Have you been experiencing higher than usual levels of stress and anxiety lately? Are you easily distracted and having problems staying focused at work or while you're doing your schoolwork? Have you been compulsively overeating or watching the news? Do you feel exhausted during the day and yet have trouble sleeping at night?
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, then you might have hit what some mental health professionals are calling the "Pandemic Wall."
This topic was recently examined in a Forbes.com article entitled, "What You Need To Do When You Hit The Pandemic Wall."
Written by Senior Contributor Jack Kelly, the piece examined how being required to wear face masks, social distance, work and learn remotely, and process emotional events that have negatively impacted our culture's overall mental health.
Kelly's article goes onto describe the "Pandemic Wall" as a toxic state of mind in which people feel helpless, have no faith in their government and have reached a point where they feel like they just can't deal with anything anymore.
What are some other symptoms of the "Pandemic Wall?"
- A preoccupation with worrying about what the future will bring for you and your loved ones.
- A growing dependence on using alcohol or prescription medications as coping devices.
- A tendency to isolate yourself from the people who make up your emotional support system.
- Taking your frustrations out on those closest to you.
- Purposely looking for doom and gloom-oriented articles on social media to justify remaining in a negative state of mind.
- Compulsively purchasing items you don't need on shopping sites on the internet.
How can you break through the "Pandemic Wall?"
According to Kelly's article, the following are some steps you can take to help make the final stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic more survivable:
- Regain control of your life by seeking out someone who could use your help and reach out to them.
- Think of all the progress made in the past year in the battle against COVID-19. We've gone from not knowing much about the virus and how it was transmitted to having developing multiple vaccines geared to stop the spread of the disease.
- Recall a time in your life when you faced and successfully overcame some form of adversity.
- Start thinking of all the places you want to go and people you want to see when the virus situation has improved.
- Consider taking some form of action to improve the areas of your life you're not completely satisfied with — such as your job or college major.
- Follow the Serenity Prayer's advice and work toward finding the serenity to accept the things you cannot change, the courage to change the things you can, and seek out the wisdom to know the difference between the two.
- If your "Pandemic Wall" symptoms persist, consider seeking professional help from someone skilled in helping people navigate their way through difficult situations.
More about Hocking College's Mental Health Services
Located in John Light Hall, Room 241, the Hawks Center for Well-Being offers the following services to Hocking College students, faculty and staff members:
- Physicals
- Immunizations
- Drug Screens
- Basic Medical Care
- Counseling Services
- Crisis Intervention
- Counseling Referrals
Medical services are available through telemedicine for any general health concerns students may have. Telemedicine appointments are scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Students can call 740-753-7079 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday to make appointments.
Counseling services are available virtually and at no charge. To book an appointment, call 740-656-3036. If you or someone else on campus needs immediate help for a mental health crisis, call the Hopewell Counseling Crisis Hotline at 1-888-475-8484 or the Hocking College Police Department at 740-753-6598.