Since schools were closed on March 13, three days after the first case of the deadly coronavirus was confirmed in the island, many students have complained of challenges coping with the quarantine measures even as the institutions transition into virtual delivery of lessons.
Danial Green, an extroverted, 17-year-old student from Manchester, who loves socialising, told The Sunday Gleaner that the pandemic has triggered major changes in her life.
I am either out with friends on weekends, at youth fellowship, church or school,” said the B.B. Coke High School student.
Like Danial, Ree-Anna Robinson is also gripped by anxiety at times due to the pandemic.
She suggested the following strategies to help students mitigate the negative mental effects of the pandemic:
• Put a structure in place which includes a time for sleep
• Incorporate physical activity in the day, whether exercising or playing a sport, taking into consideration physical-distancing protocols
• Include a transition time for students to engage with others in online classes
• Use social media to connect with each other
• Learn a new skill, develop a new hobby or tackle a project that you have an interest in to keep engaged
• Seek help from a mental health professional if the symptoms become worse
