Almost everyone has experienced periods of poor mental health in their life, yet in these trying times, you may find that your mental health has taken a turn for the worse. The COVID-19 pandemic can be very stressful for many people, so if you’re feeling fearful and overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Other safety measures, like social distancing and quarantining, can enforce feelings of isolation, which in turn create more stress and anxiety. 

For students, these stressful times can be made worse with the addition of schoolwork, Zooms, and limited social interaction. In a short interview on the matter, a student at PHS (who wishes to remain anonymous) said that “I find online school really difficult, especially when it comes to keeping up with my schoolwork and finding the motivation to do assignments on my own. Also, it’s very overwhelming to have to keep track of my work and keep my grades. I think a lot of kids struggle with that”. Overall, many students are feeling the pressure of online school, and it’s taking a toll on their mental health. 

Isolation and social distancing is also causing a spike in depression rates among both students and adults. A statement by the US Census Bureau stated that roughly one-third of Americans struggle with clinical depression and anxiety, and that “these and other mental conditions are becoming amplified during the recent pandemic, while COVID-19 patients and their families are also at high risk to develop depression and anxiety.”Between not being able to work, social distancing guidelines, and online school, it’s no wonder that more students than ever are feeling isolated and alone. 

Although there is no single solution for mental health issues, there are multiple ways that you can take care of yourself during these troubling times. Fight feelings of loneliness by maintaining social connections, whether it be through video calls, texting, or hanging out with friends in a COVID friendly way. In today’s world, there are so many pressing issues that it can be easy to get overwhelmed; taking a break from social media and the news for a little bit can help relieve this. Along with taking care of your emotional health, remember that it is extremely important to take care of your body, too. Try to exercise, drink water and eat, get enough sleep, and go easy on drugs and alcohol. These small changes may not eradicate all negative mental health issues, but they are steps in the right direction.

This being said, it is always important to know when to seek professional help. If you feel that you need to see a therapist or another form or treatment, it’s always better to do so sooner than later. Especially in these trying times, always remember that there is nothing wrong with seeking help when you need it. 

Hotlines:

Disaster Distress Hotline (1-800-985-5990)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (1-800-950-NAMI)