Students confront mental health challenges as new school year begins

Madison Ladouceur, a second-year photojournalism student, said her mental health concerns are centred around how different school life is this semester. She worries about how different learning online will be because she is used to face to face communication with teachers and staff. Ladouceur also expressed some concerns about what living on campus during a pandemic would be like.

By Edna Caroline Byenkya

BELLEVILLE–  As Loyalist College students return to the campus this fall, they face the challenge of keeping good mental health habits while studying amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Students across Ontario returned to campus earlier this month following strict public health guidelines. Some Loyalist students expressed concerns about the impact of the restrictions on their mental health. 

Loyalist College has taken very strict measures to ensure physical distancing such as: ensuring physical distancing, increasing security and introducing an app to track the arrival and exit of all individuals at limited entry and exit points, offering students single occupancy rooms within units of students in the same programs where possible, among others.

“Before I started school again this semester, my anxiety was mostly about how different life was going to be once I got back on campus,” she said. “It makes me feel a bit safer knowing the school has placed proper precautions to protect their students and teachers. I am happy that the school is taking COVID-19 as seriously as it should,” said Madison Ladouceur, a second year photojournalism student.

Ladouceur says she is able to talk herself through difficult situations such as COVID-19. She is happy that her worries are being addressed. Now she can focus her energy on getting through the academic year. 

 “I have been telling myself to work hard and smart no matter what life may throw at me,” she said.  “ I settle into my room at residence, I am comfortable knowing that the school is taking major precautions and following public health guidelines to see that both students and teachers are safe from the spread of the disease.” 

An important aspect of mental health is keeping in touch with others.

Sarah Morton, a first-year child and youth care student, says she maintained her mental health through the summer by spending a lot of time hanging out with family and playing video games.  

“I would Facetime my friends a lot during quarantine and it kept me going,” she said. 

Morton continues to stay in touch now she is on campus.

Ladouceur agrees that staying in touch is important to remain positive. 

“I kept myself busy throughout the summer by remaining active by practicing my photojournalism skills and hanging out with family and friends. And although it will be different without them around for the semester, I am determined to finish this school year no matter what happens,” she said.

Sarah Morton, a first-year child and youth care student, says she maintained her mental health through the summer by spending a lot of time hanging out with family and playing video games.

Brianna Hill, a first-year film and television production student said the thought of a second wave is frightening. She says has pre-existing conditions that would force her to return home. Most of her classes are in-person on campus and she is taking every measure to ensure she is healthy and safe.  

“One thing that scares me and would change my plans is if a second wave happens,” she said. “Campus will likely not be the safest place for me.” 

Hill said as someone who struggles with mental health problems, she tries harder to keep herself healthy. 

“I’ve definitely had to put in a bit more work into keeping myself mentally healthy and sound. Having a good support system such as family or friends has been important. I also have been in counselling for a while now and although it’s by phone it still helps. Getting out for lots of walks has also really helped me throughout the pandemic, she said.” 

Ashley Macdonald, a second-year paramedic student said it has been difficult for her to maintain her mental health throughout the course of the pandemic because she is a very social person and social gatherings have been prohibited. 

She tries to find a balance between maintaining professionalism in her area of study and sticking to good mental health habits. 

“Going into a first responder position, I feel that I must remain professional and do my part; however, I am only human and I already feel my mental health suffering. To help my mental health while still doing my part, I have developed a small group of people to be within my bubble,” Macdonald said.

“I have also found setting up frequent virtual events with friends to be very helpful in breaking up the isolation of the day,”  

As a result of COVID-19, Loyalist College staff have had to take very strict preventative safety measures including redesigning the way mental health support is offered to students this academic year.  

Cassie Richardson, a student success mentor, said in an emailed statement that as a result of the pandemic, student success services have been adjusted to a remote format. She said that counselling services are provided via telephone for all Loyalist College students. 

“We adjusted our provision of counselling services to a remote format. We are currently offering telephone counselling that is available for all Loyalist students. We certainly also act as a resource and referral source for students to help connect them with community supports whether they are in the Quinte region or are studying from another location,” she said in the statement. 

Richardson said students wishing to access counselling can contact studentsuccess@loyalistcollege.com to start the intake process. They can expect to be connected with a counsellor in a timely manner and have a telephone appointment scheduled at a day and time that works for their schedule.

She said that living through a global pandemic can take a toll on one’s mental health, but it is important to focus on good and positive habits such as:

• Maintaining a routine that includes eating nutritious foods, a regular sleep schedule and some physical activity.
• Committing to staying connected to family and friends even in virtual or socially distant ways
• Focus on the aspects of the current circumstances that are controllable versus the unknowns
• Reach out for help as needed.