Covid-19 is believed to mainly affect the older generation and those with underlying health conditions, but young people - especially college students - are also very impacted by the pandemic in terms of mental health.
The WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being
in which the individual recognizes their own abilities
and is able to cope with normal daily stresses in life.
In fact, they have uncertain timetables, pay high fees but can no longer work, face indefinitely suspended internships and graduate programs, benefit little from opportunities for study abroad, clubs and societies, need to respect social distancing while they are used to high levels of socializing etc.
In addition, if they are not much susceptible to the virus themselves, many students worry that their return to the classroom puts their more vulnerable family members at risk.
This feeling is even reinforced by the culture of blame against young people that emerged this autumn when there was a renewed increase in cases due to a lack of social distancing.
In September 2020, the broadcaster RTÉ conducted a State of the Nation Survey on a sample of 1,345 to measure the psychological impact of Covid-19 on the Irish population. It revealed that nearly 50% of young people are suffering from high levels of depression or anxiety.
In detail, 61% of young people reported low or sub-optimal levels of overall well-being, almost half (46%) reported high levels of depression or anxiety, and similar proportions reported that they were not coping well.
With everything that is happening in the world right now, there is a lot of uncertainty so it is normal that you feel anxious and insecure. Mental health during Covid-19 has deteriorated for everybody. What is abnormal is when symptoms like stress, sleeping and eating troubles, empty feeling, or irrational thoughts persist over more than 2 weeks and become very difficult to cope with on a daily basis.
If you smoke, drink alcohol, take drugs, eat, gamble, or play video games to excess to deal with your feelings, or feel emotionally exhausted, you might need to talk to a health professional or a counsellor. Resorting to an external person can also be a good option when your friends or family are tired of listening to you.
In "a guide to a healthy and nutritious lockdown", we also provide you with some useful contacts to find online counselling and support, phone support or text support.
Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide.
Pieta House provides free therapeutic support to people who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm.
Turn2me offers self-help, peer support and professional support through an online platform for those who are experiencing poor mental health.
Bodywhys gather the Eating Disorders Associations of Ireland
The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy gives a list of all the registered Counsellors & Psychotherapists practicing in Ireland