Office of Student Life
Counseling and Consultation Service

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.

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 choose our emotions, but we can choose 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.

Resources and Workshops

Thriving in a Complex World: Coping with Current Events Workshop

Thursdays, 4 - 5 p.m., Virtual

Attend or register in advance for this workshop.

Through social media, news outlets and being a human in today's world, we are constantly being exposed to the current events that are happening around us, and directly impacting us. This workshop aims to provide individuals with the recognition that the feelings and emotions you are having are real and valid. We will discuss the impact current events may have on your mental health, learn skills on mindful consumption of social media, what sustainable activism looks like and ways to take care of oneself, as the title reads, through a complex world we live in.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss the impact of current events on mental health

  • Develop skills to care for mental health and persevere through stressful times

  • Identify resources to build community, get involved and promote well being

Request this workshop for your class, student organization or other group. We are happy to talk with you about adapting the content to meet the needs of your specific group.

Student Life's Center for Belonging and Social Change (CBSC)

Get involved and build community with the CBSC. Visit the event calendar for ongoing opportunities including workshops related to managing stress before, during, and after the 2024 election.

Individual CCS 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 CCS. Students may choose from a diverse group of CCS clinicians.

  • 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.

  • Additional resources focused on identity.

Group CCS 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.

Additional Campus Resources

  • Buckeye Paws: Supports the mental and emotional health of students, faculty and staff at The Ohio State University through highly trained, certified therapy dog-handler teams.

  • The Divided Community Project: Provides student leaders with resources which enhance resiliency and prepare for and respond to events that potentially polarize their communities or organizations.

  • Freedom of Expression at Ohio State: This website outlines policies and rules at Ohio State.

  • Listen. Learn. Discuss.: This website outlines skill-building resources and events for respectfully listening, discussing different points of view, building trust with one another, and successfully navigating complex conversations even—and especially—when we disagree.

  • MINDSTRONG: The College of Nursing offers a 1-credit hour course NUR5115 available to students in 7-week offerings with multiple sections available during both sessions of autumn and spring Semesters.

  • Restorative Justice Initiative: Provides support to students, staff, and faculty who are seeking to address conflicts and challenges within a restorative framework. Restorative justice allows parties to work collaboratively with certified facilitators to develop a process to address harm, center accountability and identify a path towards resolution.

  • Student Wellness Center: Setting goals to improve overall well-being.

  • Prayer, Meditation and Wellness Spaces: Rooms available on campus (Columbus and regional campuses), through reservation or as open access spaces, which can be used for quiet reflection or relaxation.

  • Office of Leadership and Community Engagement: Opportunities to get involved.

  • Student Activities/Student organizations: Join a student organization that aligns with your personal values.

  • University Libraries FYSS Be Information Savvy: Information literacy