Surviving School In 2020-2021: Maintaining Your Mental Wellness & Addressing The Anxieties To Come

Sofia Isabella Flores
Aug 12, 2020
4 min read

Well, it goes without saying that this new school year will be unlike any other. -

You might be frightened, confused, overwhelmed, or even indignant - rightfully so.

We, as students, appeared to have missed the “pandemic life & protocol 101” lesson. -

Simply because the road ahead is not clear, it does not mean that we cannot prevail. The fact of the matter is that our schooling is inevitable; despite its variations and challenges to arise from this odd time, we must not lose sight of the immeasurable value that our education can hold. -

The toll this pandemic has taken already on the mental welfare of thousands of individuals worldwide is tragic; I hope that I can provide a source of light and clarity in what could be a very uncertain and dim endeavor.

Approaching School: Preparations & What To Keep In Mind

With many of us beginning school in the coming weeks or having started such already, it does very well to organize ourselves and our surroundings to better acclimate to the times ahead.

If you are participating in a full-time distance/remote learning model, please consider the following:

Do I have a reliable and safe source of social interaction in case feelings of isolation arise?

Do I have a suitable workspace to accommodate my schoolwork? A table, office, countertop, flat surface, etc that fits my supplies and coursework?

Do I have a proper computer, laptop, tablet, phone, or screen to utilize for my virtual classes? (This can provide a sense of unity and interaction with our peers.)

How will I distinguish my education from my personal life? What will I set in place to ensure I do not become bombarded with pressures from one aspect of my life and fail to accommodate for the others?

If participating in a hybrid/alternative model, please consider the following:

What am I comfortable with when on campus?

How will I advocate for my own safety and well-being?

How shall I go about protecting myself and others? What measures and precautions am I able and willing to set in place?

How will I approach problems or changes that arise? (Shifts from hybrid to distance, hybrid to entirely in-person, etc) If my school’s model has to transition as a result of the ever-changing statistics, how will I feel? What will I do?

If participating in an entirely in-person model, please consider the following:

How will I ensure that I fully comply with the precautions and regulations set in place?

Do I feel protected by what my school’s administration has done to protect the students and faculty?

Is my academic strength advancing at a pace that I am satisfied with? Am I being taught properly? Is the plight to prevent sickness affecting my education?

The back to school season this year will never be quite as we expected; however, we have the power to make whatever we encounter as beneficial and impactful as we choose.

When In School - Learning & Growing Despite The Odds:

In my last blog I detailed the importance of self-advocacy; this technique becomes all the more helpful in the year we face.

If you know what stressors or triggers you have that could hinder your ability to perform in school, it is your responsibility to make them clear.

Make your parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators aware of your anxiety, depression, conditions, fears, etc. Your school is not going to shame you for struggling to cope with the adversities of our current world. Thousands upon thousands of us are experiencing heightened senses of worry and grief over the loss of our once common luxuries, like school, lunch dates with friends, shopping-mall trips, sports, extracurriculars, and numerous others.

When you begin to feel symptoms of anxiety, depression, isolation, or whatever issue you may suffer from, it is perfectly fine to take a step back and allow others to unload your burdens.

If you are responsible for siblings, a job, housekeeping, etc and cannot manage the overwhelming personal tasks as well as school, tell your family and teachers.

Honesty and compassion are genuinely two of the most useful yet simple aspects in the fight to remain sane in this madness.

Use the resources at your disposal!

There are countless virtual support groups, chat rooms, and counseling opportunities available - yes, despite the social distancing practices!

There are Instagram accounts dedicated to those simply in need of talking and venting their hardships.

There are apps and websites designed to offer advice and access to mental health battles and other crisis situations.

There are people in this world who want you to feel loved and valued.

School is never an easy journey; students are taught to undergo extreme stress, trial, and tribulation. You will fail. You will fall. But you must never lose sight of the reason you began trying in the first place.

Conquering The Challenges By Using The Proper Frame Of Mind:

I cannot lie to you; I myself am awful at positive self-talk and mindset practices.

However, each and every time I am able to properly frame my mind and thoughts in a kind and accepting way, I am amazed by what I can accomplish.

Our minds are legitimately key to how we feel as a whole. If you speak to yourself in a tolerant, patient manner, your actions and successes are bound to reflect the goodness in which your mind holds dear.

Essentially, the better you think of yourself and your potential, the better your view of life and all that it brings your way will be.

If you only consume yourself with negativity and self-loathing, there is almost nothing in the world that will appeal to the darkness you cling (often unconsciously) to.

It is more likely than not that your peers, teachers, family, and friends are also experiencing a rather difficult time adjusting to this hazy era we are presented with.

Mistakes, changes, and unknowns are inescapable. Our questions about sports games, Homecoming, Prom, SAT’s, Graduation, may remain in limbo for longer than we would prefer.

What is out of our hands cannot be grasped nor reconciled with any amount of strength of determination. Do not concern yourself with the impossible. Rather, save and harness your forces for the possible and tangible opportunities that too often go unnoticed.

What we must do now is prioritize our wellbeing, our education, and our communities.

There has been a far greater amount of sorrow in the past months than an entire lifetime could bear.

Do not fear the future just because it appears scary or tumultuous. Embrace each day, joy, tragedy, and mistake as an opportunity to grow into the best version of yourself.

Continue with courage and kindness.

In light & peace,

Sofia F.

A proper education can make the impossible a simple reality.