Mental health organisations are warning that Covid- 19 isolation is putting many students under pressure.
University students across the country are struggling with mental health issues due to restrictions placed upon them, charities and councillors are warning.
For many lectures, seminars and support are all now online, meaning students are not having face-to-face interaction, as well as having to isolate in student accommodation with people they potentially have just met and know nothing about.
Loneliness, anxiety and depression are in the top three mental health problem that are affecting students.
In a recent study by the Government, almost 38,000 of students found that: 9% think about self-harming often or all the time. 21.5% of students have a current mental health diagnosis. 33.9% have experienced a serious psychological issue for which they felt they needed professional help.
Zach Doyle, a student from Newcastle University, spoke about his University experience has been turned upside down and how his mental health has been affected by the impact of COVID-19:
The National Union of Students (NUS) have called for Universities to invest in their mental health services that they offer to students; making sure that new students are aware of the available support.
At Teesside University, Elisha Lycett (pictured), who is President of Welfare at the Student Union, spoke about how Teesside is helping students who are experiencing mental health issues:
“For students who are isolating the University have prepared food packages for them so that they don’t need to worry about their food shop. I also provided sanitary products for isolating students which is a small but important contribution.
“I work closely with the university to ensure that everything is in place for isolating students to ensure that they have everything that they need.
About Me:
Hi! My name is Hannah Conway and I am a Multimedia Journalist in the final year of my degree at Teesside University.
Course:
Journalism, BA (Hons)
Biography:
Since I was a child I’ve always loved the news and being informed. Like others, I would religiously sit down and watch any news, listen to any radio and read any paper I could from the age of about 12. It was a no brainer for me to come into this career and to do a job that I enjoy. I’m a proud Teessider, so being able to report on and work local issues and national issues is a big interest of mine. In my first year of my studies, I won the award for ‘Community Reporter of the Year’, which allowed my proud Teessider status to show. Every day that I get to work in this industry is a pleasure, and I’m excited for whatever the future holds following my graduation from University.
Software & Hardware Proficiencies:
I am skilled using Adobe software, Open Media, Scheduler, Dira applications and iMovie, which I have practised and learnt through my studies. I can also use professional cameras, as well as video cameras such as the AC-90.
Employment, Work Experience & Volunteering:
I currently work at the Stockton and Billingham Life Newspaper, where each week I write up a match report on Middlesbrough FC and this is published weekly on a Thursday in various locations around the Teesside Area.
I have also carried out work for The Sunderland Echo, and did a two week work placement at BBC Tees.
Interests:
Despite studying a Journalism course, I often delve into the wider social science world too. I have created pieces of work varying from politics to mental health. I have a keen eye for art, and also love music. Visiting different places in the world and photography are also huge passions of mine.
