By: Dorie Triplett

It’s comforting to know that I can’t be the only one making myself too worked up about this crazy Coronavirus quarantine we are living in. Only four days into this mayhem, I felt myself having one of those physically uncomfortable, extreme body tensing, mind racing episodes.

While I’m lucky to be in my shoes, and I know I can ride out one of my own mild panic attacks- I know others are probably feeling even worse than I am.

It’s hard to stop your mind from going to crazy places when you’re stuck at home alone with your thoughts. How long will this last? What are we going to do for money? Should I be investing in a gun for my own protection? No, no… I know I sound crazy, but after you’ve watched enough movies about the world ending how do you keep from picturing total anarchy?

Isolation can be a scary place for us that struggle with mental health, and although I’m the type of person that likes to stay at home with my kitty, I can’t say that I don’t miss seeing my professors, classmates, and friends.

However, (hopefully sooner rather than later) once this scare starts to dissipate, imagine how wonderful it will feel to finally see our best friends again. What a blessing it is to talk to them more often than ever, getting calls and texts from my friends in different states, requesting a Netflix and chill session through their new streaming group chat services.

We definitely aren’t alone, but I can’t help but worry for my friends, family, and fellow classmates who are having a harder time dealing with quarantine.

For the past couple of days, I have procrastinated hours away, not that I didn’t already do that, but being at home has made it harder for me to focus on my work, especially since I’m in my relaxing (or freaking out) at home headspace.

Although it’s easier said than done to take advice on staying active, even trying to do some simple workouts for only 10 minutes has helped to put my mind at ease. Getting the blood flowing, so you could say. Don’t let yourself feel trapped!

Another thing that has helped me with improving my mood is making a gratitude list. This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to retrain my mind to do. Although it’s challenging to see, we have so, so many things to be grateful for. For example: my family’s health, I still get to see my professor’s and classmate’s faces, food in the house and a warm place to sleep.

Maybe it is time we spend our days not only reflecting on what we have but connecting with our friends more than ever. Heck, I’m even thinking about reaching out to people that I’m not friends with!

Time to share the love and good vibes. It’s going to be a beautiful sight when we all come out together stronger on the other side.

Counseling services are available through the Wilkins Wellness Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may email counseling@su.eduor call 540-665-4752 to set up appointments via phone or Zoom.

If you are a student who is struggling with anxiety or you know someone who is, please submit a Student of Concern report so the university is aware and can offer assistance. A member of the CARE Team will then reach out to coordinate any care or support needed.