The Effects of the Pandemic on College Students' Mental Health

The Effects of the Pandemic on College Students’ Mental Health

Have you felt anxious, depressed, or unsure about life after the pandemic? If so you are not alone.

During the pandemic, I had felt trapped in my own fears, worries, and even what my next step in college would look like. I had been anxious my whole life and wondered what that would be like if it was normal. I realized that mental health was a barrier in my own life.

Maybe it was a barrier in yours.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Approach

This project dives into the real struggles students face with mental health, especially after the challenges of the pandemic. My own journey inspires it. During that time, like many others, I experienced anxiety and its impact on daily life, including college. This wasn't new for me, but the pandemic intensified it. It made me realize how important mental health is, and how it can affect us all.

This film incorporates research on mental health statistics and insights from Gordon's counseling center. My goal is to raise awareness and understanding of mental health struggles faced by students, all while fostering a learning environment at Gordon College.

Problem

26%

The pandemic's toll on mental health is undeniable. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).gov, 1 in 5 people reported mental health having a negative impact during the pandemic, with a significant portion (26%) being adolescents. College students haven't been spared, facing increased struggles with anxiety, depression, isolation, and even suicidal thoughts.

The Clients

The Center for Student Counceling & Wellness

The counseling center‘s focus is to drive students in promoting and providing wellness initiatives. This short film will enhance and encourage mental health struggles and share insight into how students can find a light at the end of the tunnel.

Associate Dean of Campus Engagement

Undergraduate Intern & Peer Wellness Coach

The logistics

Parts of the Project

Each interview follows with research backed up with statistics or findings from sources from mental health institutions or healthcare sites that correlate with the pandemic. 1. Anxiety 2. Isolation 3. Scripural Application & 4.Project Hopes

Parts 1 & 2- A Clip

Anxiety

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened mental health in children and adolescents. Studies showed a rise in anxiety and depression, with 31% meeting criteria for an anxiety diagnosis.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9381924/

Isolation

Social isolation can be physical (living alone) or emotional (feeling lonely). These are separate concepts - you can be alone but not lonely, or vice versa.

*More resources;  

https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/the-health-and-medical-dimensions-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness-in-older-adults#:~:text=Social%20isolation%20(the%20objective%20state,of%20the%20older%20adult%20population.

Source: KeyhealthCare.com

*Reported by The National Alliance of Mental Illness

Part 3- Scriptural Application: A Clip