Counseling and Psychological Services
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Covid-19 Response

For up-to-date information regarding Montclair State’s response to Covid-19, visit the University’s Coronavirus website or Red Hawk Restart website.

Updates from CAPS: In response to COVID-19

Montclair State University’s CAPS is providing hybrid services (both in person and remote). Due to interstate restrictions on TeleHealth, services for students who are not on-campus and who reside outside of New Jersey may be limited to consultation, drop-in groups, referral and Let’s Talk.

We will be posting information for the Montclair State community on this page as we continue to develop our Covid-19 response and additional resources for students, staff and faculty. Please check back to this page for more information about how our services and availability may change in response to the situation.

NJ Mental Health Cares, the state’s behavioral health information and referral service, will now also offer help to people dealing with anxiety and worry related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. New Jerseyans can call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support. NJ Mental Health Cares will be answered by trained specialists from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend.

COVID-19: Managing Concerns and Emotions

News reports about the Coronavirus is raising a number of concerns and making some people anxious. Learn more about taking care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty here.

Tips for maintaining mental health!

Here are some additional tips to help you put information and concerns in perspective, manage your worry, and maintain a positive outlook.

  • Seek accurate information and limit exposure to social media and news reports that provide no new information or inaccurate information. Here are some reliable sources of information:
  • Keep things in perspective. Take a deep breath and stay focused on what the situation actually is, rather than the worst-case-scenario. It can be helpful to shift your focus to things within your control rather than things outside your control.
  • Acknowledge reactions. Allow yourself time to reflect on what you are feeling and how you may be reacting to any fears and uncertainties.
  • Maintain your normal day-to-day activities and keep connected. Resist withdrawing and isolating yourself. Maintaining social networks can foster a sense of normality and provide valuable outlets for sharing feelings and relieving stress. Feel free to share useful information you find on governmental websites with your friends and family. It will help them deal with their own worry. If your day to day activities are disrupted by closings, attempt to create structure in your day by: scheduling a normal bedtime and wake up time; structuring your time with hobbies, homework, reading, etc.; scheduling regular phone/video contact with friends and family.
  • Follow the prevention and protection tips given by medical professionals such Montclair State’s University Health Center, national medical authorities, and your own medical doctor.
  • Practice calming rituals. Stay grounded in the present moment, which can help you maintain an internal sense of stability and balance when outside events feel threatening.
  • Seek supports & use campus resources. Reach out to friends and family and learn about on-campus and off-campus resources that are available. If you or someone you know has high distress that does not seem to be lessening, talk about it with others, or contact CAPS or the Dean of Students Office. Your campus community is here to help!
  • Avoid stigmatizing or generalizing. Remember to keep in mind the kindness and empathy with which we strive to treat one another at all times as we address this challenge together. Be aware if your behavior or attitudes change towards others from another country, and avoid stigmatizing anyone who is sick as potentially having the Coronavirus. Often when there is uncertainty, our thoughts can become less compassionate and more fear-based.
  • Managing Grief During COVID-19

Recognizing Distress

  • Increased worry, fear and feelings of being overwhelmed
  • Depressive symptoms that persist and/or intensify
  • Inability to focus or concentrate accompanied by decreased academic or work performance or performance of other daily activities
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Excessive crying
  • Isolating or withdrawing from others, fear of going into public situations
  • Unhealthy coping (e.g., increased alcohol or drug use, engaging in risky/impulsive behaviors)
  • A feeling of hopelessness and/or a paralyzing fear about the future
  • Sudden anger or irritability, or noticeable changes in personality=

It’s not unusual to experience some — or even several — of the types of distress listed above during times of uncertainly and stress. If you notice these signs in yourself, reach out to family and friends for support, and engage in your usual healthy coping strategies (e.g. moderate exercise; eating well; getting adequate sleep; practicing yoga, meditation or some other mindfulness activity; take time for yourself; engage in a hobby or other fun activity, etc.).

If your distress continues or gets to the point that you are having difficulty managing your day-to-day activities, then seek professional help. Call CAPS at 973-655-5211 for assistance.

Additional Resources

Given the need for COVID-19 social distancing/quarantine, if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233. If you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.