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Togetherness While Socially Distancing

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Natalia Velásquez, M.S., Outreach Coordinator || Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the technical definition of social, or physical, distancing is “keeping a safe space (e.g., six feet) between yourself and other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.” However, what does “social distancing” mean to social beings like us, especially when social support has been repeatedly proven to be such a critical resource for our psychological health? What can social distancing even look like so that we can balance not only the physical health and safety of ourselves and others, but also for our psychological health and well-being?

Many college students have likely moved from their childhood homes to a university where they may have expected to create relationships with faculty, friends, peers, colleagues, partners, etc. Whether these social connections were anticipated to be created during classroom learning, walks through the botanical gardens; soccer games; lunch breaks at PDH; fraternity/sorority gatherings; or other academic, social, or service organizations, all of us desire, and likely need, meaningful doses of social connection and support in our lives. 

So how do we create meaningful relationships at a “social distance,” so that we can prioritize safety and health while also providing space for insightful conversations, entertainment, joy, laughter, and love? 

During times like these, creativity is your best friend, so have fun with it! Maybe plan a weekend game night with friends, when classes have paused and self-care is needed. Organize a Zoom yoga session with classmates and screenshare a YouTube video that the group can follow along. Call your close family member or friend once a week while taking a walk “together” (you can walk through the botanical gardens and they can choose their favorite spot). Have a spaced-out beach date where everyone brings a snack and you decompress by the waves. There are also multitudes of multiplayer games (e.g., Jackbox, Animal Crossing, COD) that can be played online via Zoom, as well as socially distanced activities that can be enjoyed outside such as park walks, beach hangouts, and fitness challenges. 

Please consider these questions as you organize socially distanced activities: 

  • Are you and your family/friends comfortable being physically together while at a distance? If not, consider virtual activities!
  • What activities do you typically like? Try and make it distance friendly or virtual!
  • How can you make this activity socially distanced friendly? Be creative!

If you find yourself having significant difficulties during your time at Florida Tech, please remember your student counseling center as we are here for you! CAPS provides a variety of mental health and wellness services to assist you and other students in successfully reaching personal, academic, and career goals.  Please take a moment to visit our website:  https://www.fit.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services/, which includes information on how to request services, as well as many other resources for emotional health and well-being. Our services are highly utilized and encouraged, so that you can be the healthiest Florida Tech Panther you can be!

Social distancing measures on Florida Tech’s campus

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By Arianna Schuck

Precautionary measures regarding COVID-19 are visible around Florida Tech’s campus, as students attend classes in person or remotely. 

Florida Tech President T. Dwayne McCay announced Friday in the weekly COVID-19 update that there were two new student cases, with no new cases among faculty and staff.

As of Saturday, the Florida Department of Health listed over 640,000 total cases in the state, with 3,773 new cases reported among Florida residents from the previous day. The website features a banner advising social distancing, face coverings, and for individuals concerned about their status, getting tested.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, buildings like Crawford and Skurla were crowded during transition times. Now, instructions are on display directing students to move through the buildings while social distancing. 

Staircases are labeled with decals, instructing students on which side of the staircase can be used to go up or down. Doors are indicated strictly for exiting or entering with signs.

Decals on the main staircase in the Crawford building. Photo |Arianna Schuck

Rosalia Gray, a sophomore majoring in forensic psychology, said it was nerve-wracking at first to hear that Florida Tech would be opening for the fall semester. 

“I believe that the school is handling the situation very well, the university is doing everything in their ability to keep the campus community safe,” Gray said.

Ryan Hayden, a sophomore majoring in business administration with entrepreneurship, said he thinks Florida Tech is doing a good job of keeping on-campus students safe, but that more precautions could be taken such as temperature checks before each class or required testing for the virus.

Doors in Crawford are now marked specifically for entering or exiting. Photo | Arianna Schuck

“I did not have any worries about crowding in lecture halls because all of my classes in previous years were small,” Hayden said.

Students and employees are required to wear face coverings on campus, according to the Florida Tech Safe website. Exceptions apply for individual students in enclosed study rooms or in their residence hall rooms. The question and answer page states that individuals who do not follow the policy will be asked to do so or leave the area, with potential disciplinary action in the case of “repeated refusal” to comply.

Social distancing, isolation and stress: what it’s like and how to manage

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Irritability. Sadness. Loss of appetite. These are a few signs and symptoms individuals may experience due to social distancing and isolation, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 

“Feeling lonely or isolated can be a crippling sensation,” Erika Pobee-Mensah, the outreach coordinator for Florida Tech’s Counseling and Psychological Services, said in an email.

