By: Annemarie Darr
As Covid-19 hits the world, many people, such as myself, sit and reflect. A pandemic like this has not been experienced by the majority of us in our lifetimes and this is a new and trying time to live through. Many people look back at the 1918 flu epidemic and wonder how people passed the time through that time period and stayed sane without technology at their hands. Many students have struggled with the loss of friends, routine, and daily life through this epidemic and it has affected them greatly.
Personally, I have struggled with my mental health the most through this period of quarantine. For someone who is extroverted and thrives off of social interaction and a routine, I took the hit of social distancing and isolation pretty hard. I started feeling myself break down a little day by day and soon learned I was not alone. As I looked through social media, many people were in the same boat. Isolation, for them, was causing many mental difficulties. Nick Esposito, a student at Texas Chrisitian University says,
“ It’s really hard being away from home right now, but the smarter option was to stay at my apartment and try to concentrate on school work as much as possible. I really miss my family and I worry about their safety.”
Many students have opted to stay at their dorms or apartments, away from family in fear that they will pass along Covid-19 to them. Other students such as Matthew Mayberry, a student at the University of Iowa, have found that they are lucky in aspects of quarantine.
“ So far my family and I have been healthy. Both of my parents still have their jobs… I don’t have too much to complain about” said Mayberry.
So, what can students do to help stay somewhat sane during this extended period of quarantine?
The world may not have been prepared for Covid-19, but as we continue to adapt and overcome, remember that nobody is alone. Reach out to friends, stay in contact, and do the best you can everyday. We will overcome it!
Annemarie (COM 241) 