The COVID-19 outbreak may cause individuals to experience stress that can be overwhelming. Stress can manifest in various forms, including:
- anxiety
- depression
- feeling overwhelmed or sad
- fear and worry about the health of you and your friends and family
- changes in sleep or eating patterns
- difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- worsening of chronic health problems and mental health conditions
- increased use of alcohol or drugs
Campuses should communicate with students and employees where they may find resources to help them deal with the stress they experience. The following are examples of useful starting points.
Coping with Stress
- Be Informed About the Facts of COVID-19.
- Understanding the risk and receiving accurate information about the pandemic can reduce stress.
- Care for Personal Wellness
- There are ways individuals can cope with stress, including by eating well, getting enough sleep, avoiding alcohol and drugs, engaging in relaxing activities, and talking with others.
Mental Health Resources
- If you are experiencing an emergency or believe you are a danger to yourself and/or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Employee Assistance of the Pacific
- Oʻahu: (808) 597-8222; Toll-Free: 1-877-597-8222
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- 1-800-273-8255
- State CARES Hotline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Oʻahu: (808) 832-3100; Neighbor Islands: 1-800-753-6879
- The Disaster Distress Helpline
- 1-800-985-5990 or Text TalkWithUS to 66746