Counseling and Mental Health

The resources on this page have been adapted from the following pages on the Counseling and Testing Services website:

• Check out this video from Dr. Russ Harris and learn steps on how to F.A.C.E. C.O.V.I.D.
• Acknowledge your feelings and emotions. Allow yourself time to reflect on what you are feeling and how you may be reacting to or coping with these feelings.
• Maintain your day-to-day normal activities and social outlets. Resist withdrawing and isolating yourself from the support and caring that others can provide.
• Seek accurate information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and limit exposure to social media and news reports that provide no new information.
• Pay attention to positive news instead of only focusing on negative and fear-producing reports.
• Follow the protection and prevention tips given by medical professionals such as the Health Center here on campus, national medical authorities and your own medical doctor.

Please reach out to our office at (208) 282-2130 or other campus resources if you (or another student you know) are experiencing any of the following:

• Increased anxiety, worry, fear, and feelings of being overwhelmed
• Depressive symptoms that persist and/or intensify
• Inability to focus or concentrate accompanied by decreased academic performance
• Sudden anger and disruptive behaviors or noticeable changes in personality
• Isolating or withdrawing from others, fear of going into public situations
• Unhealthy coping (e.g. increased alcohol or drug use, engaging in risky/impulsive behaviors)
• Sleep difficulties
• Excessive crying

• Go old school and phone a friend or family member and catch up with them
• Pets are benefitting from our increased time at home. Share some of your best furry friend's antics with others online #SeeAPupSendAPup
• Start a personal/public blog, website, or podcast
• Write handwritten letters to friends/loved ones and mail them the old fashioned way 

• Record a video doing 10 pushups and then tag as many friends as you'd like to see do the same #see10do10
• Go for a walk around your neighborhood or explore local trails, while practicing physical distancing

• Express your feelings through creative writing, painting, drawing, photography, or listening to and/or playing music

For students with children, not having school or the ability to physically go to the library, museums, or parks can be especially challenging. Here are some free resources to entertain and engage with your young ones

Relaxation Skills:

Counseling and Testing Service is aware that fear and anxiety can lead to mistrust, bias, prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping and micro-aggressions. In an effort to maintain and promote mutual trust, respect, civility and dignity in our community, please consider practicing the following:

• Be aware of your behavior or attitude change toward others from another country.
• Avoid making generalizations about students, faculty, or staff who may be sick, protecting themselves from getting sick, and/or from abroad.
• Examine any irrational or rigid thoughts that can exist when there is uncertainty. 
• Practice and seek good healthcare if you believe you are sick.
• Listen and attend to each other with empathy, kindness, and compassion.