During the transition of Covid-19 from in-person to online, to back in-person. Colleges across America have struggled to deal with the aftermath of Covid-19 and how to get back to normalcy. Covid-19 directly impacts society’s mental health, and working to help these issues is challenging. In this blog post, some teachers and students of Texas State University answer what their thoughts are about the correlation to Covid-19 and mental health struggles and things that can happen to eliminate some of these struggles.
I interviewed Professor Susan Holtz about things she has done to help students deal with this transition and mental health, and here is what she had to say. Professor Holtz decided to keep her course online, “once she transitioned from face-to-face to online, she decided to stay online” when the second transition happened. Professor Holtz believed it was good to give students options. Professor Holtz states, “For some students, online is better for their mental health for reasons such as they are nervous around large groups of people because of COVID or they are caring for young children or disabled parents, so the online option is less stressful. For other students, they crave the more intense social interaction that face-to-face classes provide, and they may get depressed without the social interaction, so they are better face-to-face.” Susan Holtz advises students dealing with mental health struggles by stating, “If you are having strong mental health issues, you should see a counselor who trained to handle mental health issues. However, to help reduce stress, getting vaccinated may help as they have the comfort of knowing COVID is less likely to be severe or lethal. Also, take as many online courses as you can to reduce the problem.” Susan Holtz provides opportunities to help students avoid the crowds by keeping class online and says the university is doing its best to provide a campus environment that is as safe as possible under our current state leadership.
Katie Mackey, an electronic media and German major, give feedback on what struggles she has faced during Covid-19. Katie explains coming back to campus and things her professors have done to help. Katie has struggled with anxiety, seeing everyone again, along some depression. Some of this comes with other factors, she says. Mackey says this stems from the fact that she cant interact with her friends, classmates, or teachers. She has tried combating these mental health struggles by joining clubs, making new friends, forcing herself to be more social, and making up for the past year. She helps clear her mind by focusing on good food and being active in her daily life. Katie Mackey says her professors helped by making class conversational, allowing mental health days, and being more lenient with attendance. Mackey prefers learning in person but says it seems like the university has swept the issue at hand under the rug.
Angie G, a Digital media innovations student had a difficult time during Covid-19 with her mental health. Angie was dealing with mental health struggles prior to the pandemic and once the pandemic happened it made it worse. Angie was unprepared for online courses and her grades struggled, as a result. She had to move back home to Dallas, Texas and isolation made things very difficult for Angie G. Once classes transitioned back to in-person, Angie struggled more than she anticipated. Teachers not willing to give accommodations after this transition to in-person made this time difficult for Angie. There is much uncertainty with life in a pandemic, but overcoming the obstacles given to each person is what is important. Interviewing teachers and students gives insight on what can be worked on and what is working.
Texas State Students and their experience on campus during a pandemic and ways to cope.
Courtney Makris and Kylie Pererro answer questions on topics of what Texas State University has done to help them, what they could do better, and what they do to deal with bad mental health days, and how to get out of their head.
Discussing ways Texas State University could do better helping students post Covid-19.
10 places on campus to clear your head, to help if you are overwhelmed.
LBJ Lawn is an amazing place to relax in between classes to take a breath in fresh air and clear your mind. You can lay on the grass, nap, read, work on homework and more and its a very spacious place to be. (Photo Credit: Makenna Watt)
The arch is one of the most beautiful sights on campus if you need to get your mind off things. The arch overlooks the city of San Marcos giving this beautiful view. (Photo Credit: Makenna Watt)
Starbucks in the LBJ center is a great place to study, get a good drink and with the food court near you can also get some good food. It is a great place to get some quiet time and enjoy time with yourself or a friend. (Photo Credit: Makenna Watt)
Texas State University Provided these hammocks you can lay in to relax, and it is very secluded if a second is needed to calm down. It is very peaceful swinging in a hammock and could easily calm the mind. (Photo Credit: Makenna Watt)
Taylor Murphy – History building is where you can see this beautiful courtyard. When coming here you can hear the birds and there is a fountain stream for a very soothing ambiance. (Photo Credit: Makenna Watt)
Walking along trails in San Marcos is a very easy way to calm the mind because you are in nature and paying attention to surroundings will help an anxious mind. This trail is the Hillside Ranch trail. (Photo Credit: Makenna Watt)
The beloved Sewell Park, this is a top tier mental health savior in the hot days you can swim and hangout with friends and have fun in moments of stress. (Photo Credit: Makenna Watt)
This is Purgatory Creek Trail, and this is a really nice place to have a view and to be in nature. Once you get to the top you are overlooking San Marcos and it’s very peaceful. This is a really good place to exercise to increase those endorphins! (Photo Credit: Makenna Watt)
This wide shot is on the 7th floor of Alkek Library at Sunset and watching the sunset from the view of the 7th floor is beyond tranquil. Listening to good music and possibly journaling is the best way to avoid stress and this would be a great place to do that. (Photo Credit: Makenna Watt)
The alumni fountain is something to go see and think about how all of the hard work and stress will pay off whenever you graduate. It’s very peaceful hearing the fountain water and being grateful even in stressful situations because one day it will be worth it. (Photo Credit: Makenna Watt)
