Fabiola Candal Ranalli & Kuzari Olushola
Staff Writer/MC301
Throughout 2020, there have been different issues in America and worldwide. Coronavirus has been the most noticeable and the one that brings more fear into the population.
Many negative consequences have occurred since the appearance of the COVID-19.
Consequences go from the increase in unemployment rates and economic problems to many deaths and mental health issues.
What is most disturbing about this situation is that even though in some countries the cases have decreased considerably, but in many others, like the U.S. the cases appear to be spiking.
Some people that have gotten infected with the virus have recovered satisfactorily; however, a percentage of them have presented mental health problems after the recovery.
The concerns that many doctors have is that after recovering, patients tend to show psychiatric illnesses such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety, and depression.
Students from different universities throughout the U.S. gave their opinions on the situation.
Rita Pokorny, a sophomore business major at Barry University from Brazil feels very stressed with the situation.
“I got depressed for about two months, did not get enough sleep, and did not eat well because this situation got into my head,” Pokorny said. “I am stressed that even though I have not gotten the virus yet, people close to me have gotten it and can get me infected at any time.”
People have different issues throughout the pandemic, and students are a big part of that. Many things have changed for them and adjusting is very hard for some.
Quitten Brown, a senior criminal justice major from Monticello, Miss. at Jackson State University shared his story.
“I am not able to go to the gym as much as I like, no gatherings with friends nor parties, and always wearing a mask, that has been hard for me,” said Brown. “It is not easy to be quarantined, and it stresses me a lot that I do not even know when this is going to be over and we will laugh and share this as an anecdote.”
The unemployment rate, which is one of the consequences of the pandemic, has increased significantly.
In the United States, the unemployment percentage in February was approximately 3.8 percent. Unfortunately, it has now shot up to over 11 percent.
Marta Oliveira employment status was affected by the pandemic.
“I was about to get a job, I got my interview in January and was waiting for getting the approval, but did not happen,” said Oliveira, a sophomore business major from Tampa, Fla. at Hillsborough Community College.
“This is frustrating and exhausting. I got desperate when I got the message from who was going to be my boss explaining that I was not going to be able to get a job because of financial problems due to tot the pandemic,” explained Oliveira.
Rondo Cooper, a former Clinical Psychologist for Wedgewood Christain services in Grand Rapids, Mich. who now works for the Grand Rapids Public School District had this to say about students having a difficult time dealing with the pandemic mentally and physically.
“The best thing students can do is figure out ways to stay healthy mentally by staying connected with family and friends and don’t forget to exercise. Exercise can also help your mentality too. Anything to keep your mind and body moving will help, one other important thing to do is get your sleep. Sleep is very important for students, mentally and physically. It’s almost like a superpower we as humans have it is a way to reboot your system.”
Cooper continued, “A therapist is a great place to start, but the best thing students can do is protect your mental health and stay connected as much as possible and exercise.”
Travion January, a graduate assistant at Jackson State from Vicksburg, Miss. had this to say about what he is doing mentally and physically to help him get through the pandemic.
“I workout at the Walter Payton whenever I get the chance. I also have weights here in my dorm that come in handy whenever I can’t get to the gym here. Mentally I try my best not to get worked up by this pandemic. I focus more on either my job or the vast amounts of homework that I have to get done. So basically I haven’t had much time to think about the pandemic, simply because I try spending my time thinking and doing things that will keep my mind off of it.”
January continued, “ The pandemic is here, it is happening right now. The best thing I can do is keep myself in check and do what I can and not worry about what I can’t.”
Many resources have been created and shared to help people that experience mental health problems, stress, or different issues.
For more information or resources, visit Coronavirus Help Information.
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