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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: August 26, 2020
Sara Warner
Communications Director, Student Life
sara.warner@studentlife.gatech.edu
Summary Sentence:
Staying Calm and Connected During the Pandemic
Full Summary:
No summary paragraph submitted.
mental health image for articleThe unusual return to campus this fall has brought heightened feelings of anxiety for many. They are worried or insecure about their well-being and are processing vast amounts of public and campus health data.
Being surrounded by worried people can spread worry. The coronavirus pandemic has forced us out of familiar and comfortable routines and requires us to embrace a “new normal” defined by virtual classes and meetings, and complying with safety mandates and expectations — as well as a lot of uncertainty about the future.
Additionally, we now need to behave in new ways, including getting tested regularly for the virus, wearing face coverings, and staying physically distant, to combat the spread of the virus. “Forming new habits can be tough. It can be challenging to remember to leave home bringing and wearing your mask and stressful having to constantly monitor yourself to ensure that you’re physically distant enough when walking around campus or going to get something to eat,” Tiffiny Hughes-Troutman, director of the Center for Assessment, Referral, and Education (CARE), said. “But these behaviors are so important to the health and safety of our campus community, and over time they will seem normal and routine.”
Many people are also experiencing loneliness and mourning the loss of what relationships used to look like before the pandemic. We are social creatures and need human interaction to survive. Health researchers point out that people who are chronically lacking in social contacts are more likely to experience elevated levels of stress and inflammation.
“It is now more important than ever to stay socially connected and in touch with friends, families, colleagues, and others who care about us,” Hughes-Troutman said. “It may be challenging to even fathom the concept of having an enjoyable social experience with someone from a distance, but it’s definitely achievable and, even more important, critical for your emotional health and well-being. So keep those connections going.”
Here are some tips on managing anxiety, staying calm, and building connections with others:
Information on the Center for Assessment, Referral and Education (CARE) 404-894-3498 www.care.gatech.edu
