Alone Together

Coronavirus has turned the world upside down- from being stuck inside to caring for sick family members to needing to keep 6 feet between yourself and... everyone. You are not alone, there are millions of people navigating the new normal and most of them are wearing yesterday’s sweatpants.

Scroll down for ways to take care of yourself and others. You got this.

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Stay Covered

You may find that your workplace, your favorite restaurants, your entire town is re-opening, but you still have to take precautions to protect yourself and your family. Coronavirus is still active and while different communities will be at different phases, protecting yourself and others can help maintain lower levels of infection.

There are plenty of ways to keep healthy and safe but staying 6 feet away from others, wearing a mask, and washing your hands are the best ways to stop the spread. We are in this together!

We ask that you mask! Wear a mask in public settings (for those over the age of 2) so you can help slow the spread of the virus and protect yourself and others
If you are planning to go out in public: Follow your state and local guidelines for guidance on gatherings, recreation, and work

Stay Safe This Holiday

This holiday season, consider how you can modify your plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep your friends, family, and community safe!

Planning on holiday shopping? Don’t forget to always wear a mask, especially when indoors.
Consider celebrating virtually this year and host a large gathering online instead!
Avoid the hustle and bustle of holiday traffic and rethink traveling this year. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.
If you’re planning on hosting a gathering, keep your invite list at a minimum. The larger the gathering, the higher the risk.

While staying at home is the best way of stopping the spread, if you are traveling, keep these tips in mind:

Keep at least a 6-foot distance from others, be sure you pack plenty of masks when in public settings (this includes airports, planes, rest-stops, etc.), and remember to wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.

#BackToSchoolTogether

This school year is going to look different for everyone. Many parents and students will make difficult decisions about school re-entry. Whether you learn from home, go back into the classroom or a hybrid, you can take precautions to stay healthy. Do it for your classmates and together we can cancel Covid, not classes.

Stick to the basics to stop the spread. Wash your hands often, wear a mask, practice social distancing (don’t share books and supplies), stay home if you are sick and avoid large gatherings.
Do you! We all have to make important choices about how best to keep ourselves and our families healthy. Consider your health and needs, assess your options, don't be afraid to ask for help or resources, reach out to your dean or school administrator and make a plan.
On campus? Assume the virus is all around you. Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces like your phone. Try to avoid confined spaces like parties, but if you do go wear a mask. Maintain distance with your roommate if possible and encourage them to practice safe and healthy behaviors.
Be kind to yourself and others, this is a stressful and demanding time and your mental health is important.

Stay Calm

Hold up, wait a minute. Take a moment for you. It’s really easy to forget to check in with ourselves but it’s a crucial time to nurture your mental wellness. There’s no one size fits all solution to addressing feelings of stress, anxiety or sadness, but it’s important to find ways to cope.

Whether you’ve been personally affected by these events or you’re feeling overwhelmed from news and social media- your feelings are valid. We know it’s tough out there- but we got you.

Find coping tools, support, and more at Vibrant’s safe space. It’s digital, anonymous, and free.

More Tips for Coping

Remember, seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.

Do you need to speak to someone now? SAMHSA: Disaster Distress Helpline
Are you feeling stressed? Shine: Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety
Are you facing grief? Psychology Today: How to Cope with Bereavement During the COVID-19 Pandemic Psych Central: Grief & Loss in the Time of Coronavirus
Are you a parent? Child Mind: Supporting Families During COVID-19 PBS: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus Sesame Street: Caring for Each Other
Are you a student? Active Minds: Coping and Staying Emotionally Well During COVID-19-related School closures
Are you part of the LGBTQ community? The Trevor Project — Saving Young LGBTQ Lives

For up-to-date info on the coronavirus, visit coronavirus.gov