The Mental Health Fallout of COVID

But, at this point, the sense of uncertainty is not only due to the virus. Young people around the world have become more worried about their mental health. Lack of purpose (finding meaning and fulfillment in daily life) is a major cause of young people’s poor mental health today.

Physical distancing can feel like it is placing life on hold. Boredom and monotony make it hard to find motivation, while loneliness and disconnection are negatively affecting mental health. In March 2020, 36% of young adults said emotion was at a level of -28% (compared to normal, pre-COVID), but in September they ranked it at -61% compared to normal.

Additionally, after months of social distancing, self-isolation, and daily routines being upended, many have lost sight of their goals and often feel each day blends into the next.

According to The College Fix, many colleges have been equated to “prison,” because a growing number of students feel despair over campus life under COVID. “Students across the country are sounding the alarm about how various campus coronavirus restrictions are harming them, with many students saying they feel isolated and trapped inside their dorm rooms.”

Lack of support from their community and others around them is increasing that feeling of despair. More than anything, young people are craving physical social connection. Even though virtual experiences have kept them connected with their friends, family and loved ones, there is no replacement for being there in person.

Many crisis centers across the country are reporting 30% to 40% increases in the number of people seeking help. Experts say the “psychological impact of COVID will harm more people than the virus itself,” says PEW Research.

In March 2020, people seemed more fearful of getting COVID than today. What caused the most fear/anxiety in young adults was “A friend or family member getting the Coronavirus.” However, in June, the top concern was “My emotional/mental health.”

But young adults realize mental health is an issue. According to the survey, the number of people implementing self-care practices such as meditation and using mental health apps nearly doubled from 17% in March to 30% in June. Additional self-care practices include:

• Getting enough sleep; relaxing and recharging to quiet the mind and reduce anxiety.
• Participating in regular physical activity.
• Eating a balanced diet and avoid too much junk food.
• Limiting screen time (especially 30 minutes before bedtime).
• Doing something for others; supporting a family member or friend.
• Remembering that nothing is permanent (“this too shall pass”).
• Connecting with faith groups and organizations.
• Living in the moment; focusing your physical and mental energy on what is going on right now.

Even with self-care, you may often find yourself feeling angry, anxious or depressed but you are not alone. There is nothing wrong with seeking professional help. Connecting with others who are affected similarly, engaging in meaningful conversations, and exploring practical steps toward recovery can provide powerful tools for attaining mental wellness.

At The Arise Society we provide personalized academic, therapeutic, and social support in a real-world setting, which gives our students the skills to reach their fullest potential. Students benefit from group and individual therapy, 24/7 availability of mentor support, activities and social events – even through COVID.

Utah Valley University has navigated COVID with minimal disruptions. More than 4,000 courses moved to online-only instruction in the spring, and fall courses are a blend of face-to-face, remote and online. At Arise, we have been taking health precautions and as an unexpected silver lining, we can accommodate new students with online and remote curricula from other colleges. Students struggling with the shift toward online learning can still have a college experience at The Arise Society. www.thearisesociety.com

If you or someone you know is in a crisis and needs help now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255. Additional resources can be found on the CDC’s website here.

Sources:

COVID-19 and your mental health (Mayo Clinic)

Fear, Isolation, Depression: The Mental Health Fallout of a Worldwide Pandemic (PEW)

‘This is prison’: Growing number of college students feel misery, despair over campus life under COVID (The College Fix)

Young People Around the World Are in a Mental Health Crisis (VICE)