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These changes dont just have practical consequences; theyre likely impacting yourmental healthalso.
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You might be feeling some shifts in your expectations, plans, and experiences already.
All of these changes and uncertainties understandably come with a sea of different (and potentially contradictory) emotions.
Youre struggling with uncertainty.
Uncertainty has been constant through this entire pandemic.
The news changes, policies change, decisions from school administrations change, and almost nothing feels predictable anymore.
With so much up in the air, its understandable if youre dealing with aroller coaster of emotionsevery day.
As such, we dont know how things will play out and that uncertainty breeds anxiety.
There is only so much our bodies can handle before they crash.
Not sleeping, of course, will make us tired too.
Trythese tips for falling asleepand thesetips for managing pandemic-induced sleep problems.
Youre grieving the loss of your identity.
In case you gotta hear it: You are more than just your role as a college student.
Youre anxious about how all of this will affect your future.
Youre really concerned about money.
Youre worried about your own health.
A pandemic is a pretty natural time to start.
Youre frustrated by all of the rules and limitations.
Sometimes anger can be a result of anxiety or any number of tough emotions.
Theres also a chance that you dontknowexactly where your anger is coming from.
Feelings of frustration, anger, and sadness are completely normal, says Herzog.
Youre dealing with a ton of FOMO about everything.
Youre questioning whether you deserve to be sad or grieve.
If you have the same thoughts, hey dont beat yourself up.
All grief is real and youre allowed to name it, feel it, and process it.
As grief expert David Kesslersays, The worst loss is always your loss.
Youre more content than usualand maybe guilty about it.
Others have used the time during the pandemic to practice trueself-careand prioritize themselves.
Youre unable to concentrate or get as much done as you used to.
Mood, anxiety, and certain mental health conditions likeADHDcan factor in as well.
Youre upset with friends who have conflicting views.
This pandemic has been rife with opposing opinions regarding anything fromface masksto social distancing.
Add in regional or political bias, and it multiplies.
That said, college is also a great time to find friends who share your core values.
Grimes says it’s possible for you to venture to empower yourself to walk away.
Youre fearing judgment about your own decisions.
You wouldnt be alone, according to therapistBrit Barkholtz, M.S.W., L.G.S.W.
Social connection is such an integral part of maintaining our mental health.
No one can blame you for trying to find a way to make it happen safely.
Youre concerned about your eating or drinking habits.
Many of my patients have used their relationship to food or alcohol as a coping mechanism during the pandemic.
Also, check outthis postif youre interested in going sober.
Youre really, really ready to go back to campus.
More than that, home might not be a safe place for you to be you.
Youre lonely as hell.
In fact, Generation Z is often referred to as the loneliest generation.
Its crucial to make an effort to reduce loneliness right now, especially for students not returning to campus.
Even if you are on campus and surrounded by others, loneliness can still be a problem.
Its about the quality of your connections.
There are many ways to feel lonely (andthese tipsmight help).
Youre concerned about your mental health.
While theres no normal in a pandemic, struggling with your mental health is really normal right now.
That said, just because its natural under the circumstances doesnt mean you have to grin and bear it.
If the load is too great, Dr. Schwartz recommends leaning on support to help with the baggage.
You might also findthese online support groupshelpful.
You have options and there is no right time to ask for help.
