Prioritizing Well-Being
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Your Wellness is a Priority
We know the COVID-19 and racism pandemics caused and continue to cause much disruption. Availability of vaccines enables more interactions with one another with reduced risk of virus spread. At the same time, emergence of new variants generates uncertainty and leads to new challenges for remaining healthy. Together, and through communicating our successes and challenges, we will work to find answers to questions and help you continue in your graduate studies.
Key Resources
Key resources you rely on to support your wellness on campus are great assets as we work to cope with stress and uncertainty. Check out the latest updates for the Counseling Center and Health Center.
Please also check out the list of resources from UMatter available at https://olemiss.box.com/s/2y6zp8dt44hnrt7mssrny6huv8lu3rt5 (the Health & Wellness and COVID-19 Hotlines sections list a number of other resources). Grove Grocery remains open for members of the campus community. Graduate students can now access a second location, The Kitchen, which is a few short steps from the Graduate House. In addition, as we experience rapid changes with the evolving risk, we want students to know about the Violence Prevention Program, which remains available for all students who have experienced any type of sexual violence (sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or stalking) before or during their time at UM. During stressful times, PTSD symptoms can worsen. In addition, intimate partner violence increases during times of stress and isolation. If you have an emergency, please call 911. If you’d like to talk with a confidential advocate, please call 662-915-1059 or email Shelli Poole (sapoole@olemiss.edu) to set up a phone or web session. We can help you make a safety plan, be placed in a safe room or shelter, initiate a protection order, and provide academic and other support.
There continue to be excellent resources to help you stay current on local and national efforts to promote safety and wellness related to COVID-19.
Local, State, and National Resources
How Do I Reduce the Likelihood of Becoming Sick?
The widespread adoption of the vaccine is part of the national plan to combat the virus. The CDC provides answers to common questions about COVID-19 vaccination.
The CDC provides current updates related to COVID-19. Their website offers guidance to reduce the likelihood of getting sick through reducing exposure and practicing good hygiene. It is also important to know the symptoms most commonly associated with COVID-19. Of course, good hygiene is important for reducing risk of getting the flu and other illnesses.
What if I Feel Sick?
Guidance for students and employees of UM who feel ill can be found at the Office of the Provost webpage with Updates on COVID-19. It is important that you contact your health care provider and do not come to campus if you feel ill. Because COVID-19 is not the only illness that can spread to others, please follow medical advice when you feel ill even if you do not believe you have COVID-19.
Managing Stress and Emotional Well-being
The disruption from our normal routine, uncertainty, trauma, and threats to health and well-being are evolving. The vaccines are exciting but also mean changes that can create an emotional strain. Simultaneously, the ongoing emergence of new variants presents new risks that can be stressful. Taking steps to support our emotional well-being is critical.
Coping with Stress
All graduate students should be aware: help is available free of charge even if university facilities are not available. The National Grad Crisis-Line is staffed by trained counselors who understand unique grad struggles. 877-GRAD-HLP (877-472-3457) is a supplement to the existing mental health services on campus. For additional information, visit www.GradResources.org.
In addition to resources at the Counseling Center and the hotline above, there are some national resources available. A number of professional mental and behavioral health organizations are sharing their expertise for how we can best cope with the stress and emotional challenges caused by the racism and evolving COVID-19 pandemics.
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers some tips on promoting emotional wellness while expressing anger at the ways racism continues to impact members of our community in this article entitled, We Must Unmute.
Part of emotional well-being also means attending to your needs for self-care. Self-care includes things like adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and more. During times of stress, relaxation, movement and exercise can also offer emotional benefits that support self-care beyond their physical benefits. Follow the advice of your physician when adopting new routines. The UM Assistant Director of the Department of Campus Recreation also suggests there are excellent ways to exercise while practicing social distancing for those who remain hesitant about in-person interactions.
Socialization
Graduate students can continue use tools like Zoom and Google Meet (attached to your GO account) to connect socially as they need. It is important to continue to nurture your needs for connection whether that be virtually (e.g., through a Netflix Party,* creating or joining a book club as described by one graduate student, virtual dinner with friends) or in person (with appropriate steps taken to decrease spread of the virus such as vaccination and following CDC recommendations, depending on current transmission rates and risk). In addition, the Graduate School offers many professional development and social opportunities throughout the term. If you feel comfortable joining us, this can be a great chance to expand your network and reap the benefits of connecting in person.
Resources for Graduate Students who are Parents
We know many of our graduate students are also parents, working to support and help their children manage the stress associated with evolving situation. Magination Press has some video resources available for families to help children cope with a range of feelings.
Connect with Us
Don’t forget to like and follow the Graduate School at https://twitter.com/UnivMSGraduate, https://www.facebook.com/UMsGradSchool/ and http://www.instagram.com/umgradschool.
*Netflix Party for Chrome extension lets you watch Netflix with friends in a chatroom https://www.netflixparty.com/
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