recommendations include taking actions that can help you de-stress and shift toward a more productive way of living.

CDC GUIDELINES TO MANAGE ANXIETY AND STRESS

*If you or someone you know is having a medical or psychological emergency, and you are OFF CAMPUS, dial 911 or go to your local emergency room.

Resources Adapted from:
Fordham University – “Recommendations for Managing Distress Related to the Novel Coronavirus” 
The Jed Foundation – Get Help Now
The Centers for Disease Control – Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

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