COVID-19 & College: The Invisible Effects C
OVID-19 has sparked an era of uncertainty in both the United States and worldwide. The looming concern of public safety, economic turmoil, and the livelihood of many being drastically altered has caused mental anguish for millions of Americans. One of the groups, arguably most affected by the pandemic, is college students—who already face record levels of mental health challenges. In a survey conducted by Active Minds in April, 80% of college students nationwide say COVID-19 has negatively affected their mental health. A study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health concluded that of 195 students participating in the study 71% indicated increased stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Multiple stressors were identified that contributed to the increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive thoughts among student; 91% reported fear and worry about their own health and of their loved ones, 89% reported difficulty in concentrating, 86% reported disruptions to sleeping patterns, 86% reported decreased social interactions due to physical distancing and 82% reported increased concerns on academic performance. Many psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists have seen an uptick of college students needing therapy since COVID-19 made its debut in the U.S. Dr. Ellie Olson, Licensed Psychologist and Associate Dean of Counseling, Health and Leadership at Simpson College spoke on the many impacts the pandemic has on the mental health of college students. “We have seen an uptick in number of appointments attended and number of students attending sessions as compared with this point in the semester last fall,” Olson said. “It’s clear that some of that is attributable to COVID and its consequences, while some of that may be that there is easier access due to offering teletherapy. I think in general, COVID has caused a significant amount of anxiety because of the amount of uncertainty, change, unpredictability and loss that it has led to and continues to lead to.”
5
By: Liv Allen Layout: Madison DePover + Kate Furr
Change and uncertainty can be difficult for anyone to comprehend, but especially for those struggling with their mental health. “We don’t know when this is going to end, so we continue to anticipate for changes and losses,” Olson said. “All of that different, big and small, takes energy. When energy is given to manage COVID or the changes COVID has led to, that takes energy away from other places—school, relationships, and managing our own mental health.” Dr. Olson is among the many professionals in her field pushing for wider access to mental health services and normalizing therapy among college students. “Now more than ever, emotional support is necessary … I’d say that offering teletherapy is the best thing at we at Simpson and that any other college can do to support mental health right now,” Olson said. “On a larger level, working to normalize the impact and consequence of COVID on our lives is important. Being graceful, flexible, and compassionate with ourselves and others is helpful. Everyone needs to lower expectations of themselves and others because our energy level is depleted...this does not mean that we have no expectations or responsibilities.” During unprecedented times like these, sometimes controlling the controllable can make all the difference. “Focusing on what you can control, knowing that so much is beyond our control, is important,” Olson said. “Creating structure and predictability where we can goes a long way.” Looking at the state of Iowa specifically, it ranks 44th in the nation in mental health care providers per capita, according to the United Health Foundation’s 2019 America’s Health Rankings. Students from across higher education institutions in Iowa are willing to share their experiences with mental health during COVID-19. From social starvation to financial worry, to seeking therapy and more—these testimonies shed light on the many implications this pandemic has had on college students. Here are their stories.
