By Mackenzie Langham | Few would argue at Howard Payne University that there is a disconnect between students caused by COVID-19. Many first-year students have been fortunate enough to find a group of friends by this time. Unfortunately, many others have only made a friend or two since coming to campus.
University counselor, Kimberly Thomas, said that there are negative psychological impacts of masks and social distancing.
“Depression rates are rising, anxiety rates are rising, suicide rates are rising. It’s having a major impact on young people especially, and the older generation,” said Thomas.
With masks, there is a further disconnect that affects our nonverbal language cues.
Thomas said that when people wear masks, “We see somebody from the bridge of the nose on up. We are creatures who rely on nonverbal communication. Not being able to see the rest of that face, you are very disconnected, even if you are in the same room with that person – to a certain extent.”
When it comes to staying connected, social seclusion is not the solution.
“Don’t stay in your room. Don’t hide out. Find people that you have things in common with, take the initiative,” Thomas said.
Even if students cannot stay connected in-person at times, they should continue to use technology to their advantage.
“Video chat [with others] and things like that. Make sure you are calling your family as often as possible or whoever is in your support network. Don’t be afraid to come to the counselor’s office and vent.”
There are practical steps out there that can keep people connected while still staying safe.
Thomas said, “If you are stressing, make sure you call family. Don’t hide your feelings; don’t think you are being weak. [This is] new territory for everyone.”
Brooke Robbins, a sophomore psychology and Newman Honors Academy major, said that being bold about what you believe and taking care of yourself is really the first step.
“The only person that can change you is you. So, just taking charge of your own mental health and taking charge of the friends that you hang around will really help,”she said.
Getting involved is a key part of college life. Even with the pandemic, students still have a chance to do so.
There are good ways to plug into HPU and the community of Brownwood, such as finding a church to regularly attend.. There are groups such as Genuine college ministries at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, the Baptist Student Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Intramurals, Student Activities Committee, Greek life and more, that meet weekly.
“Connect with other believers and feel that spirit and unity of Christ, because that is what really draws us together, no matter what the situation, no matter what the circumstances,” said Robbins.
When it comes to feeling disconnected, many are frustrated.
“I don’t have the freedom to connect as much as I am used to. It’s hard when people try to dictate that. [It] can push me to draw into myself, which is not very healthy for me normally,” Robbins said.
The students who are engaging in activities and events offered on campus are getting plugged in.
Jacob Hinds, a freshman, has been active in looking for ways to get to know fellow students and have a great student experience.
Hinds said he has plugged in by playing bingo and doing the Zoom games.
Getting to know people and making friends is vital as a first-year student. Doing so can help with lessening homesickness and loneliness.
HPU offers many ways to stay safely connected on campus through ministry, Greek life, and sports. By staying connected, students can unite and strengthen each other through this difficult time.