The state of mental health of US students in the pandemic era
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source: googleusercontent.com |
College health professionals are monitoring students in America. Their state of mental health have dipped significantly as an effect of the covid-19 health crisis. This is a worrisome trend, says freelance writer Victor Restis, who is also an expert on US education. This article attempts to uncover this other health crisis among the youth that could have serious consequences if not mediated.
In a research of undergraduate students in New Jersey, a result of its findings cited issues such as “ability to focus on academic work” (73.5%) and “difficulties with online learning” (58.6%) among others. Difficulties with everyday life include “obtaining hygiene supplies and medications” (59.3%), and “losing job/work hours/reduced wages” (56.8%). “Difficulties in getting food” (22.2%) among a number of students were also cited, as well as (66.7%) participants greatly concerned about Covid-19. Victor Restis adds that study participants even reported experiencing “depression, anxiety, and perceived stress.”
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source: learnsafe.com |
Likewise, a similar research in a Texas university showed study participants having increased anxiety of their own health and that of their loved ones, alongside concentration difficulties, disrupted sleep patterns, and social isolation, among others. In academics, 38% considered the shifting to online classes as the “biggest perceived challenge,” while 23% were worried that physical distancing and the absence of face-to-face communications with other students may have consequences on “research and class projects,” says Victor Restis.
Victor Restis warned that some surveys suggest a more dire picture of the state of mental health among undergraduates. Along with anxieties and depression, some ideate suicide in extreme cases. However, in spite of these troubling scenarios, a potential bright spot is the “reduced stigma” associated with mental health. This may have been because there are now more people talking about mental health.


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