The covid 19 pandemic’s effect on students has been well documented. Whether it’s been the impact on our social lives, relationships or even our educational standards, the pandemic has caused the world of student life to be turned upside down. While we find ourselves grateful that the worst seems to be behind us, we can never forget the immense impact covid 19 has had on our health. I talk in this case not about the illness caused by the infection of the virus, but the impact on our mental wellbeing. In this case, the toll it has taken on students suffering with anxiety.
The pandemic has brought to light our lack of support and understanding for those suffering with mental health issues. As an anxiety sufferer myself, I’ve often questioned the understanding of our society when it comes to this disease. Education on this issue is so sparse it’s laughable. While support for mental health services has been championed by recent governments, the debate rages on about whether the support is anywhere near the level required. It would be hard to detail my experience with anxiety during this pandemic in so few words. I thought it best, therefore, to detail just a few reasons why the restrictions imposed to combat covid 19 have had such a damaging impact on our anxious minds.
Everything is unclear
Firstly, the uncertainty. When decisions around restrictions are being made from data which rapidly changes day by day, none of us have any real idea what’s around the corner. For a student with anxiety, certainty of what’s to come is like gold dust. It allows someone to plan and prepare for what’s on its way regardless of whether it’s good or bad. When so many aspects of someone’s life are up in the air, anxiety levels can go through the roof; particularly for a student worried about both their education and social life.
Solitude
Secondly, time alone. When lockdowns were imposed around the world so many of the things we loved were taken away from us. The simple activities of meeting friends for a drink or partaking in a team sport were suddenly gone. I found this not only disappointing, but also terrifying. Spending time doing the things I love most is not only fun, it is distracting. It’s distracting from the frequent flurry of negative thoughts that come into my head day after day. Having these distractions taken away was crushing, and did particular damage to my levels of anxiety as I’m sure it did for many others.
The sound of Silence
Finally, the quiet. I’m sure many people are aware that anxiety sufferers often sleep with televisions and radios playing in the background. It allows their minds to be occupied somewhat, giving them a chance to avoid the insomnia caused by negative thinking. This is also true during the day.
The busy, crowded and noisy world we live in can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. It has the power to shout down the voice in your mind that is constantly telling you: ‘You’re not good enough’. But during the first lockdown, the world stopped. Suddenly the raucous life we live became quiet. The only noise that remained however, was that voice in our heads. And this time, there was no way of blocking it out.
While these issues are more tailored to my personal experience of suffering anxiety, I would hazard a guess that many others will be able to relate. The pandemic has undeniably caused so much pain and suffering for everyone; not least for those of us struggling with a mental illness. My only hope now is that recognition of this fact can potentially lead to greater levels of support and, more importantly, understanding.
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