Resources for coping with loss

Following the recent events and sudden losses impacting our JMU Community, the Counseling Center wanted to share information about resources and services available. We hope the information below can be helpful as we support one another.

First, know that people deal with grief, loss, and tragic events differently. There is no “right” way to feel or grieve. Avoid comparing your reactions with the reactions of others. If you are experiencing intense emotions, know that these are a normal and healthy response to loss. We would encourage you to take extra good care of yourself at this time. This may include: eating well-balanced meals, getting plenty of rest, building physical activity into your day, spending time with the people you care about, and reaching out for support. To learn more about grief and strategies for caring for yourself and others following loss, visit the Counseling Center’s grief resource page. Information about coping with trauma, and strategies for taking care yourself when managing stress are also available.

If you notice having difficulty managing intense reactions to recent experiences and/or are experiencing difficulty functioning in your daily activities, know that mental health support is available. The JMU Counseling Center offers a variety of mental health services to support students. Review our first visit page to learn more about how to connect to services. Additionally, JMU students have access to free telehealth support through TimelyCare. Learn more about TimelyCare services, which include scheduled individual counseling as well as 24/7, on demand support through TalkNow.

Remember that 24/7 support is always available for JMU students experiencing a mental health emergency (e.g., thoughts or plans to kill yourself, thoughts of seriously harming others, recent sexual assault) occurring: Monday - Friday 8am-4:30pm, visit the Counseling Center (SSC, 3rd floor, Suite 3100) to speak with a clinician. After regular business hours or on weekends: call the Counseling Center at 540-568-6552 and press "1” to connect to the after-hours crisis line.

Additional 24 hour emergency services are available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and/or locally through accessing services at Sentara RMH Medical Hospital (540-689-1414), 2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg, VA. 

For JMU faculty & staff interested in connecting with their own mental health support, please know that the Employee Assistance Program (offered through the Office of Human Resources) provides up to four counseling sessions at no cost.

To our entire JMU community - know that we are here for one another, you are not alone, and that support is available.