COVID-19 has added many new and stressful factors to the average college students life. The new standard for college courses across the U.S. is through a computer screen. More screen time means less social interactions which is a vital part of every young adults life. The ability to learn and comprehend material well is also a struggle for students trying to comprehend this new online transition. Many young people rely heavily on friends for emotional and academic support. For first year students in college making these types of friends can be extremely difficult while trying to follow covid guidelines. College campuses are working hard trying to find creative ways for students to socially interact in safe ways, and bring some normalcy back onto campus.
The American Psychological association found that over half of college students are stressed for the future of their education due to COVID-19. More than half the students surveyed feel that planning for the future feels impossible right now. College students preparing to graduate need to have a clear head for the future and the pandemic is making that unclear for everyone.
This video produced by PBS discusses the higher risk of suicide in college student caused by the isolation of the pandemic. One student speaks of her personal experience with depression and isolation. She used the mental health resources provided by her university to get help and wants more students to do the same.
The JED Foundation surveyed students who where about to start their Fall 2020 semester to get a better look at their readiness. 62% of student reported that their mental health is far worse or somewhat worse than before. Only a small percent of student reported their emotional health being better then before the COVID-19 outbreak.
Katie Ropka 