PCC Students Feel the Effects of Being Isolated by Pandemic for 2 Years

In line with the social isolation efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19, colleges across the country shut down, forcing students to surrender their close ties to their campus community and friends and their familiar routines.

These factors have negatively impacted students’ learning process and mental health, according to experts. Some students agree.

“A lot of us are feeling the effects of being isolated for two years,” 18-year-old Catriona Swallow, Psychology Major at Pasadena City College (PCC) said.

“We haven’t really socialized or had an opportunity to make new friends in a long time. Not to mention that a lot of students have lost family members or been hospitalized due to COVID. Everyone has taken a hit to their mental and even physical health,” added Swallow.

Swallow, who is also volunteering with Mind-1-1, a nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness said today, depression is not uncommon among students and the mention of it usually leads to another classmate talking about their experiences with it.

She herself faced mental health challenges during the pandemic.

“During Spring 2021, I failed one of my classes due to stress around COVID. I was working while taking classes, and eventually the weight of the pandemic was too much.”

“There were very few available resources from the school while the campus was closed, and during quarantine there weren’t many places I could study. My grades and job performance slipped, and my mental health suffered. I quit my job, took a break from classes over summer, and started back up part time in the fall semester.”

Swallow believes without the added pressure of COVID-19 and quarantine, her performance at school could have been better.

Echoing her sentiments, PCC Psychology Instructor Catherine Lamar said during the pandemic, students in her courses have reported increased stress and anxiety, and decreased feelings of calm and happiness.

She attributes students’ strained mental health to increased demands for students’ time, decreased work-life balance and financial instability, among others.

According to Lamar, the PCC has created various resources for students during the past two years that address their technological, financial, academic, and social needs to buffer the negative impacts of the pandemic.

“PCC has created a laptop loan program, given students internet hotspots, offers free therapy sessions, has academic success centers, clubs, and numerous other facilities to help students cope with pandemic-related stressors.”

Despite the negative effects of the pandemic, Lamar remarked that overall, PCC Students are resilient.

“Over the past 2 years, I have been continually impressed with our students’ ability to adapt to changing environments and thrive academically. I am inspired by our students and the way that they have handled this pandemic.”

Lamar expressed hopes students facing mental health problems will get the help that they need.

“I also hope that students are taking care to address their mental health needs, and I try to be aware of students who need extra support.”

“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and I hope that students have the support they need to care for their mental health,” Lamar said.