Coping with Stress: Let’s Talk

“Stress and Coping” is among the courses required for the wellness and fitness emphasis in public health. COVID-19 became a topical focus, says Diane Depken, associate professor in public health and education. 

“The online discussions were useful, both from a pedagogical perspective as well as from a student anxiety and stress perspective,” says Depken. 

Over two weeks, the students talked -- online, in asynchronous, or non-"real time" style -- about media saturation, overload and misinformation and how to reduce its impact; how to provide social support and connection in a time of social distancing and how that impacts community; and how to build hope and optimism in the midst of this pandemic? 

Here is an edited version of some of the students’ comments: 

Media/news information and impact

“This thing has gotten crazy over the last month...I have just been making sure I pay attention to the right sources because everything you see is not true. We need to take this time to relax and stay safe...If I can stay home and make a difference and not getting sick on top of that makes me feel like we as a country can unite and come together even closer than before after all of this is over.” 

“Misinformation about the seriousness of this virus is having a huge impact on how people are reacting to it. The people who believe that this virus is nothing more than a “flu” are impacting how quickly it’s spreading by not taking the preventative measures necessary to flatten the curve… and because everyone is reacting differently to the virus; due to location, beliefs, age, etc., some people are responding more strongly to the outbreak than others.”

“During a time like this, it is important for people to remain calm and know the facts to avoid further mass hysteria. People should take mental, physical, and emotional breaks from reality to lower stress and anxiety. At-home meditation, exercise, and communication can help you take a break from the media to focus on your own well-being.” 

Social support 

“Social distancing is imperative right now… During this pandemic, communities are coming together to support one another while remaining safe. For instance, in my community teachers have rallied together driving in their own cars to go see their students. In addition, the community has come together to provide means for students who are under the age of 18 to help families who cannot provide during these unprecedented times. This practice of community support has helped relieve stress for families in my community.”

“One thing that really surprised me, when dealing with isolation of quarantine, were the Internet challenges seen on social media. Before the quarantine, I would have seen these tasks as annoying …it has actually been a really fun way to keep up and interact with the people that I would be spending time with if we were not in quarantine..It is very different from the face-to-face connection that we are used to feeling, but the idea remains the same, even though we are apart, we are all in this together.”

Hope and optimism 

“In a time like this, I think it is great to sit back and reflect..I’ll be the first to say that I am struggling with classes online, but this is a time for me to grow in a place that is a weakness for me... it is important to come together as a community and support people in need, in the best way that you can. Spread positivity on social media rather than the negative posts...This is a tough situation that we are all in but that is just it, we are all in this situation so we can all help each other out.”

“Every day, I have been trying to find different activities to make me happy and give me a sense of optimism. For example, I have been on more bike rides lately than I had been in who knows how long...Biking helps me clear my head and I come back from a ride feeling refreshed and energized...I have been spending a lot of quality time with my roommates and enjoying our last month together before we go our separate ways...Finding a few things to do each day that make you happy can really help change your outlook on everything that is going on right now.” 

“One thing I think we can learn all from this is how to be kinder to people and not taking everything we are given in life for granted...In this desperate time of need, many people are struggling so it is important to check on the people you love and care about. We can spread more positive and hopeful messages by listening to informational and positive podcasts, as well as using social media and local radio stations in all communities.”