COVID-19 and related responses may bring fear, anxiety, and sadness. It is important that while adhering to physical health recommendations, that we also take care of ourselves emotionally. Please see below for various resources that may be helpful during this time.

• If you are experiencing stress related to COVID-19 and would like to speak with a counselor immediately, you can call NY State's Emotional Support Line: 1-844-863-9314. 
• Student Counseling Center's Instagram Account: @Mercy_CounselingCenter
• Website: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's website with various mental health resources 
• Document: NYCDHMH document on managing stress related to COVID-19
• Article: "Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty"
• Resource: Beyond the Pantry: Surviving COVID-19: A #RealCollege Guide for Students from the Hope Project
• JED Foundation's Tips & Resources  on coping with mental health stressors 
• Mav Market Website for information on food resources within Mercy and in the community

• Mav Market's Live Resource Guide with information on food pantries, applying for various social services, and more 

If you would like to refer a student to the Student Counseling Center, we ask that you give the student our contact information and that they make the call or send the email themselves (914-888-5150/ CounselingCenter@mercy.edu). It may be helpful to offer to help the student to contact us, although we do not allow others to make appointments on behalf of a student. 

If you would like Student Counseling Center flyers for your office, please contact us so that we can give you copies. 

If the student is in an immediate crisis, it is important to call 911 or Campus Security 914-888-5150.

If you notice changes in a student’s presentation or mood, or suspect that they are dealing with a significant stressor, here are some suggestions of how to establish rapport with them and begin a conversation about your concerns:

1. Stay calm: Tune into your own emotions to reach a state of calm. It is important to keep your volume, speech and body language relaxed during your interaction.
   1. Example: Take 3 large breaths before beginning the conversation if you notice yourself panicking
2. Seek out privacy: Find a safe and private space to meet with the student.
   1. Example: an empty classroom, a breakout room
3. Express concern: Calmly tell them about your observations and concern
   1. Example: I have noticed that you seem very quiet and sad in class. As your professor, I want you to thrive in college and seek help when needed. You are not alone.
4. Reflect: Summarize and clarify the student’s statements while avoiding placing your own emotions into the statements
   1. Example: I hear that you recently went through a breakup and it is hard for you to focus in class because of what happened. Avoid: Wow, a breakup? You must be so sad! All you need to do is get over it. People are going through a lot worse!
   2. Be sure to ask: Are you having thoughts of hurting yourself or dying?
5. Reassure: Let the student know that you care, that they did the right thing by coming to you, and that you will do your best to help. These statements are beneficial in validating their efforts and in instilling hope.
   1. Example: Thank you so much for telling me this. I care about you and things will get better. Together, we can figure out our next steps.
6. React: It is time to take action by using available knowledge and resources. Tap into Mercy College’s resources and those in the community. Offer to call the referral with the student and give them appropriate materials to follow up themselves.
   1. Example: Since you are having trouble with your student loans and are feeling stressed about finances because of them, the best option would be to go up to Financial Aid and speak with an employee there. Do you know where they are located? Would you like me to help you to walk there or call them?