All over the world, people are reeling from the effects of this pandemic on their mental and emotional health. No one is exempt from the chaos and insecurity of these uncertain times, which is especially true for college students. The fall 2020 semester is just around the corner, but many questions still remain unanswered.
Millions of students do not know if they will return to campus, take digital classes remotely or plan for a combination of both. This lack of clarity-not to mention, fears about a second wave of COVID-19 in the months ahead-can lead to heightened stress and anxiety. Before the outbreak, an estimated one in five college students were likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness, notes the Psychiatry Research Journal, and this number is projected to increase as the virus continues to upend most areas of life.
Between the social disconnect or isolation, the loss of a structured routine, the graduation delays, the university housing closures, the financial worries, and the disruption of classes, work-study programs or internships, there is so much to feel anxious and overwhelmed about. But you do not have to suffer alone or without resources. Here are some ideas to manage anxiety even as you brace for an unpredictable fall semester.
Take a Social Media Detox if Necessary.
New data on this pandemic seems to emerge with each scroll and swipe of your newsfeed. But instant access to information is not always a benefit. The rate at which headlines spread and change across social media platforms is dizzying, and the human brain cannot process these latest updates as quickly as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter crank them out. Heavy social media consumption can decrease social interactions, cause dependency on notifications, and lead to depression or anxiety over time, points out HealthMarkets. If your mood is affected by too much scrolling, establish these boundaries to avoid unhealthy social media use:
Turn off the notification alerts on your devices, so you will not be tempted to check your screen when it chimes or vibrates.
Fill your social network with content that is positive, inspirational and purposeful. Unfollow anything that makes you feel anxious.
Balance your social media usage with real-world conversations and relationships. This can be difficult right now due to physical distance, but instead of a Snapchat DM, coordinate a phone or FaceTime chat.
Know Your Financial Support Options
If you have lost income from a part-time job or work-study position due to COVID-19, you might be concerned about how to afford tuition, housing and other expenses once your school does reopen. This is why it's crucial to understand what kind of monetary assistance is available to you. Under the federal CARES Act, student loan borrowers and financial aid recipients are entitled to relief if they-or their parents-have been financially impacted by the virus. In addition, if you started a work-study before the university closure, some of these programs will compensate for remote work. Federal Student Aid advises contacting your school to discuss the options.
Utilize Telehealth Counseling Services
While many colleges have indefinitely chosen to suspend their mental health services, some offer virtual counseling as part of the student fees you paid last semester. A visit to the "campus resources" tab on your school's website should tell you if telehealth counseling is accessible free-of-charge. However, if this is not a current option for you, a number of therapists offer sliding-scale payments based on what each client can afford, so use this online directory to locate a telehealth counselor in your area. In addition, if you start to feel desperate and need immediate support or crisis intervention, the following hotlines are free, and many are available 24/7.
CrisisTextLine or The Steve Fund Text Line (for people of color)
Allow Yourself to Escape with a Book
Sometimes mental and emotional self-care comes in the form of a break from reality (and from Netflix too). This does not mean you live in denial or become out of touch-it just means that you need some occasional distance from what triggers your stress and anxiety. With these summer months spent mostly indoors, now is the time to lose yourself in a pleasure read. Whether you love a fictional suspense thriller, a motivational self-help guide or a famous culture shifter's personal memoir, this essential summer book list from EPOCHClemsonStudentLiving will keep your mind off those anxious thoughts and focused on a more constructive, enjoyable pastime.
As a college student, how are you handling the uncertainties of this COVID-19 pandemic? Have you experienced an increase in anxiety as questions about the fall semester continue to loom? What resources, activities or coping mechanisms help you lower that feeling of anxiety? Share your feedback in the comment section below!
