Effects of the Pandemic on the Mental Health of Students

Covid-19 has or is affecting everyone’s life in one way or the other. Our ways of living and communicating were altered in a bid to survive during this pandemic. Having being used to doing everything manually and physically, we have now adjusted to learning how to get things done virtually.

The shift in methods of communication has truly impacted everyone; however, the article only focuses on the manner in which the pandemic has impacted the lives of students globally. A survey conducted in the UK showed that 138 out of 195 students experienced an increase in stress and anxiety during the pandemic. Therefore, this article discusses the effects of Covid-19 on the mental health of students and how to cope with the effects.

How Do Students Feel About Online Learning?

To put it straight, most students are confused. It no longer feels like learning but just an obligation that needs to be fulfilled. Students require the right environment and facW- to-face physical interaction with their teachers to learn better and that is no longer an option.

Attending classes and finishing assignments has become more of a burden. Many students complain about having a hard time being attentive and also having a hard time understanding concepts through online learning. This has also been acknowledged by UNICEF and is regularly talked about.

Besides, not everyone is privileged enough to have access to the internet and technology 24/7. Some students are finding it even harder to cope with school due to their financial limitations. All of these hurdles leave them confused, irritated, and weaker in their studies.

Many teachers are taking advantage of the online schooling system and expect students to do the most themselves. Many students complain about how their teachers have simply stopped ‘teaching’ them and they just post PDFs and expect the students to figure things out on their own. This leaves students even more frustrated and annoyed, which is leading to their mental issues.

Mental Impacts

Depression and Stress:

Depression and strees are among the major mental impacts of Covvid-19 on students. A survey that focused on international students showed that about 84.7% of the students had high to moderate amounts of stress, whereas 12% had depression, and 18% had some level of insomnia. Students of all ages feel stuck and suffocated.

Personality Disorder:

Depression and strees are among the major mental impacts of Covvid-19 on students. A survey that focused on international students showed that about 84.7% of the students had high to moderate amounts of stress, whereas 12% had depression, and 18% had some level of insomnia. Students of all ages feel stuck and suffocated.

Insomnia:

Depression and strees are among the major mental impacts of Covvid-19 on students. A survey that focused on international students showed that about 84.7% of the students had high to moderate amounts of stress, whereas 12% had depression, and 18% had some level of insomnia. Students of all ages feel stuck and suffocated.

How Can Students Cope With These Effects?

• Try calling a friend – Talking to someone about how you feel this will always help.
• Spend quality time with your family – This will help with the lack of in-person human contact due to the pandemic.
• Pick up on hobbies that you can do at home – Try getting into cooking, baking, painting, or even DIY. This will help divert your mind from academic stress.
• Talk to mental health charities – like , Mind, Place2Be,Time to Talk Mental Health UK, Together for Mental Wellbeing, Mental Health Foundation , Rethink

Conclusion:

This article shows that students are indeed stressed due to this pandemic. Students around the world are witnessing a huge strain and frustration. However, it is important for students to be support by their universities, mental health organisation etc to enable them ease of this unexpected burden and to progress effectively with their studies.