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April 27, 2020
By Sam Katerji, MA, RP and Carrie Pollard, MSW, RSW
There have been countless sudden changes as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Some are shared by many, and some are unique to you. In a short period of time, students have had to learn to adapt to online learning and exams and had move without a lot of time to plan or pack. For some, moving wasn’t an option because home is in another country. For some, it felt safer to stay in Waterloo rather than return to an unsafe or unsupportive family environment. Naturally, your emotional reactions are mixed as well: you may feel relief and comfort being at home with family or you may feel the tension of living in a space that is uncomfortable.
What can we do to cope with the ever-changing new normal'? To start, consider the ways you have been coping. Make a list of what you have been doing and reflect on whether it has been helpful. When people are dealing with difficult situations and intense emotions, they can be drawn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as avoidance, denial, numbing, and withdrawing. People do this when things feel ‘too much.’ It’s tempting and natural to want to escape it or push it down. Avoidance and denial may look like repeatedly distracting yourself online. You might find yourself sleeping, eating, or drinking alcohol more behaviour because it numbs your emotions. These will provide temporary relief but can lead to much bigger problems, such as procrastination, financial stress, or disordered eating. They may contribute to a disconnection with your healthy supports because you may feel increasingly like an outsider.
Over the next few days, the Student Wellness Centre will be posting more articles in this series that will describe strategies to help you ride the wave of the changes caused by the pandemic and maintain mental wellness.
These articles are based on, Riding the Wave of COVID-19 and Beyond, a printable resource that includes references activities and references. If you would like a copy of that article, please email wellness@wlu.ca