All posts by Monica Chenault

Program Manager for Office of Student Mental Health and Behavior. Managing NOVACares and NOVA SAS.

NOVACares Lauches New Mental Health Referral Database for Students, Faculty and Staff

The NOVACares Office is proud to announce that the NOVACares Mental Health Provider Search Database (“NOVACARES Counseling Referral System”) has been upgraded and updated for a more productive search for local mental health providers. The NOVACares Office has personally contacted the 157 providers, as of this writing, in the database to verify their license to practice and requested that they update their profile to include changes in insurances accepted, sliding scale/reduced fees for NOVA, waiting time, accepting new patients, and if they are offering telehealth services. Our listed providers include providers that service Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and beyond. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to use the database to locate providers matching their search criteria. The NOVACares Office is still recruiting providers to be listed in the database and will conduct an extensive outreach campaign over the summer and fall.

To start your search for a mental health provider visit:  https://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/index.html 

Click on Mental Health Provider Database on the left bar.

 

 

 

 

NOVACARES COUNSELING REFERRAL SYSTEM

If you are at risk in anyway (e.g., considering suicide or at risk of other physical harm) please dial 9-1-1 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. You may also visit the your nearest emergency room or contact NOVA police at 703-764-5000. If you would like additional non-emergency support for yourself or another student that you are concerned about, please file a NOVACares report at www.nvcc.edu/novacares.

The providers participating in the database supply their own information about their services. We cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. We are also unable to endorse any particular provider that is listed. It will be important to verify information with the provider that most interests you, including fees and other arrangements. Contact your insurance company if you need to ensure that the clinician you select is a participating provider.

NOVACares Launches New Reporting Forms

The NOVACares Office continues to be the hub for College-wide incident reporting at NOVA. The NOVACares Office received and individually screened 1,526 incident reports in 2019 and 364 incident reports in 2020 as of 4.14.20. The NOVACares Office is phasing out the “all-in-one” incident reporting form and launching four individual case type forms:   Academic Integrity Violations, Student Code of Conduct Violation, Title IX and Sexual Misconduct (report will be sent directly to the NOVA Title IX Office) and Student Needing Assistance (CARE). Each report will be screened and routed to the appropriate NOVACares Responder within two business days and the reporter will receive an email designating the case lead.

The forms are located in the same place as the previous reporting form at www.nvcc.edu/novacares.  Click on Make a Report.  FAQ’s for reporting incidents can be found at www.nvcc.edu/novacares/program/reporting.html

Then select the appropriate reporting form for the incident you are reporting. The direct link can be saved to your favorites:  www.nvcc.edu/novacares/report.html

The goal of CARE Team outreach is early intervention. We provide support and resources to avoid a crisis. Student Needing Assistance Incident Reports (CARE Team referrals) will be routed to the Campus CARE Teams.  NOVA currently has seven teams that are ready to respond to students needing outreach to enhance their chances of success at NOVA.  No request for assistance is too small; if the situation is troubling you, you should report it.   If you have questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to send an email to novacares@nvcc.edu.

If your report concerns faculty or staff, without student involvement, you may report directly to Human Resources by emailing the details to employeerelations@nvcc.edu

These forms are not intended to be a substitute for immediate intervention; if you are reporting an emergency situation or need an immediate emergency response, please contact NOVA Police at 703-764-5000 or dial 911.

 

Recognizing Anxiety and Tips to Manage Anxiety

COVID-19 is a huge anxiety producer – here are some tips to help you recognize and manage your anxiety.

Coping Strategies

Try these when you’re feeling anxious or stressed:

  • Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
  • Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
  • Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
  • Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
  • Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
    Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
  • Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of however close you get.
  • Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
  • Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
  • Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
  • Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
  • Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
  • Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.

https://adaa.org/tips

Join SAS for the Virtual Clothesline Project

 

 

 

 

 

