Maintaining Mental Health During COVID-19

As we add resources to help students and the community maintain mental health during the coronavirus pandemic, we will also add them to this page. Please check back often for updates.

More >>>

General Mental Health Strategies

This worksheet is a helpful guide to continue to focus on your mental health during this time.

---

More >>>

Psychological Tips for COVID-19 Concerns

Our flyer with Psychological Tips for COVID-19 Concerns has been shared across campus and continues to be one of our most helpful COVID-19 handouts.

---

More >>>

Coping with the Loss of a Family Member, Friend, or Loved One to COVID 19

Unfortunately, COVID-related loss is something a number of students are facing right now. This document is intended as an initial resource, and includes information for how to connect to Counseling and Psychological Services for further support..

---

More >>>

When a Loved One is Diagnosed with COVID 19: How to Cope

This worksheet is a helpful guide to coping when a loved one is diagnosed with COVID.

---

Video Content

We have created several informational videos related to behavioral health and well-being during the time of COVID-19. Videos are located here on our website and also on our YouTube channel.  Below is a list of additional resources that supports information covered in our videos.

Sexual Health during COVID-19

Please click here if you would like to view this video directly on the Youtube website.

In this video, we provide information about sexual health during COVID-19.

• New York City Health Department
• American Sexual Health Association
• UAlbany’s LGBTQ+ COVID-19 Resource Guide
• Australian Government Department of Health
• Planned Parenthood and sexual health services during COVID-19

Physical Activity and Well-Being during COVID-19

Please click here if you would like to view this video directly on the Youtube website.

In this video, we provide information about physical activity and well-being during COVID-19.

• UAlbany’s virtual group exercise page
• For more information on the productivity tool, the Pomodoro Technique
• To stay connected on campus

Safer Alcohol Use during COVID-19

Please click here if you would like to view this video directly on the Youtube website.

In this video, we provide information about safer alcohol use during COVID-19.  Please note that the National Institute of Health does not recommend alcohol use for those under 21 years old.

• National Institute of Health: BAC Calculator
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
• Clinical Psychology Review: Use of Alcohol Protective Behavioral Strategies among College Students

Safer Cannabis Use during COVID-19

Please click here if you would like to view this video directly on the Youtube website.

In this video, we provide strategies for safer cannabis use during COVID-19. It is important to keep in mind that the only way to completely avoid health risks is by choosing not to use cannabis. However, if you decide to use cannabis, we have some strategies that can help lower risk to your health.

• American Journal of Public Health: Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines
• T-Break: a guide to help support you on a cannabis tolerance break

Collegiate Recovery: Motivations for Social Distancing

Please click here if you would like to view this video directly on the Youtube website.

In this video, we discuss motivations for social distancing for students in recovery.  Specific areas that we cover include: resilience, social connections, service, self-exploration, decreased anxiety, and new gratitude.

• Danes for Recovery, University at Albany’s Collegiate Recovery Program
• Friends of Recovery New York: COVID-19 Resources
• Yale Addiction Medicine: Harm Reduction  We understand that some people in recovery prefer to use a harm reduction approach. In the spirit of supporting the health and safety of people in recovery who are using harm reduction strategies to address their substance use, we provide information created by Yale Addiction Medicine, which provides guidance on harm reduction approaches given the current COVID-19 pandemic.

---

More >>>

Mindfulness Online Series

Mindfulness practice can be helpful in coping with our distancing and increased anxiety during this strange time. It presents an opportunity to refine awareness, compassion, and reflection in our daily life. CAPS clinicians Megan Cusick Brix and Tyler Hatchel will be providing you with information and tools to increase your mindfulness in daily activities, develop more coping skills, manage distress and remain in the present moment. Each week will include mindfulness concepts and information as well as practical exercises to begin your formal mindfulness practice.

---

More >>>

50 Ways Great Danes De-stress

We've updated one of our most popular handouts to be relevant to students who are working remotely.

---

More >>>

Self-Help Apps

We've updated our self-help apps page with new apps and new categories. Technology can be a great way to continue to stay focused on your mental health.

---

Crisis Support

• NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline: 1-844-863-9314
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or website (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) for additional resources
• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) or text TalkWithUS to 66746
• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
• NYC Well  – Text WELL to 65173

---

Recovery Resources

The following resources have been created and compiled for students in recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Danes for Recovery
• Weekly Online Recovery Meetings
• Collegiate All-Recovery Meetings
• We understand that some people in recovery prefer to use a harm reduction approach. In the spirit of supporting the health and safety of people in recovery who are using harm reduction strategies to address their substance use, we provide information created by Yale Addiction Medicine, which provides guidance on harm reduction approaches given the current COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for their Harm Reduction guidance.