Balancing Mental Health During COVID-19
During an extreme event like COVID-19, mental health is more important than ever. Quarantining and social distancing can cause students to feel isolated and increase stress. In addition, workload from school and other activities continue to pile up during this time despite everything else feeling stagnant. Let’s discuss ways we can prioritize mental health more and help each other through what we are struggling with!
Survey Results
A survey was conducted of 14 OHSers on how COVID-19 affected their mental health.
(1 = very poor, 5 = very good)
In the survey, most students felt their mental health decline after quarantine. One student shared, “I go to a harder school and I can’t see my friends. I feel disconnected from the world. everything’s changing but staying still at the same time.” Another student commented, “Being stuck in isolation with my family and also not leaving the house except to go to the grocery store does tend to make everything marginally worse.”
Here are some aspects students shared to be struggling with the most:
“Keeping a positive attitude and managing stress levels”
“Self worth and depression”
“Possibly my sleep schedule, stress, lack of exercise”
“School work, feeling unwanted by my friends”
“Motivation and staying driven”
Because each of us is in a different situation and our circumstances vary enormously, it may be helpful to identify what is bothering you the most during this time (as opposed to trying to grapple with the pandemic as a whole). Let’s go over some of these topics that students are struggling with.
Cancelling Events, Athletics, Extracurriculars
Many athletes have had programs cancelled because of COVID-19, affecting their plans for the future, motivation, and socialization. This can shift a schedule, and harm years worth of training; the same applies to other extracurriculars that people are devoted to. However, it is important to remember that it is normal to be upset about the cancellations! You are in every right to feel disappointment or sadness about the missed event. The grief process is normal, and one way to help with this is discussing how you’re feeling with your friends or other members of that extracurricular/event.
Isolation & Stagnancy
During times of quarantining and social distancing, it is important to recognize that feeling isolated is common. The pandemic has forced many of us to sacrifice social connections and events. One step we can take is to identify where we feel disconnected so that we can move toward a solution. For example, if one identifies that they are feeling most disconnected from friends, they can try to reach out and check in, set up a virtual or social distancing hangout, or set up a time to talk.
In addition, quarantining can also lead to a feeling of stagnancy in our lives. Having the same schedule every day can cause everything to feel disconnected. As humans, we are inclined to go out, confront new experiences, and interact with our peers. However, taking all of this away during quarantine leads us to feel not only physically separated but also emotionally disconnected from those around us. In this case, a good suggestion is to try to find ways to shake the daily schedule up! Go outside for walks or take COVID-friendly trips outside of your house! Even something as small as going to the grocery store can help eradicate that feeling of stagnancy.
Lack of Motivation & Stressful Workload
Motivation, especially when faced with our stressful workloads, is another huge aspect that many are struggling with. It is incredibly hard to be motivated during this time, especially when events are being cancelled, our schedule feels stagnant, and we overall feel more disconnected. In addition, quarantine and the virus itself can worsen depression and have a large strain on mental health. The home situation can be harmful to the student and staying in one location can also hinder motivation. Furthermore, although everything else feels stagnant, workload from school and other activities continue to pile up. Overall, many students are experiencing lack of motivation and stress. It is important to realize that you are not alone and there is no shame in talking about this struggle! A few suggestions to help are:
Talking through your emotions with a trusted friend, adult, or counselor
Taking time to do other activities outside of school or work (taking breaks!!!)
Reward your hard work with a nap, cook a meal, watch a good show, etc., because you deserve it
Talk to your teacher about ways to manage. Most teachers at OHS should be understanding of whatever situation you're going through. Don't be afraid to ask for extra help or an extension, especially when you really need it!
More Advice from Peers
Students gave the following advice in the survey:
“Reaching out to friends on a regular basis definitely helped me a lot.”
“Take time out for yourself! It’s sooo hard to do this, I still struggle but prioritizing even 10 minutes to just sit in silence for your own sanity is so important. This had made a huge difference for me.”
“Find time to lay in bed and absolutely do nothing. I am working a lot and so I really appreciate when I have even a little bit of time to actually rest, watch a good show, go on my phone, or do nothing for a little bit.”
“Drink your ***** water kids and reach out to your teachers if you need to, a lot of them are willing to grant extensions if you need. Also reach out to your friends PLEASE do not just deal with **** by repressing it. Talk to someone, ask for help, scream existentially at the sky, whatever helps.”
How can OHS, as a school, help?
In the survey, students shared what OHS, as a school, can do to help with students’ mental health during the pandemic.
(1 = very poor, 5 = very good)
One student shared: “OHS and the teachers here are pretty accommodating when it comes to the struggles with COVID (whether that be extensions or something else). They were a little more understanding during the early ages of COVID but now that it’s been going on for a while it’s kind of gone back to ‘normal.’” Another student shared a similar response: “I feel as though initially, back in spring, the teachers maybe reduced or changed a few assignments to help us. However, they aren't talking as actively about it anymore or checking in on our mental health.” Overall, many feel that OHS can still take more steps to address students’ mental health.
Ultimately, prioritizing mental health during the pandemic is of the utmost importance. Let’s continue to find ways on how we can manage this stressful time together.
Note: This article is written as a summary from the November Monthly Mental Health Talk on Mental Health during COVID-19. Mental Health Talks are a monthly series organized by the Mental Health Awareness Club, the Junior Representatives, and OHS Counseling to start a more open conversation about mental health. Stay updated for dates of future Talks or contact rachelhu@ohs.stanford.edu, jeevet@ohs.stanford.edu, or lexit@ohs.stanford.edu for more inquiries!
Resources
Hotlines:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources. Available at 800-273-8255.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 24/7 resources & support for anyone in the U.S. affected by intimate partner violence, or their loved ones. Available at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).
Trevor Lifeline: the only national 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ young people under 25, available at 1-866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive, available at 877-565-8860
Crisis Text Line: free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text START to 741-741
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): the nation's largest organization fighting sexual violence, RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673)
OHS Counseling: The Counseling Department provides students with a broad range of services designed to ensure that their academic, emotional and social developmental needs are met. Among the services we provide are:
One-on-one short-term confidential counseling
Regular student check-ins on course workload using a fading scaffold approach
Consultation with parents, instructors, and other educators
Classes, workshops, and counseling groups on topics of importance to our students and families
Assistance with the development of Student Support Plans
Intervention and advocacy at a systemic level
Assistance with seeking accommodations
Referral to in-house peer-supported programs such as tutoring
Referrals to outside support services and community resources
Find your counselor on Gateway or email ohscounseling@stanford.edu.