Will California Colleges Reopen This Fall? The Impact of Uncertainty on Mental Health

America’s COVID-19 outbreak caused an abrupt shutdown of most of the country in mid-March. In what represented a sea change for the nation, schools sent students home, major sports leagues suspended their seasons and businesses deemed “non-essential” closed their doors.

Though many cities and states have now slowly started to reopen restaurants, shops, churches and entertainment venues, it’s too soon to tell what the impact of this gradual reopening might be. Some experts have warned that opening back up is premature because it will encourage people to congregate in large groups and ignore the need for social distancing, resulting in another spike in cases. Top epidemiologists have already predicted a second wave of coronavirus infections in the fall that will closely resemble the first.

Is It Safe to Resume On-Campus Classes?

At least one major California university has already announced plans to reopen its campus for an abbreviated fall semester, after implementing several proactive safety measures for the health of their students, faculty and staff. Other schools are taking a more cautious approach. For example, California State University Chancellor Timothy White recently released a statement that the school would continue to operate primarily virtually this fall.

Many other colleges across the Golden State and around the nation are still debating the merits and the risks involved in allowing students to come back to in-person classes. Responsible reopening would require additional equipment and supplies to ensure students, staff members and faculty can get frequent testing, along with the associated contact tracing and the potential for life-saving quarantines. Not all colleges have the budget and resources to fulfill these obligations, which remains a source of uncertainty.

How to Manage Your Mental Well-Being Amid Uncertain Times

Life has always been unpredictable. Even before the emergence of a global pandemic, people got caught off-guard by unexpected circumstances. However, the future seems murkier than ever with coronavirus complicating nearly everything. If your college hastily suspended in-person classes in response to the outbreak, being away from the friends you love seeing and the environment you enjoy spending time in may have been a significant setback in your life.

Times like these can take a toll on your mental health. Perhaps the daily headlines overwhelm you with feelings of anger, sadness or helplessness. If mental health is already a challenge for you, you may notice yourself struggling more than usual. If that’s the case for you, here are some ways to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty.

1. Focus on the things you can keep under control. Even when the world seems turned upside down, there are still things within your reach. Wash your hands frequently and wear a facemask, and remind others to do the same. Take breaks for self-care. Step away from the news if it’s making you too anxious.
2. Get outside in nature – even if you are avoiding crowds. Being outdoors is essential for your mental and physical health. It’s an excellent way to reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and help you adjust your mindset. Taking a walk outside, or even just sitting in the sunshine for a few minutes, will make you feel better.
3. Ask for help. There’s no shame in reaching out to others when you need extra support. Call understanding friends and family members, or find a therapist online. It’s OK to admit you can’t shoulder all your burdens alone, and we’re all in this together.

California Young Adult Addiction Rehab

Young men and women who are living with addiction and need to hit the reset button on their lives can find their healing haven at Hope Academy. We have designed our peer-based treatment program specifically for younger people. Reach out to us today to discover more.

You Are Not Alone - How to Manage Anxieties Over COVID-19

We’re living through an unprecedented pandemic that has already affected millions of people’s lives and livelihoods in only a few months. Major cities and even entire countries have issued lockdowns that have changed their citizens’ way of life. Whether you’re in a community that has already experienced the effects of coronavirus, or are preparing for it to arrive, you’ve probably been keeping a close eye on the news and wondering what’s next.

Even the most mentally resilient people are struggling to cope with the “new normal” in these trying times. If you have anxieties over COVID-19, you are not alone. Here are strategies for dealing with three of the most common coronavirus worries.

1. Uncertainty

For many, not knowing what’s to come has been the most challenging thing about recent events. We have no idea how long this crisis will last, how severe it can get or when medical researchers will discover an effective vaccine. In the meantime, many schools, businesses and entertainment venues are closed indefinitely, disrupting everyone’s lives. It’s become nearly impossible to plan for the weeks and months ahead with any confidence.

In the face of such unpredictability, people with anxiety disorders often default to envisioning the worst-case scenario, which can lead to a spiral of overwhelming dread. If this is the case for you, here are some ways to handle it.

