Throughout the world, an essential

modus of prevention from COVID- 19

infection has been isolation and social
distancing strategies to protect from the
risk of infection (Shen et al., 2020).
Stress can cause the following:

● Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration

● Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
● Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
● Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
● Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin
rashes
● Worsening of chronic health problems
● Worsening of mental health conditions
● Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
There are more than 2.2 billion children in the world who constitute approximately
28% of the world's population.
Those aged between 10 to 19 years make up 16 % of the world's population (UNICEF, 2019).
Many families are grappling with financial worries, illness, loss, homelessness,
and/or food insecurity. Or they may be vulnerable in other ways. Students may
no longer have an internet connection, a device to use, or a space to learn in.
Some students may not be available to meet at specific times.

I do worry about the students we’re not seeing because they’re in

a situation where either they literally don’t have the privacy or
they’re in a home where family members may not be supportive
or believe in counseling.
Sharon Mitchell, senior director of student wellness, University at Buffalo
GRAD STUDENT STRESS DURING COVID-19
A survey conducted from June to July 2020 of approximately 3,500
graduate students at 12 US public research universities showed:

25% 18%
were worried about food or housing had parenting or caregiving responsibilities

25% 67%
received a low score on questions evaluating
expected it would take longer to complete
mental well-being
their degrees

17% Source: Craig Ogilvie, et al, NSF RAPID:

Graduate Student Experiences of Support
had changed their career plans since the
and Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic,
pandemic began
2020.
Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress:
● Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s
good to be informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting
news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.

● Take care of your body.

1. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditateexternal icon.
2. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
3. Exercise regularly.
4. Get plenty of sleep.
5. Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.

● Get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine when available.

● Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
● Connect with others. Talk with peopleexternal icon you trust about your concerns and how you are
feeling.
● Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.
● While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone
or mail

Keep moving. Even if you don’t
have time for your usual workout,
getting in 15 minutes physical
activity can improve your quality of
sleep and help reduce stress.
Squeeze in exercise where you can
— take the stairs, walk the dog, jog
with your kids as they bike.
Prioritize sleep. Hold your sleep
Eat regularly. It may sound simple,
time sacred as an important part of
but getting enough nutrition gives
your self-care. It’s tempting to stay
us the energy we need to get
up a few extra minutes to watch
through the days, think clearly and
that show, check social media or
quickly, and sleep better at night. If
play games on your phone — don’t.
regular meals are difficult try to
Your sleep is a critical part of
keep a stash of healthy, protein
restoring your mind and body, and
packed snacks on hand.
recharging for the next day.

Use your support system.Now is the time to activate your support network if you haven’t already. Reach out to
others to tell them how you are doing. Ask for emotional and practical support when you need it. Consider a
professional counselor to have your thoughts and feelings heard.