Mental Health During A Global Pandemic

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Written by Jessica Katz, Lifestyle Editorial Assistant

Thursday, March 12 felt like a nightmare. And not just for me, but for many college students. After the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19, or coronavirus, a pandemic on March 11, the University of Wisconsin-Madison—along with numerous other universities around the country—suspended face-to-face classes.

Students living in the public dorms, as well as those in sorority and fraternity houses, were told to pack their bags and head home to complete their classes online starting March 23. My roommate and I spent the day in our dorm, trying to process the news.

It felt as if my first-year college experience was being cut short, and I was devastated to leave my friends. Everything we’re experiencing right now is new to us, and the unknown can be scary. Even if you’ve never experienced anxiety, you may be feeling it now. A lot of information is being thrown at us very fast.

It’s crucial right now to not only take care of your physical health but also to care for your mental health. If you’re quarantined because you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19 or as a preventative measure, life can get boring very quickly. The following are some tips to reduce your anxiety and stay positive and productive during this trying time.

Consider decreasing your media intake to help clear your mind. If you seek information on the virus, refer to only the most reliable sources for such information, namely the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO.

Although limiting time outside of your home is recommended, if you need to go to a public place for supplies you can call ahead and ask what they’re doing to maintain cleanliness to help ease any anxiety. You can also go for walks, jogs, runs, bike rides and everything in between outside in places where you will not encounter others.

Take time each day to check up on your mental health. This could mean keeping a journal, practicing yoga, meditating, listening to calm music or making art. You may also feel lonely from social isolation—take time to digitally chat with family and friends and stay in touch.

Mental health and physical health are related, so keeping your body healthy and immune system strong can also help ease your mind. Try adding healthy power foods to your diet and take time each day to get your body moving in order to feel healthy.
For students, online learning comes with a lot of freedom. With the, oftentimes, loose organization of courses and extension of deadlines, it can be easy to fall behind to become lazy. Thus, it’s crucial to stay on top of online courses.

Treat study like a job—set a goal for yourself and make a study plan. Continue to stay engaged by taking notes, communicating with others and using online resources to your advantage.

Create and maintain a routine—shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, maybe even work out—before starting classwork or your job. Manage your time and schedule in breaks.

Find a quiet place to work—it may be difficult to stay focused while quarantined with others. To eliminate distractions, find a space in your home that is both calm and comfortable.

Overall, self-care is important during this time. While stuck inside your home, be sure to take time to do what you enjoy the most: draw, write, knit, exercise, play with pets, etc. If you find yourself struggling with your mental health, never hesitate to reach out to a hotline.

I admit quarantine has been difficult on my mental health, but I find comfort in knowing I am not alone in my struggles during this time.

National Hotlines: