Keeping mental health in-check
By Mary Okorie
Mental health has always been of concern but has increased significantly during the Covid19 period. This is due to many factors such as isolation from people, changing daily routine, and academic stress. Isolation seems to be the significant factor that increases the chances of having a mental health problem. Being alone almost all day with no-one to talk to, not being able to hang out with friends like before, and interacting with new people can lead to depression, especially in students. Since there is no-one to discuss their problems with, they bear it alone, thereby increasing mental health issues. Change in their daily routine also has an impact on mental health. Before the pandemic, students woke up early to go to school. After school, students would have some other place to go. Possibly the gym, or even go to the mall. All of this has changed due to the restrictions placed during Covid19. Students' routines have changed. They now stay at home to have classes, gyms are closed or only allow a small proportion of people. There are not many places to go to because they are either closed, don't let people stay inside, or only a tiny proportion. Change of routine would take some time to get used to and can also affect their mental health. Also, academic stress has always been one of the causes of mental health issues, but with Covid19, it seems worse. Since there is no motivation, students might find it hard to attend classes. With the distractions at home, they might find it hard to complete all the assignments given to them. They might also find it hard to study since some people's style of studying is group learning. When exams are nearby, their stress levels heighten.
It is essential to keep mental health in check, and people should make sure that if they start to see symptoms, they should access the school's online mental health services. They should also invite few friends following the restrictions to not feel alone and interact with people. Time management and a reasonable timetable could help reduce academic stress. They accept the change that comes with Covid19, and looking at the positive side of things and how to best adapt and make a new routine would also help. We can make it through this pandemic!