The COVID-19 outbreak has been rapidly transmitted in late January 2020 and aroused

enormous attention globally that may cause fatal respiratory disease, apart from
physical suffering, it is not uncommon for confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 to
suffer from great psychological pressure and other health-related problems. The limited
knowledge of the COVID-19 and the overwhelming news may lead to anxiety and fear
in the public (Lai,2020). Depression and anxiety are common mental health problems
experienced by university students. Being in higher education is associated with many
stressors and transitional events, and students fall within the age range when common
mental health problems are at their developmental peak. Depression and anxiety can
impair students' academic performance and social functioning, cause significant burden
at university. In short, This study aims to explore the psychological impact of COVID-19
and coping methods in higher education students.

With how the COVID-19 outbreak is panning out, the psychological issues which come
with it have rapidly intensified its public health burden. Emerging research assessing the
mental health implications of COVID-19 have identified an increased rate of moderate-
to-severe depressive and anxious symptoms among the general public
(Anonymous,2020). Based on the gathered results, many students agreed that the
pandemic worsened their pre-existing mental health conditions, mainly due to school
closures, loss of routine, and restricted social connections. As pointed out by Rona dela
Rosa, a researcher from Bulacan State University: ‘The lockdown brought by COVID-
19 pandemic drastically changed the daily routine: work arrangement, socialisation, and
even the educational settings. These changes may bring anxiety to those who are
directly affected.’

COVID-19 brought so much impact in our society and our lives. Especially to students
because it may triggers their anxiety that might lead to depression. As Golberstein, Wen
and Miller said, "The Covid-19 pandemic may worsen existing mental health problems
and lead to more cases among children and adolescents because of the unique
combination of the public health crisis, social isolation, and economic recession"
(Golberstein, Wen & Miller, 2020). All in all, Mental health and academic achievement
are linked, research shows. Chronic stress changes the chemical and physical structure
of the brain, impairing cognitive skills like attention, concentration, memory, and
creativity.