COVID-19 Stigmatization

 

Dear UCSF Community:

UCSF is on the frontline in the response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and is actively adhering to specific travel and quarantine measures.

Student Health and Counseling Services is dedicated to the health of our community and strives to foster a culture of caring and compassion on our campus. Please join us in showing understanding and goodwill to all members of our community whether they are sick or not, recent travelers or not. Be mindful of words and actions that could perpetuate fear or unfairly stigmatize any member of our community.

It is in this spirit that SHCS offers the following resources and information.

We Are Here for You:

Student Health and Counseling Services offers resources for students seeking additional support:

  1. For non-life-threatening, urgent concerns during business hours, call SHCS at (415) 476-1281 and ask to schedule an urgent visit with a mental health provider.
  2. If SHCS is closed, you can speak with a mental health provider over the phone via our Mental Health Consult Line. Dial (415) 476-1281 and press option 2. This line is answered Monday through Friday 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. and 24 hours on weekends and holidays.

Below are some tips to help manage the anxiety regarding the coronavirus (adapted from the American Psychological Association):

  1. Keep things in perspective. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that the number of confirmed infections in the U.S. is extremely low. The fact that there is a great deal of news coverage on this issue does not necessarily mean that it presents any threat to you or your family.
  2. Get the facts. It is helpful to adopt a more clinical and curious approach as you follow news reports about the virus. Consult credible sources you can trust. Get updated information specific to our community at the UCSF Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources page.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has a webpage dedicated to information on the COVID-19 outbreak. You may also find useful information from public health agencies or even your family physician.
  3. Keep connected.  Maintaining social networks can foster a sense of normality and provide valuable outlets for sharing feelings and relieving stress. Be encouraged to share useful information with your friends and family. It will help them deal with their own anxiety.
  4. Seek additional help.  Individuals who feel an overwhelming nervousness, a lingering sadness, or other prolonged reactions that adversely affect their job performance or interpersonal relationships should consult with a trained and experienced mental health professional. Psychologists and other appropriate mental health providers can help people deal with extreme stress. These professionals work with individuals to help them find constructive ways to manage adversity.