COVID-19 Promotes Mental Health Issues in College Students

By Stephanie Duclos

College students home for quarantine are experiencing extreme mental health deterioration now that Gov. Bryan Kemp announced an extension to Georgia’s public health state of emergency through May 13 to slow the spread of COVID-19.

As days turn to weeks and weeks turn to months, many people are struggling to stay afloat during these times of uncertainty. All non-essential businesses are closed and a stay-at-home order is enforced around Georgia with the possibility that anyone who violates this order can receive a misdemeanor. Residents isolating are starting to become affected mentally with heightened anxiety, depression and loneliness.

Lindsay Johnston, a 20-year-old junior at the University of Georgia, moved home for quarantine to live with her mother and younger brother. After the stay at home order was enacted, she lost her summer internship and is now taking her classes online. “I feel anxious, lonely and uncertain about my future,” she said. “I had everything on track and now I can just feel all my plans slipping away.” She said being inside has made her unmotivated and stir crazy as well.

Johnston isn’t the only college student feeling like everything she had planned is crumbling at her fingertips.

Avery Duddleston, a 21-year-old Samford student, moved back home to self isolate with her parents, older brother and grandmother. She is also taking online classes now and has had to postpone her upcoming study abroad in Italy. Duddleston says the support of her family is helping her immensely during this time, but still has feelings of anxiety. “I never feel like I’m getting enough done for school,” she said. “The new online setting has made me feel like I’m constantly missing an assignment or didn’t get an email. It’s hard for me to feel at ease.”

Countless students are feeling out of sorts during this time. Not only is the stress of getting sick on their mind. It’s the uncertainty of their college career and losing everything they worked so hard for.

Grace Donelson, 21-year-old UGA student, mentioned a similar fear. She spent hours applying for her upcoming study abroad that was cancelled due to COVID-19. She is currently quarantining between her mother and father’s house. Donelson said she feels no sense of stability and has tried picking up new hobbies or getting into new shows to help keep her mind off any anxiety she’s feeling. She said her routine is out of sync and she finds it hard to stay on top of her work. She also said her family is making her feel suffocated and it’s hard for her to find alone time.

While everyone is struggling during this time, college students feel no sense of security. Many are even moving back to unstable homes where it’s difficult to focus or stay productive.

Despite the difficulty, people said they will have a new appreciation for life outside of quarantine.