ISLA VISTA, CA – Prioritizing our mental health as we enter a new school year can be more taxing than ever. Learning in a predominantly online environment can be undeniably stressful as it pushes people to master concepts in a way that has never been done before. However, looking after your own mental health and well-being is critical because your thoughts, feelings, and emotions all matter.
The effects COVID-19 has on your mental health are as essential to address as its physical effects.
It’s important to note that this pandemic affects everyone differently, and all experiences and reactions to COVID-19 are valid and personal to the individual. Homelessness and unemployment are few of the things people have experienced due to COVID. According to the LA Times, the unemployment rate in Santa Barbara County rose 10.3% this year, reaching a total of 13.7%.
Kaitlyn Medland, a third-year at UCSB, shared how quarantining with family members has both its pros and cons.
“Upon the cancellation of in-person instruction in March, I was privileged to return home with my family. In quarantine with them, I felt lucky to have extra bonding time with my younger brothers. However, being home is not always joyful,” Medland said. “There were moments when I clashed with my parents, unable to go anywhere or find solace through seeing friends. With no room of my own or office to complete my work in, I was constantly shrouded by family and distractions.”
Having to stay home and spend time away from your friends and the life you once knew, coupled with the fear of contracting COVID-19, it is completely normal for it to take a toll on your mental health. Based on a recent CDC Household Pulse Survey reporting that nearly 40% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 have experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression in the last few months, it is clear that young adults should look after their mental health now, more than ever.
Medland explained how going back home to quarantine impacted her mental health and ability to focus on class material.
“Ultimately, my mental health deteriorated and I constantly felt irritable. My school work was affected, particularly when I had no motivation and fell behind due to the mounting assignments. We have less free space at home and yet we are expected to be as attentive and hardworking as we were on campus. Staying home for Fall will most likely bring great stress and although I will attempt to soothe this, my school work and involvement will be affected.”
With the majority of classes being taught virtually, it is hard for students to form a human connection solely through Zoom calls and Flipgrid videos. Being taught in this new setting can be emotionally draining and make it difficult to keep up with school tasks and personal obligations. If you struggle with this Zoom fatigue or find yourself staying home this Fall, know that you’re not alone and there are channels and outlets where you can talk to someone and be heard.
In addition to getting in touch with resources, it is important to look after yourself and listen to what your body needs. Self care is something that, like the effects of the pandemic, varies from person to person. The way you choose to care for yourself is completely your own.
Whether it’s watching a movie from home, or eating your favorite meal, self-care should be a way to remind yourself that your personal needs are important too. In fact, simply giving yourself a break to do “nothing” is an act of self-care in and of itself. Something that took me a while to grasp is that you don’t need to be productive everyday. Take time to slow down and recuperate to prevent a burnout; there is no shame in taking a break from things.
“Practicing self-care is vital, during a pandemic or not. I suggest to everyone to try new hobbies, to keep the mind busy. For me, painting has been soothing and a time where I can disconnect from my worries. These activities keep the brain active but are not extensive and can bring calmness. To connect with others, try to check up on friends and family. Even if they haven’t reached out to you, they will greatly appreciate receiving a message or call from you.”
Putting your mental health first can be challenging, whether it’s inside a pandemic or out. With the start of a new quarter comes new responsibilities and tasks, which seemingly leave no time to tend to your personal needs. However, even if it’s just 5 minutes to yourself in the morning, taking the time to check in on yourself is essential to both your mental and physical health. If you’re having a hard time, feeling stressed or unmotivated, remind yourself that these times are unlike any other time in history. So take breaks, reach out to your loved ones, and try not to be so hard on yourself – we’re all in this together.
Resources
Crisis Text Line: Text MHA to 741741 and you’ll be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line provides free, text-based support 24/7.
The Trevor Project: Dial 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678. A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth.
Trans Lifeline: Dial 877-565-8860 for US and 877-330-6366 for Canada. Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers.
StrongHearts Native Helpline: Dial 1-844-762-8483. The StrongHearts Native Helpline is a confidential and anonymous culturally-appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT.
Dial 2-1-1: If you need assistance finding food, paying for housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, visit 211.org or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help. Run by the United Way.
UCSB Counselling and Psychological Services: Dial (805) 893-4411 for a Clinician on call available 24/7
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