Switching to online learning has been a hard transition for many students across the country. While staying home is keeping students safe from the pandemic, it can cause an increase in mental health conditions.
When school moved to online back in March, for many there was a sense of uncertainty about the future. What was thought to be a few weeks of online learning turned into months of this new style of learning with no end in the near future.
Being isolated at home from other students, friends, and sometimes family for an extended amount of time can have negative effects on a student’s mental health.
Everyone has a different experience during these times, but some students have noticed an overall increase in their anxiety and depression.
College student Katarina Pearce said, “My mental health has been fluctuating since I started online school. Most days are good and I can do anything, and some are bad and I can’t get out of bed.”
Pearce also said she has had a hard time learning at home.
“I have so many distractions at home that it is hard to sit down and focus on my school work. I haven’t truly learned anything so far this semester,” Pearce said.
With colleges around the country staying online, some doctors are concerned for the effects it could have on students.
Dr. Mario San Bartolome, the founding director for the Memorial Care Addiction Medicine Unit, said, “The peer social interaction that students lose or those that have to go back home and having to deal with an expanding role with their family can have negative effects on a student’s mental health.”
Many students living at home have also experienced the struggles of living with family, pets, and with limited space for studying.
This can cause frustration for those who have a hard time focusing and may not be able to finish tasks on time.
While this transition to online is challenging for many, many students have realized the importance of mental health and self care during this time.
“I started to make a routine for myself to fill in the days so I’m not staring at my phone all day,” Pearce said.
“I started yoga recently and it has helped me clear my mind. I also do a strict skincare routine every day, I journal every day and I go for long walks with my dogs,” she said.
San Bartolme said, “Self-care needs to be centered. Exercise, recreation, less idle time, not allowing yourself to fall into a hole of sitting on the internet, yoga, meditation, are really important.”
“Avoid self-isolation as much as possible,” he said.
While focusing on self-care to improve your mental health, some may need professional help.
San Bartolme advised against thinking, “I can do this myself.”
For those struggling with a mental health disorder, San Bartolme also said, “Reach out to mental health programs.There are a lot of programs that are now available to everyone more than ever before.”
Long Beach City College also offers various resources for students struggling with their mental health, including individual therapy sessions. These resources can be viewed at https://www.lbcc.edu/mental-health-services.
However, if you are having thoughts about harming yourself or other people, please call 911 or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).