Join SAS for the Virtual Clothesline Project
April 14, 2020 / Events

NOVA’s Sexual Assault Services presents: The Clothesline Project, a powerful visual display to educate students and the community that violence is a problem everywhere and there is always hope because help toward the path to healing is available. Would you like to show your support for those who have been impacted by sexual and domestic violence? Then join us in our efforts to raise awareness by decorating a paper cut-out of a tee-shirt to express your feelings about violence. Write a positive message or draw or paint an inspiring image. Take a photo of your creation and send it to NOVA.SAS@nvcc.edu to be curated for an online photo gallery on the Virtual Student Union webpage. There, it will be viewed by others as testimony to the problem of sexual and domestic violence, and it will collectively show survivors that they are not alone. We care and we support them. Submission deadline is Friday, April 24, 5pm.

https://blogs.nvcc.edu/dailyflyer/2020/04/14/join-sas-for-a-virtual-clothesline-project/

Tip of the Week: Alcohol Usage Tips for Alcohol Awareness Month

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From our friends @ Commonhealth…

April is Alcohol Awareness Month Alcohol Awareness Month is observed nationally each April and provides the public an opportunity to learn more about issues related to alcohol use. In observance, Virginia ABC’s Education and Prevention Section shares the following information regarding responsible alcohol consumption. You can find more information on alcohol education and prevention, including digital resources for all ages on Virginia ABC’s website. www.commonhealth.virginia.gov  The contents of the CommonHealth weekly emails may be reprinted from an outside resource in the area of health, safety, and wellness and is intended to provide one or more views on a topic.These views do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth of Virginia, CommonHealth, or any particular agency and are offered for educational purposes.If you have questions or concerns about this article, please email us at wellness@dhrm.virginia.govDrinking in moderation can minimize an individual’s risk for experiencing the negative effects of alcohol.For women, low-risk drinking is defined as no more than –three drinks on a single day and no more than seven drinks per week. For men, it’s no more than four drinks on a single day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Low-risk doesn’t mean no risk however. Even within low-risk limits, problems can arise for adults who drink too quickly, have health conditions, or are older than 65. Seven in 10 adults always drink at low-risk levels or don’t drink at all.No matter which beverage a person chooses to consume, it’s the quantity of the beverage consumed that’s most important. Understanding standard drink sizes can help one gauge consumption.  A standard size drink is the equivalent to 12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), 5 ounces of wine with 12% ABV and a 1.5 ounce shot of 80 proof liquor.  Alcohol is not always served in the same size constraints of a standard drink.  Additionally, the ABV in craft beers, wines, liquors and mixed drinks is not always equivalent to the ABV of a standard drink.Be sure to check labels.April is also Stress Awareness Month.  During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, recognizing the need to manage stress is more important than ever. It can be tempting to reach for a drink in a stressful situation, but maintaining mental and physical health should be atop priority. Here are some tips to keep in mind: If you did not drink before, do not start now.Consuming alcohol does not protect you from COVID-19. Eat healthy and get enough rest.If you are working from home, try to maintain a schedule and routine.Even in the midst of social distancing, you can stay connected. Reach out virtually to friends/family. Share your feelings and support others.

 

http://www.commonhealth.virginia.gov/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip of the Week: Red Flags within a Relationship

Do you know the expression “love is blinding”? This is a true statement. Even when your gut is telling you that something is wrong, you often ignore it. However, your gut is never wrong. Here are some red flags to look out for when in a relationship:
• Blames others for own faults
• Drug/ Alcohol use/abuse
• Explosive temper
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Fascination with weapons
• Strong gender stereotypes
• Difficulty with authority
• Cannot express emotions verbally
• Treats partner like property/possession
• Isolates you from friends and family
• Blows up about little things
• Thinks it’s okay to resolve conflict with violence
• Checking emails, cellphones and social media without permission
• Constantly insulting or putting down partner and/or humiliating partner in public or in front of loved ones

If you or someone you know sees the warning signs in their relationship, then remember you are not alone and that you have the option to seek help. You can always reach out by contacting NOVA Sexual Assault Services (SAS) directly at nova.sas@nvcc.edu or 703-338-0834.
https://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/sas/dating.html
If you would like to learn more about this topic, join us for our Red Flag Campaign on Monday, March 2nd from 11am to 2pm in the LC Café on the Loudoun Campus. Hope to see you there! https://www.facebook.com/events/166424331470492/

