Take care of your mental health during isolation

Donjeta Esati, COVID 19 Project,

Pencil, 18” x 24”,

2020, Figure Drawing

The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted an overwhelming amount of students in their daily lives.

Lehigh Carbon Community College has closed and transitioned to online learning for the remainder of the semester; all nonessential businesses are closed until further notice, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidelines for social distancing, all in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19.

During times like these, where the future remains uncertain, mental health can suffer, especially for those who already struggle with mental wellness.

“I’m already an anxious person, and the Coronavirus has caused my anxiety to rise ten times higher than it originally was,” Daniel Melin, LCCC student, stated. “My mother is at high-risk for the virus, so it’s been really difficult for me because I can’t really be around anyone beside the people in my house.”

Since the recommendations for limiting exposure to the virus require social withdrawal, feelings of anxiety, stress, loneliness, and isolation are likely to arise.

However, it is important to remember that despite not having control over current world events, there is always the possibility of choosing how to react to such events.

“I just try my best to be positive about it; this is something that is out of my control.” Chanaly Rodriguez, LCCC student, stated.

The CDC guide to manage stress and anxiety during COVID-19 outbreak suggests:

• Taking breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories about the pandemic • Taking care of your body by eating healthy, well-balanced meals, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep • Making time to unwind by doing activities you enjoy • Connecting with others and talking about your concerns and feelings

While the future may be uncertain, remember that this is only temporary and the world is experiencing this together. For more information and advice from the CDC about COVID-19, visit cdc.gov.