Dear NJIT Community,
During this time of unprecedented challenges in our lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that we focus on our individual mental well-being as well as that of close others and the larger NJIT community. Whether we are adapting to changes in our manner of learning, working, living circumstances, the care needed by loved ones, dealing with a loss of income in the household, or grieving the loss of a loved one, intentional coping strategies can help.
It is imperative that we pull together as a community and care for one another. We want to ensure that you are not alone during this turbulent time and make you aware of numerous resources and services that may be helpful. Please see below for an overview of these resources, and share this information with fellow community members, family and friends who may be in need. We wish you all the best and hope you remain safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Dale McLeod Dr. Marybeth Boger
Vice President, Human Resources Dean of Students and Campus Life
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Coping Strategies
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Develop a consistent schedule and a “do to list” for each day, just as you would if you were on campus.
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Organize your work and your space and if possible, try to establish separate spaces for work and relaxation
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Stay connected and build in social time with friends, colleagues, and classmates
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Increase the personal aspect of communications and whenever possible, opt for video
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Eat wisely and nutritionally
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Exercise, it is a great stress reliever, so get moving
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Practice meditation, mindfulness, and positive affirmation
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For students – treat your online classes as if they were in person (stay in touch with your professors and classmates)
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Communicate with your campus resources about technical difficulties (e.g. software, internet, equipment issues)
Resources For All
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Mental Health America- Mental Health and COVID-19: https://mhanational.org/covid19
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How to Prevent Loneliness in a Time of Social Distancing: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-prevent-loneliness-in-a-time-of-social-distancing/
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Mental Association of Essex and Morris Counties: https://www.mhaessexmorris.org/
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Mindfulness and Meditation Resources– Mindfulness and meditation can be very helpful tools for coping with the feelings and emotions associated with the challenges of this time and beyond. There are many resources online, these are a few:
Resources for Students
Dean of Students Office: The Dean of Students Office is working remotely and is responding to queries, questions about classes, being sick, absences or other academic and personal concerns. Further information can be found at: https://www5.njit.edu/doss/. To schedule an appointment, contact the DOS at (973) 596-3466/3470 or via Ee-mail at dos@njit.edu.
NJIT Student Health Services at St. Michael’s Primary and Specialty Care Center
111 Central Avenue
University Heights
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 596-3621
Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (C-CAPS)
Please note that, at this time, C-CAPS services are being provided remotely (primarily by phone). To schedule an appointment, please see below. The C-CAPS website https://www.njit.edu/counseling/ also has information and a number of resources that may be useful.
Students who have already been seen by C-CAPS:
If you have already met with a C-CAPS clinician, and you would like to continue with remote services, please contact your C-CAPS clinician via email or phone to arrange a phone meeting.
Students new to C-CAPS:
If you have never attended a meeting at C-CAPS and you would like to schedule an initial consultation, contact C-CAPS at (973) 596-3414 to schedule a meeting. Please provide phone and email contact information and C-CAPS will contact you to schedule an initial phone consultation.
Resources For Faculty and Staff Only
Free Counseling Sessions:
Three free counseling sessions are available for employees and family members as well as a vast array of resources, such as information and webinars on how to help balance work and life responsibilities and coping mechanisms via our Employee Assistance Program - Carebridge. You can access our employee assistance program at www.myliferesource.com or by calling 1-800-437-0911; the NJIT access code is BTM9C.
Behavioral Health Treatment:
Members enrolled in the NJ Direct Health Plans can use the services provided by Magellan Behavioral Health. Magellan is responsible for the management of your behavioral health benefit. This benefit includes treatment for both mental health and alcohol/substance abuse provided by an eligible behavioral health provider and includes In-patient, partial hospital, residential, intensive out-patient, out-patient and group treatment.
The Magellan crisis number is 1-800-991-5579; for non-crisis situations call 1-800-626-2212.
Healthy Eating:
For covered nutrition and dietary consultation, please contact the Charge Group at https://us.mywellsite.com/charge/njit.