Covid-19 Affects Students' Mental Health

Throughout the pandemic many students began struggling with higher levels of anxiety and depression. Feelings of isolation can increase stress and anxiety, which can lead you to feel fear, anger, sadness, worry and numbness. A CDC survey found that, “40.9% of 5470 respondents reported an adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder, trauma-related symptoms, new or increased substance use, or thoughts of suicide.” Some young adults are also dealing with a diminished income and unemployment (Harvard Gazette). According to the CDC, People can find themselves having a change in appetite, becoming indecisive, and having trouble sleeping. Generation Z is highly affected by Covid-19 because, “Children's brains are still developing until they are about 25, so they tend to be more vulnerable when responding to problems brought on by the pandemic,” said Dr. Michael Barrow, a doctor with Premier Health Family Care. During quarantine, children and teens have even been experiencing suicidal ideation and the education system hasn’t been making it any easier. 

School has become difficult because of remote learning, especially for people with learning disabilities. In the classroom, you had specific times dedicated for learning, but now we face many distractions being stuck at home. “I don’t have a safe space anymore from anxiety because I work and do school from home,” said Kally Compton, a student at LIM College. Not having access to the amenities that are given to us in school can make it incredibly difficult to get assignments done. “It feels like the assignments are never ending,” said Lisette Morales, a student at Rutgers College. Professors at colleges seem to be assigning more work than ever before and some universities got rid of the week-long break colleges had during Spring. “There’s a lot of material to study in a short amount of time,” said Natalia Lewinski, a student at Middlesex County College.

Trying to figure out how to deal with all these issues can feel overwhelming. The CDC recommends taking breaks from consuming the news, including social media because it can trigger anxiety. As well as, taking care of yourself through exercise and good nutrition. Most importantly, connect with others about how you feel. This could be with a mental health care professional, friends, family, your community or faith-based organization. If you’re a student right now, it’s important to take breaks and try to do all the assignments you can without burning out. Make sure to create a connection with your professors and inform them if you are feeling overwhelmed. And remember it’s okay not be a perfect student.