If you were able to get out of bed today, we are very very proud of you!
By Rimjot Gill
COVID-19, or the coronavirus, has impacted students in unique ways. Schools shut down in March. At first, the idea of an extended March Break was presented and everyone was excited for this, however, this break was eventually extended to the entire year. What we thought was a blessing soon turned into a curse for many. Not for everyone though, some of us are still in the mentality of this extended March Break. In about three months, we’re going to have our second March Break with COVID, meaning it’s been a year since all of this started. With all of this time at home, many of us were driven crazy. Before the first lockdown, no one had ever spent that much time with their family, it was shocking to see how intolerable yet lovable they could be. However, many of us were also feeling a lot more during this pandemic. Some of us were unable to keep up with school because we lacked the resources needed. Others were terrified of the thought of themselves or anyone in their family getting COVID. In one way or another, COVID-19 affected everyone’s mental health, for better or for worse.
For some, school gave them structure in their lives. This routine kept them going everyday. When schools closed, they lost this structure and/or coping mechanism. Many also lost access to mental health resources that were provided by the school. Furthermore, the graduating classes never got a real graduation and some were filled with anxiety with thoughts about their transition to a higher level of schooling. A key stressor for students was also their performance in future years. This is because initially, online school was not properly set up so that students could properly learn. Many teachers were unaware of how to use online software while some students were unable to properly learn at home since they had a weak internet connection, didn’t have enough devices within their home, or were constantly distracted by their family. Many lost motivation and daily routines, which directly correlates to drop out rates. Overall, online school lacks the things that makes most of us miss school today.
Things seem very bleak, however, there are ways to help cope with the drastic changes that COVID-19 has brought to schools. Firstly, try creating a routine for yourself. School is currently structured to give us a daily routine to follow, however, this may not be enough for many. So, one can try to create a morning and/or night-time routine for themselves to follow everyday. For example, I usually wake up earlier so I can shower and do a small skin care routine and at night, I have a small ritual I do which consists of more skin care, creating a to-do list for the next day, and praying. These routines can look different for everyone! Also, make sure you make time to do things you enjoy. It can get difficult to manage time for some because we are learning at a faster pace, however, try taking an hour out of your day to do something that you would normally enjoy doing if you were in school. You could practice some sports skills or learn how to cook a new recipe. Attempt to be more optimistic everyday. This can be difficult for many, but there are still good things that may be happening throughout life somewhere, somehow. Even the small things like the fact that your family is safe and healthy, that it is starting to snow outside, or that Christmas break is almost here (teachers, please don’t give us work over the break). Although they are difficult to notice, good things still exist during this pandemic! Lastly, keep in touch with your friends and family. This may seem like an odd coping mechanism for some however family and friends often help in unexpected ways. It also may be possible that someone you know is in need of support however feel too intimidated to reach out to someone. You can support each other in many ways. Although we are physically apart, we are still together.
For further coping mechanisms, please contact your guidance counselor, a trusted adult, or a friend. If you were able to get out of bed today, you did great and I am so proud of you! Although this may seem like a small task, this is a great accomplishment for some. This pandemic has mentally affected everyone in many different ways. Take it one day at a time. It’s ok if you did better yesterday than you did today, every day will not be perfect. When needed, take time for yourself. Remember, you are not alone. There are many people around you that want to help you. If needed, take that first big step and ask for help. You won’t regret it!
Additional Resources:
Kids Help Phone: counselors are available 24/7 to help you
1-800-668-6868 or text “CONNECT” to 686868
Suicidal thoughts? Call 9-1-1 or talk to someone through Kids Help Phone
-Online therapy, The world’s largest emotional support system, 24/7 support is present, if you need to talk to anyone then you can connect with listeners, licensed therapists, or speak with others through group chats
Contact your school and speak with someone
Works Cited
“Students.” School Mental Health Ontario, 2020, smho-smso.ca/covid-19/students/.
Lee, Joyce. “Mental Health Effects of School Closures during COVID-19.” The Lancet, 14 Apr. 2020, Mental health effects of school closures during COVID-19.