Take care of your mental health

How student emotions are being affected

By Branden Sandoval

Reporter

Because of things that are going on in the world, many students have noticed a change in their ways of thinking and learning. They have had to adapt to the ever changing conditions of online learning. Upon further inspection of their own mental health, they have been feeling lower than usual.

“I would say my mental health has been a little on the iffy side. I wish I could see my friends more often but I guess FaceTime works too,” said Kaylee Diffey, a junior at Sanger High.

Social and Emotional Learning Counselor Donna Dodd has talked to multiple students throughout the year so far and has found similar feelings of stress and hopelessness.

“Tremendous stress due to the pressures of online classes and loads of assignments and trying to learn class material virtually. Many students despair over not being able to perform as well as they are used to and they see failing or poorer grades than they have ever had. They become discouraged and down on themselves and worried as to what this means for their future,” said Dodd.

The transition from physical on campus learning to social distance virtual learning has had a positive impact on students, as well as a negative impact.

“Honestly, I thought it was going to be a lot worse than it was. I wish it was regular school but virtual learning has been a smooth breeze for me so far,” said Diffey.

With some many negatives around us, there had to be some positives and things that could improve and cause a positive outlook on students. However, students don’t have a clue or don’t know how one could improve the situation.

“Honestly I have no clue. I tend to try and forget all about school when it’s over and do something that doesn’t make me stressed so much. Other than that, I could use some tips myself,” said Diffey.

Some students have even reached out to school counselors such as Zobeida Gonzalez and Dodd for aid with depression and severe loneliness. However, it can be a lot for a student to come out and voice their discontent.

“Some have. However, I think it is actually expecting a lot to ask students to do the reaching out, especially if they don't really know who we are. I really applaud anyone who does though, and I certainly see it as a strong sign of success! So far, I'd say I have 6-10 students each week who will reach out and ask for time to talk. Students who already know the counselors are more willing to come. The WeCare Survey that we put out on Mondays is our way of reaching out to everyone to see how they are doing,” said Dodd.

Virtual learning can also take a toll on students' personal school life, as the loss of friends, teachers, and the feeling of independence can really bring down their moods and morale.

“It’s made me so stressed and depressed,” said junior Maddie Gassett.

From a counselor's perspective, many have seen or noticed loneliness and that many students have lost so much during this year, that they have gotten used to not having the same feeling for school as they used too.

“The other problem is loneliness due to isolation and sadness/depression. Students have lost a lot in terms of connections with their friends. Simply getting together and having some fun is not so easy and not the same if it happens at all. A lot of students have too much screen time and not enough actual human contact which takes a toll. We need each other, after all. Students express not sleeping well or sleeping all the time-schedules are all wacky. Others say they are working all the time and have no balance as far as fun and relaxation. Bored and little to look forward to,” said Dodd.

Sanger High’s attempts to combat the depression, loneliness, and feeling of loss from its students has been viewed negatively and fruitlessly by some students. Some weren’t even aware that there was aid from the school.

“Honestly, I didn’t even know they were doing anything besides the survey. Personally, I don't know how many people are actually reaching out to the counselors but I think that the survey gives them the idea that they can reach out,” said Diffey.

However, Dodd feels that the school is trying its best with what it is given in this situation. All that we can do is try and stick together and reach out for help when you need it.

“From my view, the teachers are doing an amazing job and I know how much they care. Lots of teachers are really working hard to go above and beyond. They are heroes, really, I think. However, I think the best perspective on that is probably from the students. I can only speak in general from an outside perspective since I'm not in the classes,” said Dodd.

Students are not satisfied with online learning, and want to learn to love it, but can’t help but feel as though it will never be the same. School staff also want things to go back to normal as all others, but all they can do is serve their students to the best of their abilities.

“Hopefully school comes back and I can go back to my regular daily schedule because I’m all over the place,” said Diffey.

(There is help by reaching out to https://dodd-shs.youcanbook.me)