Mental Health and how it is affecting students during the pandemic.

 

What is the first thing that pops up in your mind when you hear “Mental health”? Is it anxiety? Stress? Workload? It could be anything. 

By definition, mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Now, you may ask how is it caused? Mental health issues can be caused by literally anything to literally anybody. You would not be even able to realize the person you’re sitting next to might be in trauma. 

Some of the very common causes are: 

• childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect.

• social isolation or loneliness.

• experiencing discrimination and stigma.

• social disadvantage, poverty, or debt.

• bereavement (losing someone close to you)

• severe or long-term stress.

• having a long-term physical health condition.

• unemployment or losing your job.

It is extremely important to talk about this particular topic because not everyone in today’s society talks about the same. Some think it’s just a light topic and very unnecessary to be discussed whereas some might think it’s a shame to talk about this. In fact, people think going to a psychiatrist is an absolute shame. These all are the reasons exactly why we should talk about this topic. It is very much important to clear the air and the rumors about these topics.

Now let’s talk about today’s topic. 

How this pandemic is affecting students and their mental health.

As we all know, students are not able to go out, study at school, socialize, etc how they used to, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some students are very much not used to this environment while some might be. Some are comfortable living like this whereas some might be dying to go out and meet their friends and interact and live how they used to. But they like it or not, this is their new habitat. They have to be at home for their lives’ sake and their loved ones. 

Now staying at home for students is not always easy. Especially for the students who are very extroverted and socializing or even for the introverted ones. These children regardless of what their age is, feel bored or stress over their studies every now and then. Schools are giving them homework using the excuse that they are at home, free, and available. But the work pressure they receive might be a burden to them sometimes. Not always but sometimes. Well, this pressure or stress, in turn, affects their mental health and can cause them severe trauma or even depression.

Bereavement, isolation, and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation, and stroke. People with pre-existing mental, neurological, or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection ̶ they may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes and even death.

“Nearly three in 10 (29%) say their child is “already experiencing harm” to their emotional or mental health because of social distancing and closures. Another 14% indicate their children are approaching their limits, saying they could continue social distancing a few more weeks until their mental health suffers.”

In some ways, the COVID-19 era seems like exactly the right time to educate students on how to manage the intense sadness, isolation, and anxiety they are feeling. But during the horrible natural experiment called coronavirus, is that the right message to send to students — to push through hardship, bounce back from failure, and come out stronger? 

Lastly, all we can think about during these challenging times are the positive things and how we all united can overcome these situations.

During this difficult time, it's important to continue looking after your physical and mental health. This will not only help you in the long term, but it will also help you fight COVID-19 if you get it.

First, eat a healthy and nutritious diet, which helps your immune system to function properly. Second, limit your alcohol consumption, and avoid sugary drinks. Third, don't smoke. Smoking can increase your risk of developing a severe disease if you become infected with COVID-19. Fourth, exercise

Only a few steps towards your own wellbeing can save you from a huge problem and you might not even realize. 

Be safe.

Visit our Mundial Group page.