Counselors help students cope with changes caused by COVID-19

CSC counselors have been helping both on- and off-campus students deal with numerous life issues through video conference or telephone sessions to follow social distancing guidelines issued by Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Dealing with a temporary loss of independence and financial worries are among the common challenges facing Chadron State College students, according to counselors.

CSC Licensed Student Counselor Robin Bila said students are stressed about finances and those who have returned to homes in Colorado are living under lockdown conditions.

“They can't actively search for a job right now. When they were on campus they had work study jobs,” Bila said.

Sonja Dressel, Licensed Student Counselor with Project Strive TRiO, said being unexpectedly uprooted and living back under the same roof with siblings and parents can leave students feeling like they are losing their independence.

“Good communication is going to be essential to coexist for the next few months. Keep in mind that it is normal to grieve the loss of normal things we were doing without a second thought six weeks ago and that grief will manifest itself in different ways for everyone. When we encounter people acting rude, angry, or stressed out try to remember that what you are seeing may be their way of coping with COVID-19 anxiety,” Dressel said.

Almost all the students Bila has counseled via video conference are struggling to establish a daily routine.

“In our sessions, we focus on getting into a routine. I encourage them to spend time doing things they enjoy, learn a new craft or hobby, and stay connected with their friends and loved ones,” Bila said.

Dressel gives students similar guidance.

“My advice to students is to create a schedule that is as close to normal as possible. This includes setting an alarm and getting up at the same time each day, maintaining typical hygiene routines and making time for fresh air and exercise. A few weeks ago people were feeling pretty aspirational about their self-distancing lifestyles. It’s OK if you don’t find yourself in a place emotion-wise to learn a new language, train for a 10K or master French cuisine. Set three goals per day and be gentle rather than judgmental with yourself,” Dressel said.

Other concerns include worrying about a grandparent contracting the coronavirus and adapting to online classes, especially by those who had no experience with online classes previously. Some concerns such as anxiety and depression existed before COVID-19 and continue.

“Some are overwhelmed with the large amount of content they are having to learn on their own,” Bila said.

For CSC students who need more advanced mental health services, Bila, Dressel, and counselor Christina Winters have worked together on continuing to provide telepsychiatry, or remote psychiatry. CSC contracts with the University of Nebraska Medical Center for psychiatric services for students via the Zoom video conferencing application. Bila said the UNMC psychiatrist, the student, and a CSC counselor can all be on Zoom together.

Dressel said the COVID-19 challenge is unique because counselors are experiencing the same anxieties as the students they are trying to help.

“As a mental health professional, no playbook exists when handling a worldwide pandemic. Although we frequently say, ‘We're in this together,’ this time we literally mean it,” Dressel said.

Ted Tewahade, Title IX Coordinator, said if on-students do not have a webcam or a confidential space for counseling, they can use a computer provided by Health Services in a Crites Hall conference room. All students may call 308-432-6232 or e-mail cbrennan@csc.edu to schedule video conference appointments.