The aftermath caused by the death of college freshman, Rachael Fiege, continued to have a ripple effect long after the fall. Following the devastating news, her friends and family pull together and look for the positives hidden in this tragedy in an effort to prevent other college students from suffering a similar heartbreak. Learn how Rachael’s story is just the beginning as her friends and family take this tragedy and create a program designed to help other young people. 

Is COVID crushing your soul? Is your social life turned upside down? What about parties? What about football? Will it ever end? Hear what other students are saying about these weird times. And don’t forget to share your thoughts with us as well at @RachaelsFirstWeek. 

5 Take Away Points…

1. Be a good human being. 
   1. Wear a mask in public
   2. DO Physically distance – DON’T social distance
   3. This means you need to have social interaction – you just can’t go around touching people to get it.  Be more social and less physical
   4. Wash your hands – 20 seconds – seems like an eternity.  Make it go faster by listening to 20 seconds of your favorite song – just not in double time
   5. Be flexible.  Let’s face it – you are not in control of any one’s response to this pandemic but your own.  Develop the skill to roll with it
2. Have a plan if you’re forced to leave your dorm and transition to online classes 
   1. Have the basic necessities easily accessible if you have to survive for a few days – food, money, a place to go
   2. You don’t need to stay packed like a natural disaster is about to strike, but stay organized 
   3. Fully understand the contingency plans for changes in face-to-face as well as e-learning for each of your courses….and get it in writing.  Referring to the playbook during the semester will help you stay on track if things suddenly change
3. Understand your student loans and how the CAREs act may or may not protect you
   1. Your financial counselors and your parents are your best resources.
   2. Be aware of scams.  As more of your personal and financial information goes online, there is always someone willing to help themselves to it without your permission.
4. Go to your happy place
   1. Stay in touch with family – remind them you need care packages – weekly – or more often
   2. Ramp up your endorphins with a bit of physical exercise – fall is an amazing time outdoors
   3. Write down your memories for posterity.  Just like you’ve had to endure listening to your parents tell you how rough it was when they were your age, you can one-up them and create a masterpiece to share with others when you get to your parents’ age
   4. Help someone else.  There is no shortage of people needing a helping hand nowadays and there is no better way to put your problems in perspective than helping someone who is struggling.  
   5. Netflix and …… keep it creative, legal and physically distance while you’re doing it
5. Be in tune with your body
   1. Are you sleeping more and still feel tired – or are you sleeping less
   2. Has your weight changed because you are eating more or less
   3. Are you finding people more annoying and getting short with them
   4. Do you find yourself wanting to be alone
   5. Are you drinking large amounts of alcohol or smoking – anything
   6. These are all signs of depression. It is the second hit of this pandemic. Just like any illness, recovery is much quicker and less painful the earlier you seek treatment.  All universities have mental health resources so take advantage of them.  And if it’s a friend or acquaintance who is in need, walk with them to get the help they need.  

Remember: National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week is September 6-9. Check out www.ActiveMinds.org to get involved or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline if you or someone you know need immediate help. The number is 1-800-273-8255. Someone is there 24-7.