According to the SAMHSA, signs of stress include: increased irritability, trouble sleeping, or having difficulty communicating; physical signs like headaches, loss of appetite, or being easily startled; and emotional signs like feelings of guilt, anger, and overwhelming sadness.

This stress can lead to changes in sleep or eating patterns, worsening of chronic health problems, and increased use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Pobee-Mensah said that students may alleviate feelings of anxiety by scheduling time to worry, and pursuing alternative behaviors like classwork, exercising, or playing music outside of that scheduled time. 

Gianna Petrazzulo, a junior studying biomedical science, said that it has been difficult to adjust from going out regularly to staying inside most of the time.

Petrazzulo has found some positivity in social distancing; she’s used her extra time to do things she enjoys, like creating art and playing video games. 

“I feel like I have a lot of time on my hands to focus on myself,”  Petrazzulo said, “it’s rekindled my creative side.”

To alleviate outbreak-related stress, the CDC also recommends establishing a routine of well-balanced meals and regular sleep and exercise. 

Pobee-Mensah stated that many individuals are experiencing feelings of grief during this time of isolation, whether it be due to the loss or illness of a loved one, or the loss of work, income or social interaction. 

“Whatever grief or loss you can identify, it is important to give yourself time to grieve and express these emotions,” Pobee-Mensah said. “Allow yourself to cry, to scream into a pillow, to call up someone and vent, or to write about how this pain feels.”

In addition to reaching out to friends and family, Pobee-Mensah said students may benefit from virtual socialization methods such as group chats, or multiplayer gaming. Gaming engagement has seen an uptick; concurrent users of gaming distribution service Steam exceeded 24 million multiple times between April 12 to 18, according to the Steam Database. 

The CDC advises taking breaks from news consumption relating to the pandemic, including the use of social media. The National Alliance on Mental Illness further advises managing how one consumes information; the organization states that “false information spreads very easily on social media and can have serious consequences for individual and public health.”

The SAMHSA advises making time for conversation unrelated to the outbreak, in addition to sharing emotions related to the outbreak and exchanging reliable health information. 

“Take a moment to put your doubts aside and reach out to friends or family,” Pobee-Mensah said, “Strike up a conversation with an old friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.”

The CDC states that those at higher risk for serious illness, including older adults and people with underlying health conditions, may experience higher stress levels. These individuals may become concerned that regular medical care could be disrupted.

As many individuals experience feelings of anxiety, stress, and grief, Pobee-Mensah advises staying connected: “If you are in need, ask for help from family, friends, or your local community.” 

This article was edited to correct the spelling of a source’s name. The previous version displayed “Petravvulo” where the article now reads “Petrazzulo.”

Summertime coping

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By Erika Pobee-Mensah, M.S., Outreach Coordinator, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

In wrapping up this topsy-turvy semester, there is a long three month stretch on the horizon. Being mindful that ordinary summer plans might look different this summer, we want to offer some ideas on how to beat boredom and cope with the difficulties that might arise from being at home more frequently. While some students live independently or with friends, many students have preemptively moved back to their family homes. Even those with great family/roommate relationships can run into conflict after spending too much time together. Here are some tips for coping with spending more time at home and ideas for how to keep yourself engaged in activities while social distancing.

Find a space of your own. Having an area for yourself can help to create some distance from others when you need it. Perhaps your space is your bedroom. If you do not have your own bedroom, perhaps your bed, desk, a comfy bean bag chair, or a cozy corner of a shared bedroom will suffice. Wherever your space is, make it your own by adding a few “feel good” items or decorations, such as inspirational quotes, a journal for jotting down your feelings, a soft blanket or pillow, a scented candle, books/magazines that you enjoy reading, printed pictures of friends/family members, and/or posters/pictures of celebrities, characters, or TV shows you like. This will help give you a special space in which to unwind.

Practice healthy communication. Try using “I” statements when expressing yourself. For instance, “I am worried about my upcoming exams. I’m wondering if we can brainstorm ways to keep the house quiet while I’m studying” or “I feel frustrated when we argue about cleaning. I want to do my part in keeping the house clean—can we create a plan that works for everyone?” Also practice active listening by taking a moment to remain quiet and allow other people to express themselves. Show you are listening by nodding, a simple “mm hm” and making eye contact. Avoid trying to make someone feel differently–accept how they feel, while also acknowledging your emotions. 

Compromise. Focus on facts and simple adjustments that can be made that are realistic to your situation. Maybe you have young siblings who cannot stay quiet during the daytime. You could use headphones to block out noise, spend time outside on a patio or take a walk, or even crack the windows of a car and sit inside to take a phone call to get some privacy. Additionally, offering to help around the house might be worthwhile in maintaining peace. Doing chores, caring for the family pet, or playing with your siblings to give your parents a break can help other house members decrease their stress. Less stress equals more harmony.

