Covid pandemic: Cornish student opens up about his struggles with mental health during lockdown
Simon Riley suffers from low mood and is struggling during lockdown
A Cornish student has described trying to get a degree during the pandemic as one of his toughest ever challenges.
Simon Riley from Wadebridge suffers from low mood,
But the 22-year-old admits studying from his parents' house without face to face support is making it harder.
"Everyone is in the same boat, but it's a pretty tough boat isn't it.
"Asking questions physically, getting to interact with people, combining that with no sport means it's pretty tough for people and very frustrating.
"Make sure you speak to people, obviously we don't know how long this pandemic is going to go on for, there are vaccinations going on, but it's all about looking after yourself mentally, there is no one more important than yourself."
Simon Riley, student from Wadebridge
'It was really frustrating'
"The lockdowns in 2020 were a testing period for me but I am sure for everyone. I suddenly by having to go back home to Cornwall from university in March meant I could not say goodbye to final year students who were graduating or to my current university mates in perhaps the way I would have liked to. Despite the ability to contact people through social media, as a university student it isn’t quite the same not being able to physically do that.
"Then by being home, I had to adjust to finishing my first year of university (1st year of undergraduate degree, 2nd year as a university student) on zoom. I had to finish my assignments online at home suddenly which is an interesting scenario. This meant my most efficient learning style (physical 1-2-1 interactions, asking questions) was not being fulfilled so this led to higher frustration levels from me.
"The last two biggest experiences from them were not being able to see my mates in Cornwall physically which is a big thing for me as I like doing walks with them and speaking to them as it is one of my most effective coping mechanisms. This was alongside the constant negativity in the news as the pandemic grew larger and larger as well as in seriousness. The constant statistics and figures really frustrated me. "
Simon Riley, student from Wadebridge
"It might just save your life"
Simon says that things such as exercise, dog walking and speaking to friends and family has helped him through a tough time.
"I learned a few valuable things from Lockdown 1 which I would advise people to do. Firstly, I know everyone is different but I would recommend talking to your friends and family. I know some people especially men find it especially difficult to talk about their feelings but honestly I really recommend it. It helps lift weight off your shoulders and releases the burden felt. There will be people who listen to you so go for it, it might just save your life.
"Secondly, I would advise doing exercise. I know people differ in terms of their enjoyment and appetite for exercise but even just getting your body moving is a real mental health beneficial. Walking is the easiest thing to do, it really helps to get outside if you live in a scenic place as you do not want to be stuck in the same environment for too long. Walk your dog if you have one. Even walking whilst listening with a Podcast can be really beneficial. It can help you relax and temporarily forget about negativity whilst getting you fresh air.
"Lastly, I would say evaluate what aspects/factors help improve your mental health and what are making it worse, find out what works and doesn’t work and use the list of positive factors to improve your mental health as much as possible."
Simon Riley, student from Wadebridge
You can read more about Simon's experience with depression here.
And you can read more about his struggles with social anxiety here.
Every Mind Matters
It comes as Public Health England (PHE) says almost half of us are more worried about our mental health now than during the first lockdown.
Almost half of adults (49%) felt that the pandemic has impacted negatively on their mental wellbeing (53% of women and 45% of men).
Of those surveyed, anxiety (46%), stress (44%), sleep problems (34%) and low mood (46%) were the top mental health concerns, according to a new survey commissioned by PHE at the start of the current Government restrictions.
However, at the same time 60% feel hopeful about the future and 75% reported that they are planning to take or have taken steps to look after their mental wellbeing, with exercising regularly (32%) eating well (29%) and talking more to family and friends (28%) being the main actions.
Public Health England has now launched its new 'Every Mind Matters' campaign to offer vital advice to those who may be struggling.
The campaign is designed to support people to take action to look after their mental wellbeing. It is supported by a coalition of leading mental health charities, including Mind, Samaritans and Young Minds.
You can find out more about the Every Mind Matters campaign here.