Amid the scary reality of the coronavirus, citizens have been told to stay inside, restaurants are open only for takeout or delivery, and stores are closing earlier than ever before. Workers have been laid off if they aren’t considered ‘essential,’ leaving families with financial burdens and uncertainty.
The world has been consumed with loss and tragedy and the mental health of citizens is being seriously affected.
The outbreak of the coronavirus has caused stress and anxiety across the nation. Currently, 583,515 people have tested positive in this country. Schools are closed and operating online only, jobs and internships are closed or terminated, graduates aren’t able to walk the stage and high school seniors aren’t able to go to their prom.
This pandemic has caused emotions to stir more than ever and being stuck in the house doesn’t have the best effect on everyone.
Janelle Bellande, a freshman psychology major at Florida A&M, is one of many who has experienced trauma during COVID-19.
“Unfortunately my great uncle has passed away due to the virus. My family and I can’t meet up to comfort each other, nor plan a proper funeral. This puts a strain on my family to cope with the loss of our loved one,” she said.
She added that being in the house hasn’t helped her anxiety. “I don’t have the motivation to complete any tasks. My days feel as though they are on a constant loop.”
Sha’Riauna Campbell, a junior business administration student, also feels that being in the house has been a hindrance to her progress.
“The seriousness of this pandemic as well as the transition to all online classes and the closing of almost every institution to the public aside from essential businesses, has given me anxiety,” she said.
Campbell said that COVID-19 has forced her to overthink everything because of all the free time she has.
Graduating economic scholar Shelby Hall said she is heartbroken that graduation was canceled.
“The abrupt end to my senior year was less than desirable. It took awhile to come to terms that my last semester on The Hill will be virtual. It’s very unfortunate that my family and friends will not be able to celebrate all my hard work and new beginnings with a traditional ceremony.”
Hall said that her emotions have been all over the place during quarantine, but she has a very optimistic take on things.“But, as with everything else, life goes on. This too shall pass.”
According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, you can help cope with stress by taking breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, making time to unwind and taking care of your body.
Campbell gave some tips on what you can do to cope during this time; “I urge anyone experiencing any kind of emotional distress to let their voices be heard and find ways to distract themselves. It is so very important for anyone struggling with anxiety to reach out and find someone who can help them.”
Hall added, “I encourage everyone to find solace in just being. Maybe even try to find a new hobby or learn a new talent. But in whatever one does, remember it is always OK to acknowledge how you feel.”