Depression, Stress and Covid-19: The Impact on Students

Writer: Makisa Vimalanathan

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many different challenges to educators and parents, but the impact of this pandemic on students could be considered the most detrimental. COVID-19 has led to closed and shut down schools, implementation of physical distancing guidelines, isolation in homes, and other unexpected changes to the lives of students. In the face of the global pandemic, schools have confronted many challenges for students. Moving to online classes has caused much stress and depressive behaviour along with deteriorating mental health challenges and anxiety.

What is Depression?

Depression also referred to as Major Depressive Disorder or Clinical Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Depression can affect the way people feel, think, behave, and can lead to a wide range of both emotional and physical problems. People diagnosed with this disorder may have difficulty performing normal day-to-day activities, and in worse cases may dangerously fall into a spiral of despair. More than just being sad, depression is not a weakness and people cannot just simply “snap out” of it. Depression may require long-term treatment and is usually treated with prescribed medication or psychological therapy. There are many different types of depression with symptoms that could be minor or severe.

What is Depression caused by? 

Depression can be caused by a variety of factors, including family history, school, personality and substance abuse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever people have been diagnosed with clinical depression and indicated to have depression-like symptoms. One of the most prominent reasons for this spike in depression for students is due to the lack of human-to-human interaction. As they cannot see their friends, cannot see their teachers during school, cannot socialize or interact in any school events, many students have been deprived of this crucial interaction humans require. Struggles with online classes, as well as family problems are additional factors as well.

How to deal with Depression?

Having depression can be hard and may cause many difficulties, but there are many ways students can deal with depression. Many great options include caring for a pet, joining a support group with other students who go through the same experiences, and finding alternative ways to keep up with enjoyable activities over the pandemic such as indulging in new healthy hobbies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be hard to cope with depression, however if we build more courage, ask for help to those who care for us, there will be a way to turn the tables and take the pandemic in a different, more positive way.

What is Stress?

Stress is a feeling of emotional and physical tension. Stress is a normal feeling for everyone, but chronic stress is different and more severe. Chronic stress lasts for a longer period of time, which means that it can lead to lasting, prolonged suffering from health problems. When you experience changes and challenges (stressors), your body produces physical and mental responses, which causes stress to happen. Stress can lead to anxiety, irritability, depression and sadness.

What is Stress caused by? 

Stress can be caused by multiple factors, including being under a lot of pressure, facing big changes and challenges, and worry in school. When this stress starts to become a daily pressure and harder to manage it leads to chronic stress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, students have been under a lot of pressure due to adjusting to new online platforms and being physically alone during class. Having to talk and present alone has been a huge problem causing stress because levels of worry increase when students have to talk to the screen. Stress in the pandemic has risen for students because students worry more about online meetings, stressing about submitting assignments before due dates, and talking to teachers and peers about mental health.

How to deal with Stress? 

Relieving stress and worry can be difficult for students, parents and even teachers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, students can cope with severe stress by taking care of themselves through mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, asking for breaks when needed, and learning to say “no” to additional burdensome responsibilities when they know they will not be able to balance everything in their lives. Staying connected and talking with the people who make you less stressed, happy and emotionally supported can be a way of dealing with stress during the pandemic.

Sources: 

1. “Depression explained” (https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/depression)  

2. “Depression (major depressive disorder - Symptoms and causes)“ 

(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007)

3.  Image from Dixie Sun News (https://dixiesunnews.com/news/articles/2021/02/02/covid-19-affecting-depression-in-college-students/)

4. “Coping with Depression” (https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/coping-with-depression.htm#)

5. “Effects of COVID-19 on College Students’ Mental Health in the United States” (https://www.jmir.org/2020/9/e21279/) 

6. “Stress and your health” (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003211.htm)

7. “Stress” (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress)

8. Image from India Today (https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/education/story/20200511-are-online-classes-stressful-1673236-2020-05-02)