Coping with Current Events
Current events at the local, regional, national, and global level have an undeniable impact on mental health. Students often come to CCS with concerns related to global violence, climate change, the political environment, economic stress, oppression and marginalization, and the pandemic. Traumatic events leave individuals with varied emotional experiences. These can range from shock and disbelief to other painful emotions such as anger and sorrow. You may also notice that your daily routine may be affected as you notice changes in sleeping, appetite and concentration. Additionally, exposure to such events either in person or in media may change your perceptions about the world. Reactions vary, and so do student needs. There are resources that can be accessed to support individuals and groups. We’ve got your back at Ohio State.
Identity-Specific Resources
Current events can impact students differently depending on their individual identities and experiences. In addition to the resources below, CCS has a directory of information for students with specific identities.
Individual Resources
- If you have a concern that is urgent or an emergency, please seek immediate assistance. After-hours support is available by calling 614-292-5766 and press #2 to be connected to a counselor in the evening, overnight or during the weekend.
- “Let’s Talk” offers 15 to 20-minute informal consultations with staff from Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS). Students may choose from a diverse group of CCS clinicians.
- Your Empowerment and Support (YES) One-on-one conversations can be scheduled with staff at the Center for Belonging and Social Change when you’re trying to figure things out, going through a rough time, or want to talk.
- To discuss options for ongoing counseling or you’re just not sure where to start, schedule a Phone Screening with a Mental Health professional at Counseling and Consultation Service.
Group Resources
- Crisis or loss in your group, class, or organization? Please call CCS directly at 614-292-5766 and request a call back from the next available clinician and we can arrange to support your group right away.
- Not in immediate crisis but would like support for your group, class, or organization? Fill out a request form and let us know about how we can support your group.
We recommend these strategies to thrive while being aware of current events:
- Reach out. Talk about your feelings with friends and family. Let them know what you are feeling. Don’t go through things alone!
- Identify what’s good in the world. Make a list of things and people you are grateful for. This will help to create a counterbalance to what is awful and deeply disheartening.
- Stay informed, but also step away. It’s important to have the facts and information to stay safe and informed. However, intense and constant reminders about a tragic event can reinforce the negative psychological impacts. Intentionally take a break and do something restorative and focused on creativity, wellness, connection, or rest.
- Make space for your emotions. We cannot chose our emotions, but we can chose how to cope and move through them. Naming and accepting negative or painful emotions helps you to process your experience and move towards healing.
- Self-care, Self-care, Self-care. This is a time to focus on your routine. Make sleep and nutrition a priority. Take time off of school or work if needed and focus on you. It is not recommended to use substances such as alcohol or drugs as these only work to prolong suffering by suppressing your natural emotional reaction. Instead, increase physical activity and engage in creative or mindful strategies such as cooking or engaging in an artistic activity.
- Get involved. Connect with others and help make a difference by volunteering or joining a student organization.