By Stacie Smith, (Director of Relations and Outreach, The Young Canadians Roundtable on Health)
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on many challenges for post-secondary students. The transition to at-home learning has not been an easy one, which in turn has affected many students’ mental health. A large proportion of young people in Canada attend some form of post-secondary education, which is considered challenging even in the best of times. While many have acknowledged the struggle students are facing, there have been limited supports in place to address these issues.
Students are facing social isolation and a loss of social support. Mandatory physical distancing and reductions on social gatherings have left many students feeling disconnected from their campuses where support and services are available. A survey by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA), an advocacy group that represents faculty and librarians at universities across Ontario, found that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on the quality of postsecondary education. This has led to a decrease in positive mental health in these students, along with concerns that they will graduate later than anticipated, or that they will not be adequately prepared for the workforce.
A survey by The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations administered to students across Canada in May found similar results. Over 70% of respondents reported they have felt stressed, anxious, or isolated due to the pandemic. 82% reported worry about their futures beyond the pandemic. Students are reporting more stress about everything from their health to their finances and the future.
The pandemic is taking a major toll on the health and well-being of students and it will likely be exacerbated by the upcoming winter semester. With another term being completed virtually, it is important to consider how the stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation will further impact these students. Now more than ever, creative solutions are needed to bridge the gap between the demand for relevant supports that help students manage the transition, and the available resources.
After hearing from many post-secondary students of their struggles with online learning, I knew there was a gap to fill. I also felt that many post-secondary students are struggling to access mental health support from home with many institutions being online this year. I wanted that peer-to-peer connection to stay intact while being physically apart.
The COVID-19 Student Support Network was created to support the current mental health needs of post-secondary students in Canada. Designed using lived experience during the pandemic, this virtual, peer-to-peer support model helps students struggling with virtual education. Our mission is to promote the mental health and wellbeing of post-secondary students across the country, and to help ensure adequate supports are available for their use. Our vision is to give post-secondary students across the country the opportunity to support one another through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 Student Support Network provides post-secondary students in Canada with space to share their thoughts and feelings about their post-secondary experience during the pandemic, access mental health resources, and find volunteer opportunities. Our combination of peer-to-peer social support and digital platforms allows for an efficient and scalable means to provide support to students struggling with the transition to virtual education.
For more information on the COVID-19 Student Support Network or to sign up for the support network, visit https://www.covid19mentalhealthawareness.com/
Stacie is the founder of the COVID-19 Student Support Network and the Director of Relations and Outreach for the YCRH. She is a recent graduate from Dalhousie University's Kinesiology program.