“It’s been a mad rush!”: NTU students claim COVID-19 has caused increase in stress

For students at University, the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has been another thing to add to their list of concerns.

Many University students who are currently studying are heading towards their exam periods and coursework deadlines and as a result will be dealing with large amounts of stress.

This, combined with the pressure of the lockdown restrictions imposed by the Government, is believed to have an adverse effect on students’ mental health and wellbeing.

Claire Sosienski Smith, NUS Vice President (Higher Education) said: “Students across the UK are now uncertain of their futures. They face precarious living and working situations, new and increased caring responsibilities and the loss of existing support structures.

“We really need responsible and compassionate leadership and support; it’s essential for all students,” she added.

Whilst Nottingham Trent University (NTU) have introduced a ‘no detriment’ policy which will offer a safety blanket to students who are concerned about their grades, some NTU students don’t believe this has alleviated much of the pressure.

Final year film, TV and English student, Amy, 21, from Derby, has struggled significantly since the University introduced online teaching.

She said: “I’ve had some tutors who have been really good and others that haven’t even responded to my email when I’ve been asking for support with feeling anxious.”

“I think my overall motivation has been low as all my motivation has been targeted towards my anxiety following the Coronavirus outbreak and dealing with moving home,” she added.

Animation student, Chelsea Snowden, 22, believes that a lack of coping mechanisms is preventing students from working to the best of their ability.

She said: “I think for a lot of people, myself included, the usual coping mechanisms aren’t available so it’s been a mad rush to find new ones or adapt them to the current situation.

“If I needed to de-stress prior to this I’d dress up nice and have a mooch around town, visit my favourite tea shop for a drink, and just have a super chill afternoon to change things up a bit but obviously that’s not possible right now!”

Brandon Boyd, a final year Media Production student, 22, also thinks that a lack of motivation is one of the key obstacles for students at the moment.

He said: “In terms of mental health I think it’s been difficult to try and prioritise.”

“I’m known for trying to do 101 things at once and now being restricted to my bedroom there’s so many projects and things I can’t work on, so I feel like it’s making me stress out slightly more than usual.

“I still have some bad days where I can’t do work and can’t focus, and don’t want to talk to anyone online because it’s the same as real life contact,” he added.

Amy Chappell, 29, who is currently studying Linguistics at postgraduate Masters level, admits that choosing between her university work and her job as a key worker makes her life harder.

“It’s hard being a key worker and choosing between working and doing university work because you feel guilty if you say no to a shift, especially when your family is on the frontline in the NHS.”

A NTU spokesperson said: “The mental wellbeing of our students is very important to us at NTU, even more so now we are working remotely and virtually.

“At NTU we have dedicated Wellbeing, Disability and Financial Support Specialists who are available to help any of our students who need us. The team’s dedicated web pages (http://www4.ntu.ac.uk/student_services/index.html) offer a range advice and support including, SilverCloud, an online tool for students who are experiencing stress, depression or anxiety.

“Advisors are available at any time, for advice and support, just email us at student.support@ntu.ac.uk and we will get back to you or if you need more advice on managing your well-being or anxiety you can contact us here  https://www4.ntu.ac.uk/apps/student_services/wellbeing/student .”

By Faith Pring

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