Covid-19 and Anxiety. Has there ever been a more challenging time to be an international student? Here are some helpful tips

In June this year, we at Flywire were privileged to have an anxiety workshop facilitated by Dr. Roberta Babb who offered a range of strategies to help manage anxiety, from thinking, emotional and practical perspective during this Covid-19 era. Upon further reflection, I started to think of the several millions of students globally, including those attending South African educational institutions and the persistent feeling of helplessness they likely endured. However, what has been extremely encouraging is the response by a handful of South Africa educational institutions to support student wellbeing, including the recent article in the Guardian where Professor Ylva Rodny-Gumede articulates this saying, “Caring for students goes beyond the teaching project”. 

With so much uncertainty about what international student programs will look like in the Fall and a pandemic that has had a wide-reaching impact on global economies and health, is it any wonder that students may be feeling more stressed than ever?

In the spring when Covid-19 hit dramatically, around the world many countries responded by tightening borders. Non-essential travel was halted entirely, and many international students were sent home. That has led to confusion, anxiety and stress for both parents, universities and students alike.

So, how to move forward as an international student when your anxiety is high? Furthermore, which resources are in place for international students who are struggling with their mental health right now?

Let’s start with the basics:

For updates on what your university is doing particularly in South Africa, you should be going directly to the source --- the university you enrolled in as a student.

Cape Town

Stellenbosch

University of Kwazulu-Natal

University of South Africa - UNISA

University of Pretoria 

Wits – University of Witwatersrand

If you know what universities and business schools are doing about admissions and how the new year will look, be sure to check the web sites frequently. During this stressful time, many universities have also added sections featuring resources to support student and staff mental health during Covid-19.

University is meant to be rewarding and enjoyable experience for international students, but even at the best of times bouts of depression and loneliness are common. New coursework, as well as living away from home for the first time and culture shock can all cause mental health concerns. In fact, the second leading cause of death among young people in South Africa specifically related to university is suicide. 

Dr. Ramneek Ahluwalia, Chief Executive Office of Higher Health SA, has said students will feel uncertainty about careers, coupled with challenges completing an academic year and logistical questions about how learning will happen. Then there’s also the fear of being home alone, in isolation or even of catching the virus. 

The need to suddenly adapt to completely new environments, routines and stressful situations can cause underlying mental health issues to rise to the surface. Thankfully, attitudes towards mental health are changing around the world. While research still lags in comparison to physical illnesses, there is more information available and more services dedicated to helping those with mental health issues than ever before.

Culture shock and homesickness are common causes of depression and anxiety for international students. Mental health does not discriminate. International students can be affected by mental health, whether they have underlying issues or not. Right now, with the additional stress of the pandemic layered on top, even people with no prior mental health concerns are struggling. 

Universities have a range of services to support student well-being

Visit your university’s website to find out what specific support is available. This might include counselling, student advice services, support networks as well as other resources. Wherever you seek support it’s important to remember that if it isn’t quite right for you, you can try something else.

Right now, many universities are offering telehealth and virtual mental health supports to all students. For instance, University of Pretoria offers e-therapy using WhatsApp, Video Call or Zoom. Many of these services are available free for registered students.

Mental Health Helpline Launched 

A 24-hour toll-free helpline has been launched in South Africa to support university students and staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. The collaboration between Higher Health South Africa and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group and the department of higher education and training aims to reduce stress on both students and staff coping with uncertainty during the pandemic. The Higher Health mental health helpline can be reached here: 08000 36 36 36.  

Doctors

Doctors are available still through campus health services if you need an appointment. Contact the campus health service department and have your student card ready. The appointment may be done via phone or virtual consultation, but you should know that this is still an option.

Apps

There are numerous mental health apps that can support you during the pandemic or afterwards. Calm and Headspace are a couple you might consider downloading and using on your own. 

Staying on top of your mental health right now is important. Limit your exposure to the news and to social media daily. Doom scrolling endless updates via social media can add to depression or anxiety. Choose reliable media outlets and get your updates once a day. It may also be in your best interest to periodically check Government web sites to stay on top of travel advisories and changes. 

#internationalstudents #southafrica #future #education #internationaleducation #anxiety 

Munya Chiura is a former international student from Zimbabwe. He is extremely passionate about fintech, payments, innovation and tech in Africa.