As the coronavirus became more serious at the beginning of 2020, many lives were uprooted from their normal routines. In the United States, the mental health of many lives were affected as they had to remain in their homes due to the rising scare of the pandemic.
In June, there was a 40% increase in adults struggling with mental health or substance use (Czeisler et al., 2020). The figure on the left shows an increase in anxiety/depression symptoms, substance use, suicidal thoughts, and trauma/stressor-related disorder symptoms. It is also important to note that the most impacted in the US are younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and essential workers that reported to be experiencing worse mental health outcomes (Czeisler et al., 2020).
More specifically to universities, many students are not experiencing a normal college life due to the regulations that the universities enforce for the safety of their students and home-living situations. In a study done on 195 college students at a large public university in the US, 71% indicated that they have felt increased stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 outbreak (Son et al., 2020). Multiple stressors included fear of their health, difficulty concentrating, change in sleeping pattern, decreased social interactions, concern on academic performance (Son et al., 2020). While this study may have only included a mere 195 college students compared to almost 20 million college students in the US, it is still possible to conclude that many students are feeling overwhelmed about the current situation.
Attending school and handling coursework while living a different lifestyle in the most recent school year has many students feeling lost or hopeless. Seeing as many people from different backgrounds are experiencing various stressful life changes, finding a positive outlet can be helpful for those struggling. It may consist of seeking professional guidance, talking to a friend or family member, or taking the time for oneself, or more. This may also be the first time for a lot of students who are dealing with the balance between school and life, and it is completely normal to feel stress and worry during this uncertain time.
Everywhere in the US, someone may be struggling mentally during COVID-19. Mental health awareness is more important than ever as we navigate through the incoming years. Communication with yourself or others may help alleviate the stress in our lives.
Like all college students in the US, many Brandeis University students struggle with the effects of COVID-19 as well. To limit social gatherings, students are forced to stay at home or in their dorms. As a result, social interactions have been very low and people are focusing on other aspects of their lives from how COVID-19 has disrupted our lives. Madison Wan, a current Brandeis University student, expresses her experience dealing with COVID-19 while living on campus: “Going from having a triple to a single dorm, there were many changes to how I would usually do things. When having a triple, you would have someone to talk to or look over your shoulder to see someone studying to motivate yourself to do work. With COVID-19 social distancing, being away from your family, and being in a single, it's changed my environment that caused a strain on homework at times and makes me feel more closed off to the world. Though I do go out to socialize or video call my friends and family, being in my room with just my thoughts can be overpowering. Something about laughing by yourself during a movie really hits different”. Madison’s personal account highlights a change in social interactions and academic performance because she has had to adjust to this new way of life. Madison also emphasizes that time spent alone is unavoidable and this limited communication to the outside world shifted her emotions. To be aware of one’s mental health is crucial during this long period of loneliness for everyone. and finding positive solutions and reaching out can help relieve the worries of many students.
If you or anyone you know is feeling overwhelmingly stressed, please find support and reach out for help at the suicide prevention lifeline here: 1-800-273-8255
References Czeisler, M.É., Lane, R.I., Petrosky, E, Wiley, J.F., Christensen, A., Njai, R., Weaver, M.D., Robbins, R., Facer-Childs, E.R., Barger, L.K., Czeisler, C.A., Howard, M.E., Rajaratnam, S.M.W. (2020). Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 24–30, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 69:1049–1057. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585 Son, C., Hegde, S., Smith, A., Wang, X., & Sasangohar, F. (2020). Effects of COVID-19 on College Students' Mental Health in the United States: Interview Survey Study. Journal of medical Internet research, 22(9), e21279. https://doi.org/10.2196/21279