There's a lot going on right now. The kind of rapid change we are all experiencing in our lives with the impact of coronavirus, job disruptions, and more can create a lot of anxiety, anger, feelings of isolation, and more emotional trauma than we are prepared to manage.
It is normal to be feeling a lot of emotions right now, and that’s ok. We’re here to help.
If you need some personal support, SCTCC’s Wellness Resource Services is available to talk with you. Call 320-308-5096 or email wellness@sctcc.edu.
If you aren’t able to reach them or if it is after hours, there are several other options, including a texting option:
24-hour Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 for anywhere, anytime, about any type of crisis. A volunteer crisis counselor will help you.
24-hour Crisis Hotline – Call 1-800-635-8008 to receive local mental health crisis support, or access the Crisis Response Team as needed.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a free 24-hour hotline available for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Anxiety
One of the most common feelings you might be experiencing right now is anxiety. Know that you’re not alone! Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders in the U.S. They affect over 40 million adults every single year. Kids experience them too: more than 25% of people between 13 and 18 live with anxiety today.
You might also be feeling some situational anxiety, which is really common. And it’s different for everyone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some symptoms of anxiety can include:
- Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
- Hyperactivity
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
Anxiety can feel overwhelming. It’s also highly treatable. Some common treatments include:
- Deep Breaths. Focus on your breathing to calm and center yourself.
- Stress Less. Stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage stress.
- Get some shut-eye. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can regulate your mood and stress.
- Talk to a professional. A therapist may be able to help you manage triggers and symptoms. Therapists and doctors may also prescribe medication to help manage your mental health.
- It’s always okay to ask for help. In fact, asking for help is brave. Looking to get started? Try talking to your doctor to learn more about how you are feeling and ways to take care of your mental health.
We'll get through these changing times. Remember the things that aren’t cancelled: empathy, kindness, faith in humanity. Stay healthy, stay strong, and take care of yourself and others.
Conversations you have with the SCTCC Student Support Manager will be kept private. Exceptions include: if you say you want to hurt yourself or someone else; if you report abuse or neglect of a minor (individual under the age of 18 years old) or a vulnerable adult; if you submit a “Release of Information” form and request that the Student Support Manager share your private information with other designated individuals or agencies.