Stay engaged. If you are looking for ways to beat boredom, consider creative ways to stay busy. Perhaps you could take a summer job in an essential field, such as food delivery or grocery stores. Try looking into volunteer opportunities that might still be available, such as through food drives with local community centers or churches. This could also be a great time to explore a new hobby or business pursuit (perhaps practicing code or working on a Youtube channel). Additionally, spending quality time by yourself and engaging in self-care can also be important. 

Stay connected. Set up virtual hang outs with friends/family until you can spend time together in person again. Take a moment to check in with old friends with a text, phone, or email. While social media can be a great way to connect, avoid it if you find yourself feeling worse due to self-comparisons or becoming upset by other peoples’ posts. Now can be a great time to get creative with socializing—perhaps try a drive-in meet up with a friend while social distancing in your cars. Or, break up the monotony of homelife by engaging in a family activity or a fun game with your roommates.

However your summer looks, we hope these tips are helpful in navigating changes while still enjoying some summer fun! On behalf of CAPS, we wish you a successful exam week and a happy summer break.

Simplifying questions about COVID-19

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There is a wealth of information to navigate in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. New research continues to develop; clinical trials of candidate vaccines have begun, and a joint study including the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed more about the transmission of the virus. 

In a time of uncertainty, answers to common questions can provide insights on dealing with the virus. These are some of those COVID-19 questions, answered. 

How does social distancing work? 

The CDC maintains that the most effective way to prevent illness with COVID-19 is to prevent being exposed to the virus. Social distancing, also being called physical distancing, centers around keeping a distance of six feet from others and avoiding group gatherings. 

Social distancing aids in “flattening” the epidemic curve, a visual tool used to illustrate a disease outbreak. By slowing and reducing the peak of an outbreak, healthcare services have more time to treat those infected and increase capacity, according to a report published in the medical journal The Lancet. In the long term, the report says, this provides more time for the development of vaccines and new treatments. 

Can the virus survive on surfaces and/or in the air?

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine states that the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, on copper for up to four hours, cardboard for 24 hours, and plastic and stainless steel for up to two to three days. 

The study comes from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Princeton University, and the University of California, Los Angeles. The same researchers indicate that in real-world conditions, the aerosol duration would likely be under 30 minutes. 

While the World Health Organization states that it is possible to inhale the virus through close contact with a carrier, the organization maintains that the virus is not airborne, as the infectious droplets are too heavy to remain suspended in the air.

When will there be a vaccine? 

The WHO maintains that a vaccine will not be available for mass production before mid-2021. 

About 35 companies and academic institutions are working on a vaccine, ABC reports.

Why will it take that long to develop a vaccine?

Clinical development of a vaccine takes place in three phases, according to the CDC. In the first phase, the vaccine is given to a small number of people. The first injections of a candidate vaccine were administered to volunteers at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Research Institute in Seattle on Mar. 16. 

A 2017 report in the Journal of Archives in Military Medicine says that traditional vaccine development can take up to 16 years. Newer approaches, such as mRNA vaccines, are putting COVID-19 vaccine development on the fast track, according to a Mar. 16 publication from the National Institutes of Health. 

These messenger RNA vaccines don’t contain a form of the actual virus. Rather, they instruct the body to make the same proteins found on the outside of a virus. This primes the immune system to recognize those proteins and respond if the actual virus enters the body, according to the NIH.

A vaccine that passes through phase one will then have to be given to a larger number of people with similar characteristics to the intended recipients of the vaccine in phase two. It isn’t until phase three that the vaccine, while still being tested for effectiveness and safety, is given to thousands of individuals. 

What other protection and treatments are available?

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is one institute working on developing antibody-based countermeasures. These injections are not the same as vaccines; the protection lasts for several months, rather than several years like vaccines. It involves sampling antibodies from a COVID-19 patient, and using those as a blueprint to mass produce antibodies that can boost the immunity of people who need immediate protection like doctors, healthcare staff and family members of infected patients. 


How do I find accurate information on the virus?

Sources for up-to-date information on the virus include:

The CDC at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

The WHO at who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019.

Florida Department of Health: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov 

The Florida Dept. of Health is also reachable through its COVID-19 Call Center: (866) 779-612 and by email at COVID-19@flhealth.gov

Florida Tech: Updates are posted at https://www.fit.edu/coronavirus.

Holzer Health Center: Appointments are now required, and can be made at (321) 674-8078. 

For Employers and Workers: The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a COVID-19 resource page at https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus.