Student Mental Health in lockdown
“Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Amira and I am 21 years old.
I’m studying Psychology at the University of Brighton in my second year. I have decided to create this series of blogs about student mental health as I have seen first-hand some of the issues that students face. I understand that university can be a difficult time for many students. The current global health crisis has been especially challenging for students, many of whom are far away from their usual support network. I have created this blog as a support and guidance for anyone who is struggling with poor mental health or feels alone. So please feel free to have a little read and I hope you enjoy!”
2020 has been a rollercoaster for everyone, especially students. When lockdown was announced the majority of students were forced to leave their student accommodation and leave their student lives behind. Thousands of students went back to their parents’ homes which for many students felt like going back in a time machine. Home may have meant free food, but it also meant losing their freedom and independence. During the lockdown I was one of the few students who stayed in university accommodation. I Zoomed my friends daily as that would be our main social interaction for the next 4 months. At the beginning they expressed the struggles of going home and the lack of freedom they experienced. Lots of students were in the same position and I know many students would have struggled trying to adjust to a completely new way of life. So, if you felt like you struggled with this, don’t worry. You are not alone!
Lockdown has been a mentally and emotionally challenging time for many students across the country. It has been a dramatic life change for all students and has been extremely lonely and isolating. Going to university was meant to be an exciting time to meet new people and gain independence. Lots of students feel that they have been cheated of their university experience and have missed out on the social aspects as well as their education.
But there are a few things that students can do to feel less isolated, improve their wellbeing and connect with others. There are literally thousands of students across the country who probably feel the same way!
Lockdown Tips and Tricks:
- Talk to people
If you feel isolated and lonely pick up the phone and call a friend. Everyone is in the same boat and now is the time to build friendships and support one another. Do a skype quiz night with friends. This is one of the main things I did during lockdown to keep myself entertained! Talk to a family member or talk to the people you are living with. Avoid staying in your room all day.
- Get creative
Try keeping your brain active and get creative! Try learning a new instrument or practice drawing. Try setting yourself goals like doing at least one drawing a day for a month. Lockdown is the time to learn new skills.
- Exercise your mind
Find a good book to read or try learning something new. There are loads of free courses available online, from coding to food nutrition. Try keeping a list of things you want to learn or maybe even try learning a new language.
- Mental Health
Take time for yourself, if you need to leave the house then go on a walk or sit in the garden. Practice meditation or mindfulness for ten minutes a day to calm and relax your mind.
— — — -
