ReJOYvination program supports students’ mental health during the pandemic
As millions around the world are impacted daily by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health effects of the coronavirus are appearing in significant ways. According to a recent report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health issues or substance use as they try to cope with the various challenges of the coronavirus.
These concerns are magnified when we are dealing with young people and college students, as the CDC findings showed an overwhelming number of college students reporting declining mental health during the coronavirus, as they struggle to focus on school and work and have difficulty adjusting to a new normal.
It is with this in mind that KU Chabad has expanded its vital program called “ReJOYvination 360,” a multifaceted and broad initiative aimed at creating a full spectrum of emotional support for Jewish students at KU. This holistic, all-encompassing effort is aimed to provide students with the support, resources and skills to achieve mental wellness and fight the stigma of mental illness.
With their parents hundreds of miles away, students turn to the Chabad House when they are in crisis. The loving presence of co-directors Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel are an effective stopgap measure, as very often they serve as first responders when a student is in a crisis.
“Being an out-of-state student, it’s tough not having family around to help me through rough times, so it’s good to have my Chabad family to fall back on whenever I need them,” said KU senior Sami Schechter. “It’s beyond heartwarming to know that no matter what pain is going on in your life, the Tiechtels are always just happy to embrace you for who you are.”