Tip of the Week: Staying Healthy During Flu Season

With cold and flu season swinging into full gear, it can be hard to make sure your immune system is keeping up with your everyday life. Here are a few tips that will help you stay healthy:
• Eat More Protein: Diets with low protein can lead to a weaker immune system so make sure you are incorporating protein into every meal!
• Try to be in the Sun: Vitamin D is a great way to help fight off a cold. If you believe you are not getting enough sunlight in your life, try to find foods that are high in Vitamin D like orange juice, cheese, tuna, and egg yolks!
• Drink Some Green Tea: Green tea has been known to be associated with good health because of its high levels of antioxidants, so skip the coffee and drink some tea!
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Your body will be susceptible to a cold if you are running on a couple hours of sleep every night. Getting a good night’s sleep is an essential tool to keep your immune system strong.
• Drink Lots of Fluids: Staying hydrated is an easy way to ensure your immune system is strong so make sure you drink lots of water!
• Practice Good Hygiene: Limiting your exposer to germs is essential to staying healthy. Try to take showers daily, wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing!

For more tips about staying healthy throughout the semester, visit http://www.ulifeline.org/stay_well

Visit the NOVACares Resources page for more info: https://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/resources.html

Tip of the Week: Time Management

With the semester starting to pick up and midterms around the corner, managing all your assignments and responsibilities can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to manage your time the most effective way:
• Make a Daily To-Do List: With everything going on it is easy to forget an assignment. Make a daily to-do list to prioritize what needs to be accomplished in that day. That way you can use your time efficiently and not be overwhelmed!
• Establish a Routine and Try to Stick to It: You will be much more productive if you stick to a routine and are less likely to mess around when you first wake up.
• Try Not to Multitask: Dividing your time and energy between multiple things will take you twice as long to accomplish both things. Set up blocks of time to do each individual activity. That way you are fully engaged at each task at hand!
• Believe in yourself: Having a lot of assignments can make you feel overwhelmed, but if you believe in yourself that you can get the work done, then it is bound to happen!

For more information about stress management go to https://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/resources.html

Tip of the Week: Self-Love

 

With Valentine’s Day coming up, there is a lot of talk about love. However, the most important love is self-love!

Here are some tips to feel good about yourself:
• Surround yourself with people who bring you up
• Take time for self-love
• Avoid spreading negativity
• Don’t compare yourself with others
• Spread kindness and optimism
• Appreciate what you have
• Be thoughtful of others
• Compliment a stranger
• Get more sleep
• Be open-minded
• Believe in yourself
• Don’t dwell on the past
In celebration of Valentine’s Day NOVA SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES (known as “SAS”) will be visiting the NOVA Annandale, Loudoun, MEC, and Woodbridge campuses to share information on Healthy Relationships. Stop by our table where you can gather information on HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS and create your own handmade Valentine’s Day Cards for family, friends or that special someone in your life for free! Hope to see you there and bring your friends!
Annandale- Monday, February 10th from 11-2 – CA 3rd Floor
Loudoun – Tuesday, February 11th from 11:30-1 – LC Cafe
Medical Education – Wednesday, February 12th from 11-2 – 1st Floor
Woodbridge – Thursday, February 13th from 11-1- WS Lobby

If you are interested in uplifting songs that inspired this post:
Surfaces- Sunday Best
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt3m04Tscc8
Lizzo- Good as Hell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuq-VAiW9kw

For more tips about staying in a positive mindset, visit http://www.ulifeline.org/stay_well
Visit the NOVACares Resources page for more info: https://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/resources.html

Healthy Relationships Week Is Coming to NOVA

In celebration of Valentine’s Day NOVA SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES (known as “SAS”) will be visiting the Annandale, Loudoun, Medical Education, and Woodbridge NOVA Campuses to share information on Healthy Relationships. Stop by our table where you can gather information on HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS and create your own handmade Valentine’s Day Cards for family, friends or that special someone in your life for free! Hope to see you there and bring your friends!

Annandale- Monday, February 10th from 11-2 – CA 3rd Floor
Loudoun – Tuesday, February 11th from 11:30-1 – LC Cafe
Medical Education – Wednesday, February 12th from 11-2 – 1st Floor
Woodbridge – Thursday, February 13th from 11-1- WS Lobby