Irene Tussy
Remember back in March 2020 when we college students all thought we were getting a mere two-week vacation because of some virus that started with a C? Well, look at us now. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in myriad ways, big and small. And we all cope in different ways.
Some of us weren’t even aware of how the pandemic had changed our lives until it was time to come back to campus. Some of us forgot how to socialize with new classmates - or maybe it just scares us now - and others of us simply can’t stand wearing a mask all-day. Studies show that about 20% of students claim that their mental health has significantly worsened, 38% experience trouble focusing on studies and find work to be more stressful, and 74% of students struggle to maintain a routine. So, I present to you some advice on how to combat the negative mental health effects of COVID-19:
Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone if you need help or just need someone to talk to! Reaching out allows you to put your feelings “out there,” and it may also help the person who’s listening to you. Sometimes all it takes is saying something out loud to feel better about it.
Take time to do something you enjoy with the people you love! This allows you to remember what makes you happy and will remind you to actively make decisions to maximize your happiness.
Studies also show that 69% of college students are extremely hopeful about their future. So, look for comfort in the fact that you are NOT alone. So many of us are experiencing the same feelings as you!
Source: Active Minds
-Irene Tussy, Writer