it feels hard because it IS hard 2.26.21

Dear Students, 

Is your motivation waning? Has Netflix lost its luster? Does Facetiming feel flat? 

Does a year seem simply too long to be shut up inside, conducting life on a screen and only seeing the upper half of your friends' faces in person from a distance of six feet? 

It seems that way because it is that way! It's been too long. We are all sick and tired of living under the weight of this brutal pandemic. And the sick-and-tiredness comes out in different ways for different people: some of us feel short-tempered. Those of us who are vulnerable to anxiety notice it flaring more often. Insomnia strikes some who never struggled with it before. Staying on top of work is tough. And grief is always heavier when we are alone. What to do with ourselves when we are struggling, when life feels extra hard? 

First, be kind. It is normal to struggle. Notice your sadness or anger or worry with compassion, and remind yourself there is nothing wrong with you. You are responding to hardship in a natural, human way. This sucks. You can't get around it. 

Second, go outside. It won't "fix" anything, but it will likely take the edge off. Leave your room. Take a walk around the block, ride a bike, venture downtown, check out the woods adjacent to Bakers fields. Feel the sun and wind on your face. But it's cold! you say. But spring is coming, and you can feel it! we respond with a smile. Also, wear a coat. 

Third, reach out. Everyone has their own struggles to manage, it's true. But we promise that asking a friend to talk, sharing that you're having a hard time, or inviting your roommate to take a walk with you (see item #2) because you could really use some company is NOT being a burden. Sharing our hardships brings us closer together! Letting the people who love you know how you feel is a gift, even when the feelings are painful. 

And yep, you guessed it, you are never a burden to us. It is our great privilege to walk with you - especially during dark times. Please call the Student Wellness Center 717-544-9051 if you'd like to schedule a time to talk to a counselor. And remember, after hours and during weekends that same number connects you to an on-call counselor. 

In solidarity and hope, 

Lauren, Susan, Katharina, Meagan, Alexis, Kelly and Gene 

p.s. All our emails to students can be found here. p.p.s. Keep your eyes open for our next Let's Talk! counseling event, which will be held on March 10th: all you ever wanted to know about cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT.