Reflections, current feelings and potentially moving forward
The “new normal” is as difficult to understand as it is to accept. Society reopening was like a breath of fresh air; we felt free to relinquish repeating identical routines in identical settings. Nevertheless, it is interesting to contemplate how a potential second lockdown could mentally and physically affect us.
I started this blog on a very personal note, sharing a story that the media at the time failed to shed light upon. Nearly seven months later, I can unequivocally say that the lockdown period has changed me as a person.
I often reflect on my first post, wondering if I was just overreacting to the situation at the time, as although adjusting to a dramatically altered lifestyle was initially difficult, it became easier with time. Despite this, lockdown was not a time that I would lightly brush over; rather, it was eye opening and has drastically changed my perspective on life.
MENTAL HEALTH:
According to the Mental Health Foundation, 24 per cent of UK adults have experienced loneliness as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown, whether living alone or with family. Moreover, the adults most affected by these feelings were aged between 18-24; this is often attributed to the lack of contact and engagement with peers at university which they were previously accustomed to.
The drastic change from living comfortably away from home to returning to a home setting can be difficult. Even if not physically affected by the virus, feelings of threat, hopelessness and distrust in the government has greatly impacted the mental wellbeing of many.
EDUCATION:
Nearly all students have felt neglected during the pandemic. From adjusting to online learning in March, to the fiasco with GCSE and A-level grades, there has been a severe lack of student support and very little governmental accountability. Many are of the opinion that it is only going to get more difficult, as feelings of security and routine which come with being in education have been somewhat lost.
Although everyone is adapting and investing in resources to ensure high quality teaching, online learning will never emulate the interaction, authenticity and engaging nature of face to face education; many students are, understandably, dissatisfied with their online classes.
Large numbers of new students have just finished welcome week and will soon begin with online studies. Like current students, they may feel overwhelmed, disorganised and uncertain on how the year will pan out and the impact of this on their long term career plans. It will be interesting to see the pandemic’s impact on students’ mental health and how much support they receive during this time.
GROWTH:
Of course not everyone will have found this, but I myself have felt a sense of personal growth through lockdown and know of many others who feel the same. Lockdown was not an easy time for anyone, with everyone fighting their own battles and many still doing so. Moving back to London was a step I knew I had to take mentally, but it is also challenging after having been home for so long.
Strangely though, the word “pandemic” seems less threatening with the reopening of society and moving back to the city. We’ve learnt to pause and have all changed, both mentally and physically. We’ve seen the world from a different lens. Even as someone who likes to plan meticulously, doing so now seems futile; I have personally learnt to take every day as it comes because nothing is certain anymore. 2020 has taught me that anything is possible, and you truly have to be ready for whatever is next thrown at you.
Aside from the pandemic, 2020 has been a year of tragedy, injustice and corruption. We cannot dismiss what has happened and what is still happening and it is vital for us to grow. It is strange that the pandemic has inspired us to speak out more and make our voices heard. It is interesting to see how the virus and social injustice have simultaneously helped us become more aware of deep-rooted socio political affairs that have long required redress.
WHAT IS NEXT?
I wish I had an answer. The way the government has handled the pandemic needs a whole other article. It is embarrassing that people’s lives have been disregarded. The lack of basic human concern for others the pandemic equally connotes to a virus. We could go into another lockdown and face déjà vu, but would people comply?
It is the fine line of moving forward and learning how to deal with the virus without risking any more lives. Setting boundaries is also important. We never know what others might be going through and how they might be affected by these strange and unfamiliar circumstances; be kind, be empathetic, be thoughtful. Looking at statistics and the news is draining; the nation is growing increasingly hopeless and frustrated. What really is next? The most important thing is to stay safe and always remain cautious.
