Social distancing impacts our mental health

Ever since mid-March when schools and restaurants closed each of us has slowly found a way to a new normal.

For some, the stay at home orders have been a time for rejuvenation. 

Senior Brittany Smaltz believes quarantine has been kind to her and had a positive impact on her life. 

“My mental health has never been better,” said Smaltz. “Yes, I was sad at first with everything being cancelled, but being in school long hours made me stressed and sad and tired.”

Smaltz is an essential employee so she has continued to work during the crisis.

“I have been going to work and that has been keeping me sane and out of the house,” said Smaltz. “I work at Chick-fil-a.”

For others, the change has had negative consequences. 

“It’s [quarantine] negatively impacted my mental health,” said senior Jamie Lynn Cruz. “School was what forced me out of bed in the morning. Without the physical aspect of school, I’m finding it more and more difficult to maintain motivation.”

Cruz maintains connections with her friends through technology.

“I regularly keep my friends in the loop via video calls and texts,” said Cruz.

Senior Lauren Norris has found new ways to handle the emotions of this difficult time.

“I have been coping with emotions by writing them down in a journal,” said Norris. “It is the greatest stress reliever when you have no one to vent to face to face.”

Norris was laid off from her job because of the virus and stay at home orders, but she’s keeping busy by improving her physical health.

“I workout everyday whether it is yoga, running, or random HIIT workouts I find on YouTube,” said Norris.

Perhaps you are feeling stress free and making the most of your time at home, but if you are struggling don’t hesitate to reach out to your counselor. They are still available through email, phone call, and zoom.