Stress is a part of everyday life. However, there are certain situations that can cause stress specifically for college students. 

• The first year of college brings the stress of something new. 

• For returning students, there could be the stress of taking more challenging classes in their major and finding the perfect internship, 

• Some students are managing classes and work while being active in one of UMBC’s many campus organizations. 

• Outside of college life, sources of stress can come from family and world events, such as natural disasters or the political climate. 

• Right now, COVID-19 has an impact on our everyday life, as well as academics and work.

But not all stress is bad. 

• A healthy level of stress can serve as a motivator. 

• Positive stress, called eustress, can help you focus and improve your performance on activities such as tests, playing sports, or interviewing for a job.

Stress can turn into a major problem if it is not managed properly. It can have serious consequences on your school performance, body, and mind.

• Difficulty concentrating

• Increased worrying

• Trouble completing assignments on time

• Not going to class

• Short temper or increased agitation

So what can we do about stress? 

One useful method in managing stress is Mindfulness. 

• Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of where you are and what you are doing. 

• If you have never tried mindfulness, the best way to start is by incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine. 

• Activities such as walking, eating, or breathing can be done mindfully. Here is a 7-minute mindful practice that can help you to reduce stress.

• The Counseling Center is offering virtual 30-minute mindfulness practices Monday – Friday, 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., beginning April 22. Check out their myUMBC group for updates and to access the Webex link.

• NAMI COVID 19 information and resources 

• Free online mindfulness resource 

The Counseling Center offers additional resources to help you cope with stress.

• WellTrack

• Free online workshops with Counseling Center staff

Free phone apps are also available.

• Calm

• Headspace 

• Aura 

• Stop, Breathe & think 

• Insight Timer 

The Haven at College, a UMBC partner providing outpatient treatment and recovery housing, is now admitting students to its confidential virtual outpatient program tailored to the specific needs of college students.

All online outpatient services are covered by student health insurance (telehealth services in-network with Carefirst) and students can connect with like-minded peers who, along with Haven clinicians, provide community, accountability, and relief from isolation during this challenging time.

Treatment services include group, individual and family therapy; case management; life skills and educational sessions. Community support includes recovery coaching, family support, online recovery meetings and online peer support. 

UMBC's Haven Recovery Residence has suspended services at this time. The Haven Residence at College Park is open to UMBC students.

Additional information is provided in the attached flyers. For more information, please call 888-224-2836.

University Health Services (UHS) has received a three-year extension (the most you can get) on its accreditation with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The extension is the result of leadership provided by Bruce Herman, Sandy Riggs, Samantha Smith, Je'Nae Parker, Cheryl Benitez, Marie Holmes, Rose Gore, Nettie Jackson, Vid Madrid, Dot Meile, Melissa Paterakis Lundberg, Toni Boyajian, Yu She, Andrea Thornton, Cindy Vogelpohl, Stephanie Turner, and Gladies Barrozo.

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Kim Leisey says, “The accreditation process took many hours of preparation, meetings, and documentation, and all of the hard work by UHS’ staff paid off. They are an excellent team of care providers and promoters of health, and we are all so appreciative of everything they do to take good care of the UMBC community.”

“AAAHC accreditation provides support to improve the quality of care we provide and challenges us to continually evaluate and improve our processes,” says Director of Health and Counseling Bruce Herman. “This accreditation required the entire team and everyone was involved, but Sandy Riggs, our associate director, has been the heavy lifter and provided tremendous leadership in the process.”

Please congratulate these colleagues when you see them!

Learn more about UHS.

Read more about health and wellness at UMBC in UMBC Magazine.

UMBC’s University Health Services (UHS) is working to educate students and the University community about a new CDC report on an outbreak of lung injury associated with vaping.

The Basics

• As of Nov. 20, 2019, 2,290 lung injury cases associated with using e-cigarette/vaping products have been reported to CDC from 49 states (all except Alaska), the District of Columbia, and 2 U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands).

• 47 deaths have been confirmed in 25 states and the District of Columbia.

• All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette/vaping products.

• The latest national and state findings suggest products containing THC, particularly those obtained off the street or from other informal sources (friends, family, illicit dealers), are linked to most of the cases and play a major role in the outbreak.

• Vitamin E acetate has been identified as a chemical of concern among people with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI).

• THC is present in most of the samples tested by FDA to date, and most patients report a history of using THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products.

The Symptoms

Patients in this investigation have reported symptoms such as:

• cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain

• fatigue, fever, chills, or weight loss

Some patients have reported that their symptoms developed over a few days, while others have reported that their symptoms developed over several weeks. A lung infection does not appear to be causing the symptoms.

Remember

• Do not buy e-cigarette/vaping products with THC or CBD oils off the street, and do not modify or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.

• See a healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms like those reported in this outbreak.

Getting Help

• Talk to someone at UHS (410-455-2542) or the Counseling Center (410-455-2472).

• Contact The Haven at UMBC for recovery and sober living resources for students.

• Visit the Substance and Mental Health Services Administration's treatment locator to locate treatment in your area, or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

• Contact your healthcare provider, or call the local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

• Visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens’ What to Do If You Have a Problem with Drugs.

• Get resources and support at Smokefree Teen and Truth Initiative.