Coping With COVID-19

Support services and wellness resources for the Lehigh community

Lehigh's Alumni Memorial Building

For those in the Lehigh community who may be struggling to cope with the realities of COVID-19, there are a number of resources available to assist you.

Below is a listing of programs, counseling services and other resources that are accessible to students, faculty and staff, as well as some additional information for parents and families.

FOR STUDENTS

University Counseling and Psychological Services

Throughout the semester, you may experience a mix of feelings, from excitement to challenge and everything in between. We encourage you to reach out to those most familiar and close to you for support, as well as offer to be there for others. If you're looking for additional spaces to take care of your well-being, check out our drop-in workshop, Live Better with Stress, or sign up for One Stitch at a Time to learn new coping skills, or join a therapy group to gain support from others. Stay updated with UCPS events and tips by following us on instagram @lehigh_UCPS and subscribing to our newsletter on our webpage. In addition, if you think it might be helpful to talk things through with a counselor, we welcome you to contact University Counseling and Psychological Services at 610-758-3880 or 610-758-5183. At this time, all of our services are available remotely. The center has counselors available 24/7 to talk and provide support and assistance.

My SSP

Lehigh has partnered with LifeWorks, leaders in remote counseling support, to introduce the My Student Support Program (My SSP). Complementing Lehigh’s existing counseling services, My SSP provides 24/7 remote mental health and well-being support to students via the use of technology. Learn more about the program.

Tips on Maintaining Mental Well-Being

The Division of Student Affairs has created a series of study and workout plans to help students maintain and enhance their psychological and mental health fitness. Included are tips on how to stay connected, how to deal with anxiety, the importance of maintaining a routine, and more. Access this helpful resource here. Student Affairs also hosted a live discussion on mental health and wellness.

Headspace

Headspace has coping with COVID-related guided meditations. For example: "Finding happiness at home," "Under the weather," "Reframing loneliness," "Mindful tech," "Recovering after tragedy," "Transforming difficulties," and "Washing your hands." Students can register/login to Headspace at https://work.headspace.com/lehighuniversity/member-enroll.

Stay Connected

There are a number of events listed on the Lehigh website for you to join, including purely social events to provide a break from your studies. Browse all events on the events calendar.

Academic Support Resources

Lehigh is committed to ensuring that students have all the tools and support they may need to continue their educational experience during this time of remote learning. Academic support resources include the following:

Additional resources for students:

Students working out in Taylor Gym

Follow updates from Taylor Gym on the @lehightaylorgym Instagram account and website.

FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Lehigh benefits for faculty and staff include behavioral (mental) health benefits. To access these services, call the number listed on the back of your Capital BlueCross card. More information regarding Lehigh employee benefits is available here.

Employee Assistance Program

Lehigh's Employee Assistance Program provides support for eligible employees who may be experiencing issues including emotional distress, family difficulties, and financial challenges, among others.

The program is managed by Uprise Health. Services include problem assessment and referral to additional services if necessary, as well as three counseling sessions per incident at no cost to the employee.

More information is available at the Lehigh Human Resources website. To connect with Uprise Health visit their website or call 1-800-395-1616.

‘Be Well’

This wellness initiative provides incentives and rewards for making positive choices and engaging in healthy behaviors. It is free for all eligible Lehigh employees. Learn more here.

Additional Resources for All Members of the Lehigh community:

  • VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: The Lehigh Community Service Office is continually updating its list of virtual volunteer opportunities during COVID-19. See the complete list here.
  • MOUNTAIN TALKS: Mountain Talks is a series of 30-minute chats with Lehigh faculty experts on any number of issues surrounding COVID-19. See upcoming and archived Mountain Talks here.
  • RESILIENT LEHIGH VALLEY: The College of Education has engaged with a number of partners throughout the region for the Resilient Lehigh Valley initiative, which is offering mindfulness resources and lesson plans for students, teachers, parents and caregivers.
  • WEBINAR: "Helping Kids, Caregivers and Teachers Cope During COVID-19": A Webinar with Dr. Chris Liang, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology and Chair for the Department of Education and Human Services. See the presentation here.

GENERAL TIPS FROM THE CDC

Ways to Cope With Stress
  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body.
    • Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
    • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
    • Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
    • Avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.