Mental Health and Wellness
Studying and working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic may be stressful for students, faculty and staff. The safety of the Ohio State community is and always will be the university’s first priority.
The links below will provide you access to a wide range of evidence-based intervention strategies and resources that can help build coping and resiliency skills and enhance mental, emotional and physical health and well-being. You will find free, CARES grant-supported programming to support student mental health, information on mental health warning signs to watch for, on-campus resources to support you, financial wellness courses and guidance for parents as we continue through the pandemic.
- Student Health and Well-Being Strategies and Resources
- Free student mental health and wellness programming
- Faculty & Staff Health and Well-Being Strategies and Resources
As we navigate this time of uncertainty, the quick-reference guide below summarizes how you can COPE with COVID-19.
If you or someone you know is an imminent danger to themselves or someone else, go to the nearest ER or call 911. If you are thinking of harming yourself or if you are worried about someone else and need advice about what to do, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 614-221-5445 or 800-273-8255 (TALK) or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting 4HOPE to 741741.
COPE with COVID
Control the things that you can, not the things you can't
Open up and share your feelings
Practice daily stress reduction tactics, including physical activity
Engage in mindfulness; be here now; worry will not help!
Count your blessings daily
Overturn negative thoughts to positive
Volunteer to help others
Identify helpful supports and resources
Do your part to prevent spread of the virus
Additional COVID-19 Wellness Programming, Tips and Resources are available on the Chief Wellness Officer Health and Wellness website.
First and foremost, everyone working and learning on all Ohio State campuses will participate in protective practices and physical distancing. Every individual has a role in keeping the community safe.
In the context of COVID-19, there may be challenges to life on campus in addition to typical day-to-day stress. It is normal and expected that you may experience anxiety or mood fluctuations while dealing with the uncertainty we all are facing. You may notice:
- Changes to sleep, appetite, or energy level
- Feelings of loss related to missed events or gatherings
- Sense of being disconnected from others
- Difficulty focusing
- Fear and uncertainty about the future
- Trouble completing academic work or other responsibilities
If you are experiencing these or other difficulties, especially when they get in the way of your ability to function or reach your goals, there are several ways to find support. A listing of support resources for students can be found at: https://ccs.osu.edu/mental-health-support-options/. Faculty and staff may contact the Employee Assistance Program at eap@osumc.edu, by phone 800-678-6265 or by completing this request form.
I am worried about a student, what can I do?
If the concern is life threatening, please contact 911, the Ohio State Police Department, at 614-292-2121, or the Wexner Medical Center, at 614-293-8333. If the situation is not life threatening, being supportive and encouraging the student to contact Student Life's Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) is often the best first step. CCS does not contact students who do not contact us first out of respect for their privacy and independence. You can also recommend some of the available mental health support options available on campus.
If the concern is life threatening, please contact 911, the Ohio State Police Department, at 614-292-2121, or the Wexner Medical Center, at 614-293-8333. If the situation is not life threatening, being supportive and encouraging the student to contact Student Life's Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) is often the best first step. CCS does not contact students who do not contact us first out of respect for their privacy and independence. You can also recommend some of the available mental health support options available on campus.
What do I need to know as a parent or family member if I have a student in need of mental health support?
If you have concerns and would like to discuss helpful options with your student, please visit Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service website to review service options. Contact Student Life's Counseling and Consultation Service to request a call back from a counselor at 614-292-5766.
What mental health and wellness resources are available on campus?
The safety of the Ohio State community is and always will be the university’s first priority. There are a variety of resources available for students, faculty and staff. The university has also compiled a wide range of research-based intervention strategies and information that can help build resiliency and enhance mental, emotional and physical health and well-being. Key resources are listed below.
- Students can use the Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS).
- Faculty and staff can use the Human Resources Keep Well website, the Chief Wellness Officer Health and Wellness page and Your Plan For Health.
- The Ohio State: Wellness app is designed for students but offers tips and guidance useful for all members of our community. It is available for Android and iOS devices.
If you or someone you know is an imminent danger to themselves or someone else, go to the nearest ER or call 911. If you are thinking of harming yourself or if you are worried about someone else and need advice about what to do, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 614-221-5445 or 800-273-8255 (TALK) or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting 4HOPE to 741741.
The safety of the Ohio State community is and always will be the university’s first priority. There are a variety of resources available for students, faculty and staff. The university has also compiled a wide range of research-based intervention strategies and information that can help build resiliency and enhance mental, emotional and physical health and well-being. Key resources are listed below.
- Students can use the Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS).
- Faculty and staff can use the Human Resources Keep Well website, the Chief Wellness Officer Health and Wellness page and Your Plan For Health.
- The Ohio State: Wellness app is designed for students but offers tips and guidance useful for all members of our community. It is available for Android and iOS devices.
If you or someone you know is an imminent danger to themselves or someone else, go to the nearest ER or call 911. If you are thinking of harming yourself or if you are worried about someone else and need advice about what to do, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 614-221-5445 or 800-273-8255 (TALK) or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting 4HOPE to 741741.