COVID-19 has disrupted and burdened the population of Canada for nearly half a year and will continue to test the strength of the nation for months to come. What started out as a few cases quickly spiraled into a rampant disease of inconceivable proportions and circumstances. While the disease itself takes a great physical toll on the body, there is more to the virus than it initially seems: one hidden effect of the pandemic is mental health decline, which is especially harmful to vulnerable populations, such as incoming university students, during this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established that stress and anxiety are on the rise due to the novel coronavirus and its effects on daily life—including the acts of physical distancing, isolating, and quarantining. These acts of maintaining safety can exacerbate symptoms of stress and anxiety by fostering loneliness, distress, and fear. A study conducted by the University of North Carolina concluded that “at least a quarter of US adults [are] presently in a condition of high emotional distress directly attributable to the pandemic,” and over half of the adults surveyed were more stressed in May than they were in January. The CDC has also stated that the interruption of daily routines, including sleeping and eating patterns, exercise patterns, and social interactions, further contribute to this distress.
The circumstances that affect our daily lives also directly affect our vulnerability to stress that we may carry. Business closures and layoffs have led to tremendous financial strain, especially on families with dependents; three million Canadians lost their jobs between March and April. For some students, the mundane routines of summer school, working a summer job, or living at home with the uncertainty of the fall semester looming over their heads has taken a toll on their mental health regarding their academics. A study conducted by the American College Health Association reported that two-thirds of nearly 19,000 students surveyed stated that their financial situation has “become more stressful during the pandemic”; 60% of students also stated that the pandemic has made mental health services much less accessible. Among other concerns, these stressors affect day-to-day life in ways that do not always appear obvious . From financially supporting someone to working an essential, high-risk job, the unease of the pandemic can latch onto those who are exposed and make the pandemic feel more unbearable than it already is.
Undergoing a major life event, such as transitioning to university, is a huge stress factor for any student, pandemic aside. It is clear by now that most universities worldwide are taking a semi- to fully-online approach for courses this fall, and although every student yearns for a return to normalcy, no one is more affected by this change than incoming first-years. However, at Victoria College and throughout the University of Toronto, clubs and organizations are working harder than ever to provide a quality introduction to university life for the Class of 2024. Here are some tips to alleviate stress related to COVID-19 and online learning as an incoming student at UofT:
Step outside of your comfort zone. While this is a good suggestion for all ages, it is especially relevant for incoming first-years. You must be especially willing to take opportunities and put yourself in situations that you may not have in a regular year—the lack of physical contact between peers, students, and professors must be made up through online communication. Although it is hard to push yourself to attend an event (even online) that you are unfamiliar with, one of the few silver linings of the pandemic is that your new peers are all facing the same uncertain situation. It can be easy to forget that nearly everyone in the world has experienced major interruptions in their work, academia, and daily life. Although everyone has separate circumstances and struggles, the very act of being “in this together” can be useful in connecting with others in your boat.
For those attending classes fully online, make a conscious effort to regularly walk away from your screens. Many parks and recreational facilities are cautiously being opened and can be safely enjoyed by staying outdoors as much as possible, maintaining physical distancing, and wearing masks. If you choose to enjoy time with friends, please remember the importance of maintaining safety as we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. Adhere to the policies of restaurants and shops, frequently sanitize your hands, and remember that you are not just protecting yourself, but those who are at a higher risk!
Create clear distinctions of times for leisure. One of the biggest difficulties of transitioning from high school to university can be understanding that university does not require working nonstop in order to do well. In fact, a study published by the University of California, Merced, suggested that leisure activities provide immediate stress relief, which directly correlates to greater psychological engagement and can increase cognitive function. Professor Matthew Zawadski, a collaborator in the study, stated, “[W]hen people engage in leisure activity, they have lower stress levels, better mood, a lower heart rate, and more psychological engagement… [it’s important to] protect their leisure time from external stressors.”
To all my peers at the University of Toronto (especially the Class of 2024), this academic year will test us in more ways than one. As such, it is vital to remember that no student, faculty member, or affiliate at the University of Toronto is ever alone.
Please refer to the list below for accessible virtual mental health services in and around Toronto.
What’s Up Walk-In Counseling
Offering free and immediate virtual mental health counselling at 1-866-585-6486 Monday to Friday 9AM-7PM.
Health & Wellness Centre – Mental Health Services and Wellness Programs
Contact 416-978-8030 for a virtual appointment. Ongoing mental health care delivered via video teleconference or phone meetings.
U of T MY SSP
Call 1-844-451-9700 (or 001-416-380-6578 for outside North America). Immediate and/or ongoing mental health service available 24/7 in multiple languages at no cost. Available to full and part-time undergraduate students.
Good2Talk
Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868. Provides free, confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario.
(Note the above services are not all affiliated with the University of Toronto.)
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