• Limit your news consumption: It’s essential to stay informed, but don’t obsessively check the headlines. Designate one or two specific times each day when you’ll catch up on the news, and only get information from trustworthy sources such as the Centers for Disease Control.
• Know when to take a break: If anxieties over COVID-19 are taking over your life, it’s OK to give yourself a mini vacation from news consumption. Ask a reliable friend or family member to pass on any crucial updates that may arise while you step away from media.
• Control what you can: Being proactive can help ease some of your anxieties. For example, write out a list of specific worries you have about coronavirus, as well as any potential solutions you can imagine.

2. Loneliness

With many communities now under stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders for the next 30 days, if not longer, isolation has become a source of anxiety for a lot of people. Humans are social animals, and even the most introverted people get lonely when they can’t visit with friends and family members.

Technology can work to your advantage here. If you start feeling depressed or anxious about missing loved ones, organize an online meetup with an app such as Zoom or Skype. When you have these virtual get-togethers, make sure coronavirus concerns don’t dominate the conversation. Instead, keep it lighthearted and focus on other things happening in your lives.

3. Getting Sick

Another common worry people have about coronavirus is that they will become ill and spread the virus to others. Even young, healthy individuals can infect other people without having any obvious symptoms. Though many cases of COVID-19 have proven to be mild, the virus can be fatal to vulnerable people, such as those who are elderly or immunocompromised. To avoid contracting coronavirus, stay home as much as possible, regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water and follow all guidelines for preventing the transmission of the virus.

Finding Healthy Ways to Cope With Anxiety

If you’re struggling to stay upbeat in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s essential to remember we are all in this together. Make sure to dedicate time to your self-care every day, and recognize when you need a mental health day. If you’ve been relying on substance use to get you through this challenging time, take charge of your life and contact us at Hope Academy for a confidential assessment.

Top Mental Health Challenges Among College Students

Did you know that one in four students are struggling with a diagnosable mental illness and yet 40 percent don’t seek help? Your mental health matters and if left untreated, could impact your academic, social and family life and lead to serious and even life-threatening health conditions. 

Luckily, more and more campuses are taking steps to help students take better care of their mental health – but you can play a pivotal role, too. 

Your first step is to learn and recognize the red flags. In honor Mental Health Month this month, here are some of the most common mental health issues among college students today. If you spot the signs in yourself or in someone you care about, don’t wait. Remember, you’re not alone and help is out there. 

Depression: According to one study, depression is the number-one reason students drop out of school. 

• Changes in sleep habits  (sleeping more or difficulty sleeping)
• Appetite changes (loss of appetite or overeating)
• Sadness
• Feelings of being overwhelmed
• Hopelessness
• Powerlessness
• Trouble concentrating and paying attention

Anxiety: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly 75% of those affected by an anxiety disorder will experience their first episode before the age of 22. 

• Feelings of stress and apprehension
• Irritability
• Trouble concentrating
• Fearfulness
• Sweating and dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Muscle pain and tension
• Headaches
• Frequent upset stomach or diarrhea

Suicide: Suicide is the second most common cause of death among college students, with someone between the ages of 15 and 24 dying every two hours and 12 minutes.

• Difficulty handling schoolwork
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits 
• Low energy levels or a feeling of being drained
• Feelings of hopeless or being trapped
• Extreme mood swings
• Emotional outbursts (crying or being easily irritated) 
• Changes in relationships, including sexual promiscuity
• Self-destructive behavior (substance abuse, cutting)

Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are the most common eating disorders. Nearly 50% of individuals with an eating disorder are also abusing drugs and/or alcohol, which is a rate fives times greater than the general population. 

• Skipping meals or making excuses for not eating
• Excessive focus on healthy eating
• Withdrawing from normal social activities
• Persistent worry or complaining about being fat and talk of losing weight
• Use of dietary supplements, laxatives or herbal products for weight loss
• Excessive exercise
• Leaving during meals to use the toilet
• Eating much more food in a meal or snack than is considered normal
• Expressingdisgust, shame or guilt about eating habits
• Eating in secret

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults
At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is causing or complicating substance abuse. Once we gain a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s individual health challenges, our addiction treatment team develops a customized program. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.