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Holiday well-being during COVID-19

Update | Monday, December 21, 2020

This year has been unique to say the least. We’ve quarantined, worked from home, worn masks, maintained social distance, home-schooled our kids and connected with friends mostly through video chats. It hasn’t been easy! For many people, holidays mean good cheer, shopping and family gatherings. For others, the holidays can be tough. Many people feel more stress, disappointment, guilt and sadness. And this year, COVID-19 concerns may make the holidays challenging for all. Even if you’re feeling lonely or sad, you can still make special moments with these suggestions:

  • Be reasonable. Don’t expect this year’s holiday celebrations to be like other years. Staying healthy is the number one priority.
  • Give yourself and others a break. Don’t get upset if things don’t go as planned. Enjoy the season. But don’t expect it to it to be the same as non-COVID years.
  • Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep and make time for exercise.
  • Spend within your budget. Worrying about money adds to the stress of the holiday season.
  • Carefully choose the events you can attend. Celebrate with people who are respecting COVID safety rules. Consider gathering online through video-chat. Focus on the true meaning of the holidays for you.
  • If you’re away from family and friends, or have experienced the loss of a loved one, share your feelings of grief. Keep the demands on your time, energy and wallet to a minimum. Reach out and talk to loved ones for support.

 

Mental Health Resources

Columbus State Employee Assistance Program/Matrix (Available to full-time employees, spouses and dependents and regular part-time, spouses and dependents): 614-475-9500

Optum’s Emotional-Support Help Line is available to support anyone who may be experiencing anxiety or stress following the recent developments around COVID-19. This free service can be reached at (866) 342-6892, 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and is open to all.

Mental Health America Ohio: 614-884-7227, mhaohio.org

Netcare Access Crisis Hotline: (614) 276-CARE (2273)

Crisis text line TEXT “4HOPE” TO 741-741 FREE, 24/7, CONFIDENTIAL.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

National 24/7 Suicide hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Columbus, Ohio Suicide hotline: (614) 221-5445

 

Go to 2020 Update Archive Go to Employee Update

 

Latest Update Stories


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  • New accommodation request form, new videos from Disability Services

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    Disability Services would like the campus community to know about additions to its website.

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  • Leeman paintings featured in two exhibitions

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    Nine people signed their name to the nomination form for the latest Staff Employee of the Month.

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  • Society of the Compass: call for nominations

    December 8, 2020 11:59am

    We all know a well-deserving student who combines scholarship, leadership, and service. You can assist the Society of the Compass Committee nominating these students for the prestigious Society of the Compass award.

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  • Remind student writers to check out Et al

    December 8, 2020 11:54am

    The English Department is now seeking student submissions for the fall 2021 issue of Et al. - the English Department's online journal of excellence in student writing.

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  • Student training opportunity

    December 8, 2020 11:47am

    The Office of Equity and Compliance is launching Cougars Creating Positive Change: Addressing Sexual Harassment at Columbus State, a live, online training for students.

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