Student Counseling Services (SCS) at Prairie View A&M University is mindful of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has made on the campus community. It is normal to feel stressed, anxious, frustrated, and isolated. There may be concerns that affect your decisions about how to best manage your health and the health of those close to you. In addition, grief at losing out on experiences, frustration, and uncertainty may be at the forefront of your minds, especially when returning to campus. The situation is unpredictable leading to some unpredictable reactions. SCS remains committed to being a source of support. As updates continue to emerge regarding COVID-19, please take advantage of the below strategies and services should the need arise.
If you have continued questions regarding COVID-19, please feel free to visit the PVAMU Coronavirus Update page at: https://www.pvamu.edu/coronavirus/
Dr. Jelena Kecmanovic, a psychologist, wrote an article on helpful tips to help cope with the coronavirus anxiety. Below are a brief summary of her tips. Read her full article at https://tinyurl.com/tbz6w2s
- Understand What Is “Normal”
Feeling anxious is a normal human reaction when responding to a threat. However, the body cannot maintain the high level of stress that comes with high anxiety. Seek professional help if you are feeling overwhelmed.
- Practice Tolerating
The intolerance of uncertainty can make people vulnerable to anxiety. Practice tolerating uncertainty by reducing behaviors that feed into the anxiety of uncertainty.
- Tackle The Anxiety Paradox
It is tempting to try to get rid of the anxiety, but that creates a paradox. The more you fight it, the harder it fights back in the long run. Instead, accept the anxious thoughts/feelings/sensations without judgement.
- Don’t Underestimate Human Resiliency
The human mind is really good at predicting the worst, but research has shown that people tend to underestimate how well they will cope with difficult times. Trust yourself!
- Strengthen Self-Care
Remember, the tried-and-true anxiety prevention is to engage in self-care. Self-care strategies can include getting adequate sleep, exercise, practice mindfulness, and employ relaxation techniques.
- Turning Isolation Into Inspiration
Social Distancing doesn’t have to be boring! Find an activity that focuses your attention on the positive, not the negative.
- Create Magic Playlists
Ever heard a song that makes you smile? Some songs can remind us of happy experiences, or the music itself can calm us down. Make a playlist of such songs and listen to it when you’re starting to feel a bit isolated or down.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Para llamadas en Espanol: 1-888-628-9454.
Crisis Text Line: Text “HELP” to 741741.
Texas Health and Human Services Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line: 833-986-1919 (toll-free), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: Providing immediate counseling for people experiencing emotional distress. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
Integral Care: Provides support for adults and children living with mental illness, substance use disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities in Travis County. 24-hour crisis hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357).
The SAFE Alliance: Helping those experiencing child abuse, sexual assault, trafficking and domestic violence with comprehensive services and support. Call 512-267-SAFE (7233).
The Austin Center for Grief and Loss: Expanding services for people suffering extreme stress, anxiety and other mental health impacts due to COVID 19. Call 512-472-7878.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Central Texas: One of the largest mental health organizations, NAMI offers support groups, classes and free mental health webinars to address mental health and wellbeing. National Crisis Text Line: Text NAMI to 741741.
The Anxiety & Stress Clinic at UT Austin: Providing up to three free, remote stress management sessions for individuals experiencing high levels of stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bluebonnet Trails Community Services: Mental health care providers to help individuals and families improve mental wellbeing. To schedule an appointment, call 844-309-6385.
Hill Country MHDD Center: Provides support for mental health, individual disability and substance abuse.
Communities for Recovery: Supports long-term recovery for substance abuse and mental health conditions. To talk to a coach, call 512-758-7686.
Drug & Alcohol Addiction Rehab, Treatment & Recovery Resources in Texas: A guide and search tool to find rehabilitation resources and facilities in Texas.
- Mental Health and Coping
- Behavioral Health Tips for Social Distancing, Isolation, and Quarantine during Infectious Disease Outbreak
- Keeping your Distance to Stay Safe
- Parent and Caregiver guide to helping families cope with COVID-19
- American Psychological Association Pandemic Resources
- National Alliance on Mental Illness- COVID-19 Information and Resources
- Talking to Kids about Coronavirus
- Guide to Well-Being During Coronavirus
- When Home becomes the Workplace: Mental Health and Remote Work
- Living with Mental Illness During COVID-19: Preparing your Wellness
- Mindfulness to help Coronavirus Panic
- Virtual Recovery Resources
- Toolkit for supporting children and youth with Autism spectrum concerns
- Helping Children Cope with Changes from COVID-19
- Beyond the Food Pantry: Supporting College Students during COVID-19
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Virtual individual counseling will be available by contacting (936) 261-3564. Virtual workshops, presentations, and resources will also be available by visiting the Student Counseling Services website or by accessing the Student Counseling Services Virtual Presentations on YouTube.
- Student Counseling Services 24-Hour Crisis Hotline Number: 936-553-0990
- Relationship and Sexual Assault Prevention (RSVP): 936-261-1468 or 936-261-3564 (Confidential Reporting)
- Title IX: 936-261-2166 (Non-Confidential Reporting)
- University Police Department (UPD): Campus Phone – 4911; UPD Anonymous Tip Line: 936-261-2222. Campus Non-emergency – 936-261-1375
- Texana Center (Waller County) – 1-800-633-5686
- MHMR of Brazos Valley – 1-888-522-8262
- Neuro Psychiatric Center (24 hour) – 713-970-7070
- Houston 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-713-468-5463
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ suicide help): 866-488-7386 (text 202-304-1200)
- Grief Recovery Helpline: 1-800-445-4808
- Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 1-800-821-HELP (4357)
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-784-2433
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TTY: 800-799-4889)
- Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255, press 1
- Crisis Text Line: Text 741741, free 24/7
There are many websites that allow you to search for mental health providers based on your location and provider specialization.
- Insurance Companies: Look for a “provider data base” on your insurance’s website
- Psychology Today
- American Psychological Association
- Good Therapy
- Therapy for Black Girls
- Therapy for Black Men
- Therapy for Latinx
- Pride Counseling
- Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
As a unit in the Health Services Department, Student Counseling Services is committed to assisting you with your mental health needs.
Stay focused on self-care and mask up!!!
