Still in lockdown? Don’t forget to reach out + take time out.
The ongoing effects of pandemic lockdowns on mental health are real.
With 11 million Australians locked down, working in a hybrid manner (split between home and office), and universities, schools and learning institutions placing tens of thousands of employees, teachers and students back in remote teaching and learning, the lockdowns are now taking a big toll on mental health across the country.
For employees, mental health and wellness in 2021 over took the cost of living as the most important societal issue. In fact, a recent survey of 1200 Australian workers conducted by PwC for Atlassian found that one in four respondents experienced ill mental health and distress and an inability to switch off from work, and severe burnout was experienced by 30 per cent of Gen Z and 23 per cent of Gen Y employees in the past 12 months.
The same levels of burnout and negative well-being are being reported by students, who already juggle the normal strains and stresses of navigating their study and life commitments, but the compound effect of repeated lockdowns have piled on a new layer of day-to-day mental pressure, anxiety about the future and digital fatigue.
Future Amp courses on Human Skills help students to self-manage
That’s why now more than ever, at Future Amp we believe it’s important to support students by providing them with non-academic learning opportunities focussed on improving overall mental health strategies and well-being, and the development of fundamental human skills including resilience, self-awareness, mindfulness and empathy.
Future Amp’s self-paced Australian-Curriculum aligned Human Skills and Independent Learner online Learning Units are designed by experts, and include interactive courses on Stress Management, Self-Care, Growth Mindset, Remote Teamwork, S.M.A.R.T Goal Setting, and many other critical competency areas to help students build skills, knowledge and practical tools they can apply to navigate today’s new world of remote learning and working.
Hybrid models of remote learning + working are here to stay
Hayley Darke, Psychologist and Monash University Postdoctoral Researcher, says under normal circumstances students have a heightened risk of experiencing anxiety, low mood, and psychological distress. But the pandemic has posed a host of new challenges for students in remote learning environments, and it is likely remote and hybrid models are here to stay.
“Students face a barrage of stressors including ongoing tests and exams, constant pressure to achieve good grades, heavy workloads, frequent deadlines, not to mention managing other competing demands such as disruption to extracurriculars, work, hobbies and social interactions. It’s no wonder that many students report feeling overwhelmed and strained,” she says.
“For many, lockdown restrictions have brought with them financial stress, fewer employment opportunities, and the stress of social isolation. And while switching from in-person classes to remote learning has been a welcome change for some students, many others have struggled with the loss of hands-on learning, less one-on-one time with educators, technical difficulties, and the ‘artificial’ nature of interacting with peers and instructors via video call.”
“Remote learning also means that many students have less control over their learning environments. For instance, cohabiting with others who are working from home, caring for young children, or doing remote learning themselves can make it difficult to find a quiet study environment.
Finally, greater uncertainty about the future has made it even more difficult for students to plan their careers and make decisions around their futures.”
Plan future career pathways by rethinking goals, doing research + exploring new industries
But the good news is there are plenty of things students can do to improve their day to day management of remote learning experiences, and reconsideration of their future career pathway plans in a rapidly changing global workforce.
“As difficult and uncertain as the current times are, try to embrace the possibilities,” Hayley says.
”There are so many opportunities available to young people, and being open and willing to explore new avenues will help you to navigate a rapidly-changing landscape. With that said, be aware that it’s ok to grieve the future plans that you are forced to let go or postpone. Life has changed in unprecedented and potentially irreversible ways!”
“For students looking to rethink their future goals, the core advice remains the same: do your research, and try to get in touch with people who are working in the industry you are interested in. Ask them how their careers have changed during the pandemic, and what advice they might have for people looking to enter that industry. Where do they think things might be headed in future?”
Resources + support for students during lockdowns
Support is available for students feeling overwhelmed, anxious, looking for support during a difficult time, or who might benefit from having someone to talk to.
Many schools, universities and learning providers have counsellors or psychologists on staff with whom students can book an appointment. Additionally, students (or their carers) can arrange a visit to a GP to discuss a mental health plan, or call the Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) for free online counselling for ages 5-25. There are also multiple online resources, such as HeadSpace, ReachOut.com, Smiling Mind and many others which provide tailored information guides for young people and students.