When the government declared that lock downs would be officially conducted and

that face-to-face classes would be temporarily closed as COVID cases grew rapidly in our
country, I was unsure of how to react. But in all honesty, the student inside me was relieved
that the classes concluded sooner than I expected. But that did not last long when I fully
understood how the whole pandemic situation affects one’s mental health.

The rise of restrictions during the first year of COVID was the toughest part for most
of us. This is where working from home, temporary unemployment, and home-schooling of
children come into the picture. The feeling of relief of taking a break from school due to
COVID was long gone for students like me. I have witnessed how COVID affect us and the
people around us. I saw how my mother got depressed on how COVID affected our starting
business. As a daughter, I was longing for my father who is one of those parents who works
far from home who could not come home to their family because of COVID restrictions. As
people grapple with these health, social and economic impacts, mental health has been widely
affected and plenty of us became more anxious. In research from The Impact of COVID-19
on Mental Health 2022, A great number of people have reported psychological distress and
symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress. And there have been worrying
signs of more widespread suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including among healthcare
workers.

Social distancing, quarantine, and isolation can be overwhelming and cause strong
emotions in adults and children. Finding ways to cope with stress in a healthy way will make
you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. According to the research
from Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (2022) “Connect with others”. It is best to talk
with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Take breaks from news
stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but constant information
about the pandemic can be upsetting. Social distancing is followed for everyone’s safety, but
do not isolate yourself, especially in times where you feel down and need someone to talk to.
“The impact of COVID-19 on mental health cannot be underestimated. It cannot be made
light of,” says Esenam. It is okay not to be okay, always keep in mind that your feelings and
emotions are valid. And lastly, Remember that in this battle, You. Are. Not. Alone.