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How to Handle Education in Lockdown

One study found that three quarters (73%) of students were suffering from declining mental health during lockdown. As we enter our third national lockdown, there's no surprise that these numbers are rising and students are still suffering from mental health issues like anxiety and depression. And with thousands of students facing hardships in gaining the exam and assignment grades they deserve and need to further their education, we have even seen an increase in suicidal thoughts and attempts.If you, or your student child, has been suffering as a result of lockdown and Covid-19, then you may be wondering how you can support declining mental health. With education now online for most of the population, we must look to routines, self-love and expert support to keep us afloat during these trying times. Please keep reading for an in-depth look at how disrupted education has changed because of coronavirus and how students can prevent these changes from affecting their mental health.

Disrupted Education

With PM Boris Johnson announcing the third national lockdown and schools and colleges closing to most students, education has been thrown in turmoil. Even university students will be taught mostly online, with many students across the UK feeling like they are being left with little to no support during this time. This disruption is expected to last until at least mid-February where the rules will be revised and extended if necessary. But as for the future of education in 2021, GCSE and A-Level exams have even been cancelled, leaving many wondering how their future education will be affected.

Do Your Best

It is important to remember that you shouldn't set yourself unrealistic or harsh targets during these uncertain times. Trying to continue as usual will be extremely hard, with many lessons now online and assessment having to be completely different to accommodate the government's rules and regulations. If you try to stick to schedules set when you had access to face-to-face teaching and revision groups, you will only be setting yourself up for failure.Do the best you can in the circumstances you have been given. Set up a new routine around your online learning which is achievable for your current energy and mental state. Overworking will only make you more tired and stressed, causing your mental health to decline further. Set up Zoom revision groups with friends, keep on top of your work and make sure you attend as many online lessons as possible to prevent you from feeling like you are falling behind.

Keep a Routine

One of the best things you can do to keep your mental health in check is to keep a routine. With lockdown keeping us inside, many people are starting to fall into the depths of depression. If left unacknowledged, this depression can deepen and affect us long after lockdown is lifted and our lives begin to return to normal. An effective way to prevent this from happening is to create a routine which gets you out of bed and completing daily tasks. A routine will help you find purpose each day even when you don't want to leave your room. Having a wake-up time, bedtime and set of tasks to complete around your online learning will ensure you are up on your feet, and even getting some fresh air too.

Seek Mental Health Support

If you still find it hard to overcome any anxiety or depressive feelings you may be facing as a result of lockdown, you should seek outside mental health support. Therapy no longer has the same stigma attached to it which it once had. People finally see it as a fantastic resource for understanding and overcoming mental health issues.In therapy, you will be listened to and supported by an expert counsellor whose sole desire is to help you find more happiness in your life. By understanding why you face mental health issues like depression and anxiety, you can learn how to prevent symptoms from affecting your life. As a therapist myself, I understand it can be daunting sharing your intimate thoughts and feelings. Still, I want to reassure students suffering from stress and depression that seeking my support is the best first step in overcoming your mental health issues.Please take a look at my website to learn more about my services as a therapist and how I can support your mental health journey. Understandably, students of all ages are facing stresses in education. This can cause mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which can affect them even into adulthood. Protect yourself - or your child - and seek the mental health support you deserve.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]