By Lexi Masarweh | Staff Writer
A busy schedule, demanding academics, a fulfilling social life and now a full-blown global pandemic. Students’ mental health has undeniably been affected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and many struggle to cope with it.
“It’s been harder to socialize and see friends and family in a way that is safe and socially acceptable,” Aurora, Colo., junior Demi York said. “In college, making those long-lasting connections is one of the best things one can do for themselves. So, without the ability to see familiar faces and hang out with friends safely, causes us, as college kids, to develop more serious mental health issues.”
The pandemic has made students feel more isolated than ever before because of the lack of socialization with other individuals.
“I wasn’t able to have as many events as I would normally have senior year,” San Jose, Calif., recent graduate Isabelle Randazzo said. “You’re supposed to be celebrating this big, monumental moment in your life, and I didn’t really get to have that. It made me think that it wasn’t as big of an accomplishment as it really was.”
It is important for students to take care of their mental health and to reach out to professionals to get necessary help. According to its site, The Baylor Counseling Center is there to “provide a continuum of care for students by staff clinicians.”
After an initial assessment, students can expect a weekly or biweekly meeting to help address concerns or issues they are facing with the help of professional therapists. The Counseling Center offers individual therapy, which is usually a 45- to 50-minute appointment that helps students deal with mental health and other concerns.
Due to the pandemic, the Counseling Center is offering counseling services via phone or video telehealth.
The Counseling Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located on the second floor of the McLane Student Life Center. If you need to speak to a counselor due to a crisis, call the Counseling Center at 254-710-2467.
