With the lack of day-to-day interaction and the ongoing indoor isolation, the pandemic has caused a drastic impact. Many students have resorted to new coping mechanisms to distract themselves from stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. Five students share their experiences with coping during the pandemic.
“I have found comfort in drawing as it allows me to express myself.”
Anne Haringhuizen, 20, Biology Undergraduate
It has been difficult during the pandemic since I had to learn to adapt quickly and drastically. Prior to the pandemic, I was like any typical university student, socializing, going out and getting drunk, that’s how I coped, and it worked temporarily. I quickly learnt that these coping mechanisms were not sustainable, especially when being trapped indoors. My coping mechanisms shifted to activities that I can do independently and do not rely on me having to leave the house. I have found comfort in drawing as it allows me to express myself and document my emotions in a non-constricted way.
Recently, I have taken up photography as a hobby, which has been exciting for me. Firstly, because it allows me to maintain my creativity and escape from the stress of studying. But mainly because it is something new to me, that I can experiment with freely and I can photograph anything anywhere. I have full creative control and there is no right and wrong. It does not require much thinking as I take pictures on instinct, therefore it has served as a great escape for me. Instinct based creative activities have helped ease my anxiety.
“By bringing the outside inside, it has helped decrease feelings of depression”
Beau Kunst, 20, Sociology Undergraduate
Finding a balance between work and relaxing has been one of my biggest struggles. When these opposing environments become blurred into one confined space, it is increasingly difficult to maintain a healthy balance. I transformed my bedroom into a space which visually feels more relaxing. I associate relaxing with nature, so I purchased over twenty-five plants to create this environment indoors. By bringing the outside inside, it has helped decrease feelings of depression. The room radiates positive vibes, as a result effecting my mood. Of course, my plants don’t solve all my problems, but they do slightly lift my spirit.
Along with my plants, spending time with my dogs has been helpful during lockdown. Since I am home a lot, my three dogs love to play and go for walks with me. I see my relationship with my dogs as a two way relationship. My dogs gain happiness when I spend time with, especially when they are also confined to the house, and I gain happiness knowing that I have company all the time. Only once you have a pet, you can understand the enriching bond. They emit so much love, it’s contagious. Seeing their energised faces every morning always puts a smile to my face.
“Self-care is something I have grown to practice religiously”
Isatou Jawo, 19, Health and Social Care Undergraduate
I feel that when people are experiencing a decline in mental health, whether that is due to anxiety, depression or other issues, they tend to neglect self-care. Self-care is something I have grown to practice religiously, and it has helped me maintain a healthy mental health. Self-care can come in various forms such as going for a run or writing your emotions and recurring thoughts on paper. For me, self-care involves making myself appear presentable and taking bubble baths to unwind. My philosophy is, if you look good on the outside, you will feel good on the inside. I live by this.
This led me to experiment with various makeup styles and clothing choices to make myself feel good. My love for self-care inspired me to start my own makeup business, as I want to make others feel good as well. My business is at the beginning stages, with planning and experimentation of products and formulas being my main focus. I use my previous experiences with makeup products to determine what will be successful and not.
“What I enjoy doing the most is cooking”
Arthur Hiltenfink, 21, Fashion Management Undergraduate
I do not have any extravagant ways to make myself feel good. My coping mechanisms are normal amongst people I know. I enjoy watching light heartened TV shows such as Modern Family and Desperate Housewives. I enjoy using social media sites such as Twitter to keep up with my friends. I enjoy calling people on the phone since it’s convenient and safe. But what I enjoy doing the most is cooking.
When I feel sad, I like to make food that I have not tried before. Of course, for individuals with depression, emotional eating can be detrimental if it’s done in abundance, but this is not the case for myself. When I make new food, I feel accomplished as I have learnt a new skill. Then I can enjoy the reward of my accomplishment by eating. As a result, I am able to cook nice dishes for my friends, whether that be a fancy meal or junk food. It brings me joy since I know that it cheers them up and they appreciate my efforts. Plus, food brings everyone together so what’s not to love.
Saqib Iqbal, 20, Anthropology and Media Undergraduate