Student Mental Health

Mental Health & Coping

As the situation with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continues to evolve feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and fear can be overwhelming. Students, faculty, and staff are dealing with sudden changes to their regular schedules and worry about what comes next for themselves, friends and family. These developments can be stressful and cause strong emotions, including but not limited to:

  • Fear and worry about your own health and that of your friends and family, locally, nationally and abroad
  • Uncertainty, confusion, and vulnerability with a rapidly changing situation 
  • Anxiety, worry, panic over what is known and unknown
  • Feeling helpless and unsure of what to do
  • Social withdrawal and isolation

It’s completely expected to experience a wide range of emotions during situations like these. Stress manifests in many different ways so making sure you’re taking care of different parts of yourself like your mind, body, and emotional and spiritual well-being can help to lower stress when feeling overwhelmed. 

Notice and honor how you feel while also taking care of your emotional health. 

See our handouts below for more ideas on how to cope.

Berkeley counselors give self-care tips

Video: Self-Care Tips during COVID-19 from UHS Counselors 

Virtual Mental Health Workshops and Events

from our CAPS staff

Virtual Drop-In Consultations

Discover what mental health services might be right for you.

Mental Health Resources:

We understand that these can be anxious and stressful times. 

Counseling Support at UHS for Students

  • All initial visits with counselors will be by phone.  Please call (510) 642-9494 to speak with a counselor if you are needing help and do not already have an appointment.
  • Students who have follow-up appointments scheduled should check secure messages for updates from their assigned counselor.  
  • Drop-in urgent counseling has been suspended.  Students with urgent concerns should call 510-642-9494 to speak with a counselor as a first step. 
  • CAPS hours: Monday-Friday: No building/in-person hours. Virtual services can be scheduled 8am-5pm. 
  • Many of our satellite offices are closed due to building closures.  Please check your specific location. All Let's Talk drop-in at satellite locations has been suspended until further notice.  
  • For after-hours support, please call the 24/7 line at (855) 817-5667 

Teladoc - 24/7 Teletherapy

Students with SHIP can also use Teladoc to speak to a mental health professional 24/7 through your phone, tablet, computer. It's a good way to receive support virtually while minimizing the risk of exposure/spreading.

If you don’t have SHIP insurance, check with your health care provider for similar options to connect with counselors.

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) and Mobile App

An online library of engaging, interactive programs that help you manage feelings of stress and anxiety during these times.  Visit our TAO page to get started.

Educational modules to consider:

  • Let Go and Be Well
  • Calming Your Worry-Student
  • Improving Your Mood
  • Leaving Your Blues Behind
Self-Care Tips in a List - Handout
Self-Care Tips in a List - Handout

This handout serves as a visual aid to the above handout that looks like a list. Please see the above handout for the full content on self-care tips.

Handout on Resiliency through Sources of Strength

Sources of Strength for Resiliency Handout

Handout on Mental health and coping around coronavirus
fears and anxiety around coronavirus handout
Zoom Intrusions page 1
Grieving for a Loved One during Covid-19 handout

Grieving a Loved One During COVID-19 Handout

LINKS

Basic Needs

COVID-19 Living Resource Guide from UC Berkeley Basic Needs Center

Survivor Support

COVID-19 Resources for SVSH Survivors from the Path to Care Center

Guided Therapy Exercises

Video Exercises from TAO (Therapy Assistance Online): Mindful Walking, Guided Imagery Meditation, 10 Deep Breaths, Mindful Breathing, and more

More Helpful Links: