By Kathy Williams, Features Assignment Editor
COVID-19 is well-known for the physical damage it can induce on a person. However, it is also impacting people in an invisible way. With September being National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, discussing mental health during this pandemic is crucial for 2020.
Moving back to college is difficult for most, but this year students were left with higher feelings of uneasiness. Whesley Carey, a junior adolescent education and history major, said “Since I am from North Carolina, I had to quarantine on campus for two weeks before the rest of the student body returned. I was unaware of this policy until two days before I had to move in, which made saying goodbye to my family and packing very chaotic and rushed.”
Other students shared these feelings. Kaitlin Sinclair, a junior adolescent education and English double major, said “The transition moving to St. Bonaventure was definitely stressful since we had all been quarantining for so long.”
Students experience increased stress post-break because they have to transition into a school routine. The adjustment to returning to a school lifestyle combined with the concerns of the pandemic has caused a decline in mental health for some. Jules Misenheimer, a senior sport studies major, said “I am definitely more anxious when going out in public, and sometimes I have an ‘I don’t care’ attitude because it feels like the world is ending.”
Switching to online learning abruptly in the Spring 2020 semester put many students in shock and confusion. While more equipped this semester, some students are still struggling with online learning. “I hate online learning. Even though we are on campus, most of my classes do not meet [in person] every class time. It does not feel like the full Bonaventure experience,” said Sinclair.
To ensure the safety of others, precautions such as online learning, mask wearing and sanitization have increased this semester despite some negative opinions on it. “All Bonnies pay good money to come to this prestigious university and receive instruction in person, and I feel it would be the Franciscan way to prorate the cost of classes that choose to be online,” said a student who asked to remain anonymous.
Students are grateful for the resources on campus that can be used to help with their mental health. “I think the school has resources in places like the Wellness Center and res life staff to help students during these difficult times,” said Sinclair. Others have requested there be more promotion for the mental health resources on campus. “I’m not sure if they are offering zoom sessions or how to sign up for them if they are,” said Misenheimer in regard to the counseling opportunities on campus.
Mental health awareness and self care is essential for students. Implementing coping mechanisms such as journaling, reading or working out are ways to relieve stress during this Covid-19 effected semester. For questions related to the counseling services on campus, the Wellness Center’s phone number is 716-375-2310.
williakp18@bonaventure.edu
