It’s already been a year of an official pandemic. Does anyone else remember when we were all leaving for spring break and the administration made us all think it would just be a few weeks, then we’d be back? Yea, me too. In about two weeks, I will have spent a second birthday in a pandemic, unable to do what I would normally do…travel and spend time with my loved ones.
There have been so many challenges from this year. School alone has taken such a toll on my mental and emotional health. At first, I thought what probably everyone thought, “online is going to be so easy,” “I can just lay in bed,” “I am going to ace all of my tests!” And I was doing fine and getting into a routine until I wasn’t. I think the point that hit me was winter term. Now I know that many people go through seasonal depression, but this wasn’t just that.
I was home with my family, some of my closest friends, and, more importantly, my dog! I was working as well (because hello money) and just trying to keep myself busy and productive in any way that I could. I started to join clubs and organizations and feel like myself again. And then it kind of just stopped. I got into a school rut, like writer’s block, but with all motivation even to try thrown out the window. I started to feel just brain dead and dreaded looking at my canvas notifications, and my grades began to show it. I just felt mentally done.
Everyone has something going on in their lives, and we don’t always know it. So you should always try to be there for others. Even if that means letting your friends enjoy their alone time to get back to themselves. If you’re ever feeling that sort of mental exhaustion, just know that it is normal, especially in the time being.