What Does Mental Health Mean To You?
Wednesday, April 22, 1:00pm PT / 4:00pm ET
Moderated by Shadille Estepan, Communications and Outreach Manager, Born This Way Foundation
Anonymous Attendee
You all have said you are trying new things etc. We are offering a COVID Connections to our student staff. Quarintine Cuisine, Pets & Sunsets, Fish out of Water, Stretch Sesh, Creativity Crew, How do you students think is the best way to get more of our staff to join during this time? It sounds like they want it but not many people are joining. Thought?"
Answer
I think a good way to start would be to have multiple times in which your events can occur. Perhaps start a poll with the student staff in order to determine the times and the social media platforms that work best for them! I know that for one of the programs I help facilitate, Chill and Chat, we moved onto an online platform through Google Hangout
Michael Bfown
For chase, would you agree this is a defining moment though?
Answer
As a defining moment, yes for sure. The planet has been put on pause. Not only is it new for all of us but it’s historic. After COVID-19 has passed, I definitely believe that everyone will acknowledge how fragile our daily life is.
Allegra Giannini
Is it possible to balance being alert about the news without feeling anxious, and feeling optimistic for a brighter future?
Answer
Yes there is a balance, finding that balance is trial and error, Being informed, and yet maintaining optisim. But the reality is, that this can still be a rollercoaster of emotions, and recoginize and give yourself the space to feel. A recommendation would be to only listen to one news update a day; maybe one governor’s update.
Answer 2
Hi Allegra, I struggled with keeping balance between staying informed and staying sane. I struggle with anxiety, and this pandemic definitely ehanced it. Personally, I had notifications on for news apps like the New York Times, CNN, etc. I had to turn them off. But I still check the news on my own time when I’m feeling confident and comfortable enough to know I’m able to handle it. On twitter, I muted triggering words so that I could have a better social media experience, since that is a form od relaxing escape for me!
Kathleen Wetherington
How can we as parents who have our young adults back in our homes because of schools sending them home manage?
Answer
Good Afternoon Kathleen. Communication is important. Most of these college students were just operation as independant adults a few weeks ago. Now they are back home. Sit down and talk about expectations. Where there is consensus, you can build bridges to more and deeper communication. Also, don’t be alarmed if they need their space and time alone. They have suffered loss of freedom and expectations so it may take time to adjust.
Anonymous Attendee
What is the best resource if you're dealing with grief of losing a family member?
Answer
I think reaching out to a tele-counselor is a first step who can provide resources, or if that is too much a friend or family member who can make that call and coordiante for you, which will open up to more resoures. If you are on a campus, your wellness/ counseling center has someone on call. THere are other resources that will be shared by Dr. Sadler at the end of this presentation as well.
Daniel Lewis
Do you have any tips on building a daily routine to keep the mind healthy?
Answer
I would suggest creating a list of things that you want to do and goals that you want to accomplish during that day or week. Also, making sure that you make the best out of your day
Kevin George
How will you be different after this pandemic in supporting your well-being as well as not taking things for granted.
Answer
You’ll have better and new ways to support your mental health. Whether its starting a new hobby or connecting with new people; you will have the oppurtunity to create a better space and be kind to yourself.
Kevin George
How do you work with parents or siblings that are not taking care of themselves and using the pandemic as an excuse? Maybe they are plummeting due to financial distress or are impacted by someone that has Covid-19?
Answer
answered on stream
Kathleen Wetherington
Maria Shriver has ‘Sunday Paper’ found on igram
Answer
answered on stream
John Woodruff
Thank you panelists for this very important topic and webinar. #panelistsrock
Answer
Thank you, John for your positive feedback!!
Amber Young
Can you email out/post a list of online resources for mental health and self-care ?
Answer
A list of online resources will be provided at the end of the webinar - it is https://go.rowan.edu/resources
Anonymous Attendee
In what ways would you recommend we make our current or future virtual programming trama informed? Would you make any other suggestions besides emphasizing safety, consistency in routines, controlling what we can control, etc. Thanks!
Answer
Excellent question. I think with what we are currently facing I would focus more attention on grounding techniques to increase positive emotions; allowing the client/student to focus more on the here and now. Grounding in the form of of deep breathing, personal groudning statement. etc. I would not avoid the exposure portion, but would focus more of the time on skills. I hope this answers your question
Kathleen Wetherington
What is readin Chase. Can you give website?
Answer
Reddit is a network of communities based on people's interests! I highly recommend checking it out! www.reddit.com
Allie Pearce
How do you want to be helped and supported by your University, both for students and staff?
>Answer
John Woodruff
For Dr. Sadler or Dr. Ieva, Can you reinforce that students with hidden disabilities are eligible for classroom accommodations in college.
Answer
answered on stream
Allie Pearce
Y'all are rockstars. Well done.
Answer
Thank you for your kindess!