ALL of us have adjusted our lives during the pandemic to embrace social distancing, wearing of face masks, vaccinations and avoiding large crowds.
The movement restrictions and lockdowns have exacerbated mental health problems in the community, such as increased stress levels, anxiety and depression. But the curbs have become such a routine that we are now faced with another trigger of anxiety — the lifting of travel restrictions and lockdowns.
People have become detached from the way things were before — sitting in crowded rooms, commuting or making small talk. All this may appear overwhelming to many.
As universities reopen next month , we feel most for our students who for the greater part of the last 18 months have been confined to learning from home. Most have adjusted to that.
With the lifting of restrictions, some can immediately carry on with life, as per normal, without batting an eyelid.
But for others, a certain amount of trepidation and anxiety may present itself. This lifting of restrictions may appear as freedom to some, but feel intimidating to others.
What can students do to head back to campus for in-person classes safely? Here are five strategies:
FIRST, take it slow and at your own pace.
At present, only those who are fully vaccinated are allowed onto campus. Even then, there is a degree of hesitation in many.
Universities should stagger student arrivals to allow them to adjust to campus life. Counsellors could help allay student anxieties.
SECOND, stick to a reliable source of information to reduce anxiety about uncertainty and information overload.
There is a plethora of information to process and it may not be easy to sift through what is true and what is not.
Often, it would be the official Covid-19 website for the country as well as those posted by the university services.
They would have done the research for students and would have summarised the dos and don'ts.
Bear in mind every university will take precautions to protect staff and students. So even though some of the rules may appear extreme they are for the common good.
THIRD, follow all precautions despite being vaccinated.
Students may find it difficult to socialise. There may be a degree of mistrust on whether the person beside you in class or at the cafeteria has followed the social norms or standard operating procedure.
It is normal to doubt everyone you meet.
Many may not want to do so just yet. Students should respect their friends' wishes and discuss how to go about socialising.
Students can start off in small groups to be comfortable and slowly expand as time goes on. However, it is best not to avoid friends completely.
FOURTH, accept that people might have changed, for better or for worse.
Since the onset of the pandemic people may have changed, both physically and emotionally. Friends who were close to us may have had different experiences from us and may not be the same person we knew before.
FINALLY, work towards a pre-Covid routine and challenge any unhelpful thoughts that crop up.
Different actions work for different people. Some may want to keep a journal or write their thoughts in a blog. Do whatever that works.
Despite all the misgivings and the anxiety, life must go on. We need to move forward towards some semblance of normalcy — whatever that may ultimately be.
Students need to ease themselves back into the world at a pace they are comfortable with. They should seek help if needed and talk to their friends.
Getting support and help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.
Do remember that we are in this together.
The writer is an associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University