For the last 26 months, the lives of all humankind have been desperately changed in part because of COVID-19 and although our circumstances here in the U.S have been improving as life begins to go back to normalcy. There are and will continue to be long term consequences from this deadly pandemic and it’s important for communities to continue the efforts of help to those who are still in need.
The time is now for students, parents and school faculty to focus on the long-term consequences of the social and emotional challenges that society is facing. One of these not so obvious consequences is the silent, emotional killer of isolation and anxiety that has struck all people in various ways. Many are still unable to navigate their way forward.
The proof of this struggle with isolation and anxiousness is seen in the increase of suicide at the college level. The University of North Carolina is one of the many recent examples of the isolation and pain students are feeling, stating “Students have reported higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress.(EDNC).
The University of Michigan of Medicine wrote an article on coping with the consequences of COVID and some tips for college students to help them thrive out of this tragic time. One suggestion is for college students to “know that it is okay to feel how you are feeling, to maintain a routine, to practice good sleep hygiene, to connect with others, and to take a break”.
In another powerful article in The Nation, discusses the struggle of mental health in this crisis and how “as the COVID-19 worsen the expectations and resources of the campus remained largely the same.” The article goes on to explain that in the Healthy Mind Study which is an annual survey of thousands of students, “60 percent of students say they had trouble accessing mental health care”, which is disappointing to learn.The article goes on to state “in 2020, 40 percent of college students reported experiencing depression and 34 percent reported anxiety “.
The need for awareness, local resources and purposeful guidance will be the key factors in changing the isolation and anxiety that plagues students at the college level.
Websites for local guidance and help
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