Supporting Your Well-being
During Times of Difficulty — March 27th, 2020 Edition
Dear community,
We hope you are all staying well and finding some time to dedicate to self-care right now. In this newsletter, we wanted to share with you an opportunity to enjoy the universe's beauty through stargazing, free resources from the Calm app, a spring treat from the Botanic Gardens, and a heartwarming story-sharing project from Cornell's Office of International Affairs. Though we may be missing our friends or starting to feel cabin fever setting in, there are still many ways to connect to loved ones, enjoy the outdoors, and support our well-being as we continue to get through this unprecedented time together.
Wishing you wellness,
The Skorton Center for Health Initiatives at Cornell Health
Saturday: ‘Celestial Triangle’ Of The Best Night Sky Sights
If skies are clear on Saturday night between sunset and 9:00pm, enjoy a rare and dazzling sight; a "celestial triangle" of a crescent moon, the bright planet Venus, and a cluster of stars called the Pleiades will be visible in the night sky! Visit this article to learn more about the celestial triangle and when/how to best view it!
Stargazing is a great social distancing activity option, and it can provide perspective by reminding us that even while we may be apart from friends or family right now, we're all navigating this together under the same stars. You can even share the experience by video chatting with friends and loved ones while you all admire the beauty of the same night sky.
Quiet the Mind: Spring Unfolding at Cornell Botanic Gardens
"During this time when we must place distance between ourselves and our most beloved places, enjoy a moment of restoration, as spring unfolds around you at Cornell Botanic Gardens."
Cornell's office of International Affairs has begun a heartwarming project in which they are gathering global stories of caring, compassion, and connection during this difficult time, which can be read here. With xenophobia and tension on the rise, now is a time to build connections, not create division. These stories help make visible the many ways in which people are reaching out to each other and striving to make the world a little bit brighter in times of darkness. If you have a brief story (up to 200 words) describing an event, moment, act or relationship that touched you during this time of social distancing, feel free to submit it using this form.
Talk/Text Resources
If you find yourself struggling or in need of someone to talk to, know that you are not alone.
The following resources are here to support you:
Cornell Resources
- Cornell Health phone consultation (24/7): 607-255-5155
Ithaca Resources (24/7)
- Ithaca Crisisline: 800-273-8255
- Advocacy Center (sexual/domestic violence): 607-277-5000
National Talk-Lines (24/7)
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
- Trevor Project hotline (LGBTQ+): 866-488-7386
- LGBT+ National Hotline: 888-843-4564
- TransLifeline: 877-565-8860
National Text/Chat Services
- National Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
- Steve Fund crisis text line: Text STEVE to 741741 (connects you to a crisis counselor of color)
- Trevor Project text line (LGBTQ+): Text START to 678678
- National Suicide Prevention "Lifeline CHAT" service: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
Get in Touch
- Contact Catherine Thrasher-Carroll, Mental Health Promotion Program Director, at ct265@cornell.edu.
- Contact Amber Pasha, Public Health Fellow, at amp336@cornell.edu.
- All Cornell students, regardless of location, can access medical and mental health services through FREE telehealth appointments with Cornell Health (appointments may be offered by video, phone, or online, depending on your location and need). Our in-person services are currently limited to pre-screened COVID-19 testing and select pharmacy services. As always, please refer to the Cornell Health website for the most up-to-date information regarding our services.
