Students

Life has changed for all of us due to COVID-19 restrictions. Some people have enjoyed these changes, others have found it challenging and many of us will have experienced a mixture of these things. 

You might have had to transition to online learning or study without much warning. You might have had less time to talk to friends, or had to change the way you spend time together. You might have had your work hours reduced or cut altogether, adding huge financial pressure on rent or bills. Spending more time at home may have put additional pressure on already strained family or household relationships, making it challenging for you to find space to look after your wellbeing. You might even be struggling with the transition back to on campus learning. 

As a result of COVID-19 challenges you might find yourself:

  • struggling to find motivation
  • finding it hard to keep a routine
  • not keeping up with day to day chores
  • being less interested in things you usually enjoy
  • sleeping a lot more or less
  • feeling worried about the future

You might be:

  • thinking that returning to your life before COVID-19 seems like a huge task
  • finding things that used to be easy becoming difficult, worrying or scary
  • finding it hard to get going
  • concerned you might catch the virus
  • realising you want to make changes to the way you live your life
  • wondering if your friendships will be the same

So what can you do? 

Prepare yourself by thinking about how your life has changed and what you want your life to look like. You might find that some things are easier to return to than others. This will be different for everyone, and that’s OK. It can be tricky to know where to begin. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

  • think about the fun things you want to do once restrictions ease
  • write out a plan to help motivate yourself. Sometimes detail can help motivate you even if you don’t quite feel like it at the time. 
  • ask your family and friends to get involved
  • take it slow. Gradually try new things. You don’t need to do everything straight away
  • start with something that seems easier, before moving to difficult things
  • if you’re worried about catching the virus remember to practice hand hygiene and physical distancing
  • think about what you might need to do if things don’t go well, and write down a few ideas of what might help you get back on track

The easing of restrictions might be an exciting, fun, and enjoyable time for some. For others, it might be scary, uncertain or overwhelming. It’s normal to feel anything and everything, so remember to be kind to yourself.

Where do I go for help?

If you need support – start by reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, teacher or Elder to share what you are going through. Remember that there are lots of people at De La Salle to help you – your mentor teacher, coordinator, Head of Campus/Director of Students, Psychologists. We want to hear from you if you are having a hard time, or even if you are not! If you ever feel unable to cope because of overwhelming or intense emotions or if you have any thoughts of harming yourself, then ask for help immediately.

National Crisis Services:
If you are in an emergency situation or need immediate assistance, contact mental health services or emergency services on 000.
Headspace: visit headspace.org.au to find your nearest centre or call eheadspace on 1800 650 890
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au

Additional Youth Services:
Kids Helpline:
1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
ReachOut: reachout.com

Jessica Alger
Deputy Principal — Stude
nts

Credit: Headspace

Back to The Duce Issue 2020 07 - 18 June 2020