The impact COVID-19 has on mental health

COVID-19 is a pandemic that has recently sent the globe into a state of emergency.

Businesses, schools, amusement parks and public places have been forced to shut down, and the general public is advised to stay at home and practice social distancing. With stay at home orders and closures in place, mental health concerns have been on the rise. 

“During isolation or self-quarantine individuals may feel a sense of loneliness or lack of emotional support, especially if separated from family and friends,” said Bryce Starr, coordinator for fitness and wellness of Campus Recreation and Wellness. “Any individual with current concerns regarding mental health, wellbeing or general health may have increased stress and anxiety during these times. On a daily basis, we tend to interact with tens to hundreds of people, ranging from a smile to a small conversation. Isolation can shift the mindset and cause stress and anxiety to increase.”

Starr emphasized how COVID-19 and stay at home orders can impact members of diverse communities. 

“To focus on a population, we have to think about diversity,” Starr said. ”From individuals who are in situations that are not healthy due to domestic violence, being displaced or removed from family, LGBTQ+, and international community who may be far from home or have language barriers creating separation from members of the community or within their household. This is a time to also recognize the immense and extreme prejudice occurring among many communities due to the current pandemic.” 

Starr warns that isolation can lead to depression and even increased incidences of abuse and violence.

“Isolation removes us from human interaction, activities and hobbies we are used to and interrupts our ‘normal,’ which can lead to depression and increases in domestic abuse and violence,” Starr said. “Focusing on new or unique ways for our energy to be focused into activities that will create interaction through social media, telecommunications or other services available and provided by major organizations is important.” 

Cynthia Cook, executive director for Counseling, Health and Wellness, offers suggestions on ways students, faculty and staff of the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) can focus on their well-being and stay positive through these trying times.

“There are so many tips and ways that people can manage their mental health it’s hard to summarize them succinctly,” Cook said. “We encourage everyone to engage in healthy mindfulness activities, whether they be hobbies, finding ways to engage in social connection, exercise, be out in nature, practice spiritual development, or other activities that stimulate positive feelings and relaxation for them. These activities help improve mental health by helping feel connected to others and being able to empower themselves to continue work towards their academic and personal goals in a way that helps them not only survive this crisis, but continue to succeed and thrive during this very difficult time.” 

Analy Catalan, communication major, has found the transition to fully online to be tough. 

“It’s been a really tough adjustment,” Catalan said. “Going from having all face-to-face classes to online isn’t easy, I’ve had to learn how to manage my time much better and not let myself get behind.”

Catalan said she has been finding new and creative ways to keep herself occupied while focusing on her mental health. 

“In order to take care of my mental health I’ve been taking a lot of walks, spending quality time with my family, spending hours on facetime with my friends and just staying as busy as I possibly can,” Catalan said. “It’s also been helping me to remind myself that this is only temporary.”

UHCL Counseling Services and Campus Recreation and Wellness have created a few options that people can take advantage of while social distancing. 

“UHCL Counseling Services reached out to all of our current clients who had given us permission to email them when this first started to make sure they know they can continue their services with us,” Cook said. “We are continuing to offer remote individual and couples therapy sessions. In addition, we can do psychiatry appointments remotely. We also created a series of virtual outreach workshops and skills groups.” 

Cook said there are several ways students and faculty can access resources that focus on their mental health. 

“For crisis assistance or an urgent situation, students can access a mental health professional by phone 24/7 by calling our office number and pressing two for that option,” Cook said. “And of course, we suggest utilizing WellTrack.” 

One other way Counseling Services is aiming to provide student’s aid is with their first Virtual Care Package sent via email April 15. The PDF includes tips and suggestions to keep one active and connected at home. 

“There are suggestions in 13 areas: Connection, Arts, Music, Movement, Kids Activities, Helping Others, Nature, Deep Breathing, Sports, Self-Care, Cooking, Learning, and Laughter,” Cook said. “We also participated in a mental health self-care video that should come out soon.” 

Starr said Campus Recreation and Wellness is focusing on releasing content, whether with pre-made or created content, in order to provide the UHCL community with activities and ways to engage while staying home and safe. 

“Currently, we have negotiated an agreement with Well Beats, a virtual fitness platform, for all Hawks to utilize through April, 30,” Starr said. “We will also be releasing daily content on all social media platforms and as new agreements or affiliations are confirmed these resources will be announced.”