COVID-19 and students: Ensuring emotional wellbeing

COVID-19 and students: Ensuring emotional wellbeing

By now, it is evident that the COVID-19 pandemic is leaving behind a wide trail of disruption and destruction. One of the biggest casualties is our mental health, with the pandemic having increased stress and anxiety greatly across the globe. The unfortunate reality is that children are no less immune to this effect. After more than a year of school closures, remote schooling, online classes and the resultant physical and social isolation, life now is drastically different for children from the way it used to be. And numerous studies recently have highlighted an increase in the negative feelings reported in students and children. The impact can show up as a variety of behavioral changes – loss of motivation, loss of appetite, agitation, fidgeting, sleeplessness, nightmares, withdrawal from interaction and activities, even panic attacks, severe anxiety and depression. But what can we do about it? Make your well-being your top priority. If you are a student or a parent, here are some points that might help. First of all, acknowledge your feelings. Only by becoming aware of our feelings and accepting these can we work on overcoming our struggles. Journal your thoughts. Create a Worry Box - a box where you