Dec 22, 2022
2022 and it is still here! Covid has been in our lives for three years and still going. It has put everyone’s mental health to the test, and no one is alone. In fact, research shows 83% of young people state Covid has worsened their mental health. With this, levels of anxiety and depression are at 37% according to ONS which have been statistically higher than the average of 22%.
But let’s dive into the life of a student across the pandemic!
The pandemic has had both an impact on both physical health by no doubt, but also mental health!
Isolation. Exactly what it means mentally as it means literally. When catching Covid the only friend you had was you and yourself. With this it comes a frustrating environment with feeling:
- Trapped
- Anxious to speak to others
- Lonely
- Depressed
- Confused
- Or simply feel like you cannot concentrate on anything
Sound familiar? This only was heighted through different elements of student life including:
There is no doubt that education itself has been tough however, the amount of independence students have had to go through is shocking! Student mental health has decreased exponentially!
It is one thing having physical and immediate support in classrooms or lecture theatres.
However, through the pandemic, students have had to teach themselves, and learn and apply by themselves but still had to take the same exams as previous year groups have but with less support.
Group work and independent work involved less support and falling grades.
Let’s start off with first year university students.
University. Supposedly one of the best periods of your life as they say. Not for the pandemic students.
Student mental health has taken a toll on their social life. Anxiety has increased very quickly impacting an increased number of students than previous years!
Why? Well, the pandemic of course.
Needing to comply to the countless lockdowns and their rules have put students, especially those starting first year, in a position where all ability to socialise has gone down the drain! Most students have forgotten how to communicate speak to others!
This has made it increasingly harder to make new friends and makes those lonely and isolating feelings become stronger and stronger. As if it were not hard enough already.
Even with 2nd year students, their entire university life got cut short.
During the first year of Covid, students had to evacuate or stay indoors through with police street inspections, fines or jail time on the cards if not in compliance!
Rough, isn’t it? It is no surprise why of student mental health is affected. But how do we get through this?
Are you one of the pandemic students or have been affected by the pandemic as a student? Head Agenda is the place for you! Make an enquiry for student mental health support in Leeds!
Disclaimer: This article has been designed for entertainment and informational purposes; it is not personalised medical advice. This guide may be a useful read to generate some ideas, however, please take advice from a medical professional.