Explainer: Covid-19 Effecting Student’s Mental Health

Covid-19 has forced most of the population into isolation, and this can have an effect on people’s mental health.

In an article by Jean M. Twenge and Thomas E. Joiner, a survey was done to see what the effects of Covid-19 had on people’s mental state. It showed that in April 2020, adults were eight times more likely to suffer from mental distress, being compared to before Covid. It is believed that more people are suffering from mental illnesses in the pandemic due to being isolated from others.

In a separate study from NCBI, another survey was done for the same cause, but this one included substance use and suicidal ideation. Results from this survey show an increase in substance use among a majority of people and an increase in suicidal ideation. Many people began using substances to help cope with Covid-19. 

Oxford Academic touches upon the rise in suicide rates because of the pandemic. The article showed that more people have thought of have committed suicide since the start of Covid-19 compared to before the pandemic. Leo Sher, the writer of the article, says, “that this increase in suicides can be attributed to fears of contracting the illness, fears of being a burden to the family, general anxiety, social isolation and psychological distress” (Sher).

The sales prices for alcohol have risen too. Sales for alcohol rose over 50% during the week of March 21, 2020, compared to the previous year. 

It is recommended that if you are having trouble coping with the pandemic, there are resources available. There are counselors that do remote therapy, along with hotlines to call 24/7. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.

The isolation of the pandemic has caused an increase in mental health problems, along with an increase in substance use and suicide rates.