MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-IN
With a lockdown here and a lockdown there, it feels like COVID19 is everywhere. For so many people and in more ways than one, things have changed because of the pandemic. For many of us, the way we interact not only with those around us but too with ourselves has been challenged. Personally, I know many extroverts out there that feel as if the walls are closing in around them. I never noticed how many scratches and dents litter the walls of my own Kingston home until this year. I’ve never before had the opportunity to sit in my house day in and day out with almost nowhere else to go. Like so many others, my mental health has suffered the consequences of isolation. Because of that, I, now more than ever, understand the importance of mindfulness, taking serious care of yourself and checking in on your friends and family.
To everyone; this is VCFS checking in, virtually saying hello and reminding you that you’re not alone. We know it’s never as easy a task as it’s made out to seem, but please take care of yourselves. Sending our love and support.
A message from Ciara Halloran, one of this year’s Co-Presidents:
As an individual who has always dealt with fluctuating mental health (both good and not so good), I knew that in being Co-President of VCFS this year, I wanted to make our cast and crew’s mental health a priority. For this reason, Christina and I have implemented small initiatives and routines throughout the year to help make our team feel safe and comfortable within the club environment. For example, we begin every exec meeting with a quick mental health check-in, a funny meme, and ask everyone to submit a “Kudos” of the week to recognize our peer’s accomplishments (note: Kudos was initially implemented by our lovely 2019/2020 Presidents, Daniela Melis and Brie Miklaucic).
Christina and I both recognize that this year has presented many challenges, both club-related and non-club-related – challenges that likely affect our own and our cast and crew’s wellbeing. While we by no means have “cracked the code” on how to handle these unprecedented times, we continue to try our best and work on these small yet essential ways to look out for each other.
Please find below some valuable resources.
https://www.kfhn.ca/programs-services/mental-health1/helplines-local-services/
https://kingstonhsc.ca/mental-health-care/community-resources
A few of our executive members have come forward to share their experiences with mental health throughout the duration of the pandemic. When thinking about the stigma surrounding mental health, we can see how it can be hard to honest about one’s experience with mental health. With that being said, thank you to all participants in this blog post for stepping forward and being so open and candid about your journeys with mental health.
Ciara Halloran // Co-President
As briefly mentioned in the introduction, I have dealt with “fluctuating mental health” my entire life. Until recently, this was something I felt was not to be openly discussed. While I always admired individuals who could speak out and open up on mental health awareness days, such as Bell Let’s Talk, I was still too nervous to follow suit. Finally, after overcoming one of the most challenging years of my life, I feel comfortable doing so. This year, to look after my mental health, I have begun openly speaking to those close to me about how I feel and what I need. Instead of bottling emotions up and trying to “deal with it” on my own, I have allowed myself to use the resources that are readily available to me (i.e. friends, family, mental health professionals, etc.).
Furthermore, I have recognized that bad days happen, and when they do, that is okay. Of course, school and work remain a priority, but taking care of yourself matters just as much. Instead of feeling guilty for taking a day to myself, I remember that doing so will help my productivity and overall wellbeing in the long run. When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and go for a walk, make a tea, colour, or do any activity that allows time to relax effectively.
Daniela Melis // Sponsorship Director
I would say that like most people, my mental health this year has had its ups and downs. It’s been challenging to go a full year without seeing some of my closest friends and it’s definitely upsetting that my last year at Queen’s has been lost to Zoom class and virtual socials. That being said, I also appreciate that the pandemic has brought a little more quiet time and space for me to do small acts of self-care like buying myself flowers, going for walks, and reading in my backyard. I’m also grateful for all the good eats this year and the never ending stream of pictures of my sister’s new dog (@lunathegoldenshepherd)!
Bella Crysler // Socials and Events Coordinator
The pandemic has caused me to face the greatest struggle I have ever had with managing my mental health. Covid-19 took away everything I knew about making myself feel fulfilled and happy. However, this period of isolation has also been a period of difficult but necessary learning about how to adapt and be happy when I am alone. I have found that going on walks throughout the day makes me feel grateful for the beautiful places I live in while helping me get exercise and fresh air. I like to listen to podcasts when out on my walks and throughout the day in order to help breakup the silence. I think I have almost listened to every single David Dobrik “Views” podcast by now! Another habit I have formed is creating small things to look forward to each week. Mini events like watching a movie with my housemates, cooking a special meal, or group FaceTiming my friends from home. This pandemic took away many of the traditional events I would have gotten excited for throughout the year, and not having things to look forward to can make it hard to see past the bad days. Planning small celebrations at home has been a helpful way for me to reintroduce excitement and anticipation into my schedule. As hard as it can be to do, focusing on the good things we are still very lucky to have is crucial to overcoming the mental toll of this pandemic.
Alexia Scott // Socials & Events Coordinator
COVID-19 has certainly caused a shift in everyday life for virtually everyone. Since the onset of the pandemic, I can say that my mental health has certainly been affected negatively especially during lockdown periods. Going from seeing friends, peers, and coworkers daily to having virtually no physical social interaction is quite a drastic change that I had to adapt to. What helped me cope the most with feelings of loneliness and disconnect was becoming a dog mom, learning to appreciate small adventures with my closest friends/roommates and family, and trying out new recipes. For some people, at home remedies such as meditation, baths, and reading are good coping strategies, but what I found connected me with pre-COVID life most was trying new things/finding new hobbies where it was permissible.
Lucia Beram // Head of Charity
As an individual that usually goes to the gym at least 3 days a week, I have only worked out a total of 10 times in the past year. I feel I have lost part of my identity and no longer partake in something that used to make me happy and give me energy. I suffer from depression and anxiety and exercise used to be my outlet. I carry feelings of guilt and feel like I don’t deserve certain foods because I’m not working out. Due to a lack of motivation and an unfulfilling feeling after trying to exercise, I have had to turn to other activities to fill my days. These include walking my dog every day, learning to play the ukulele, trying new recipes, meditating, and catching up with old friends over the phone.
To those of you also suffering, I know what it feels like to wake up everyday feeling like you have no purpose and just going through the motions. I know what it feels like to plan an entire day of productivity and get maybe one thing done on your list. I understand the worry of going back to a ‘normal’ schedule, afraid it will feel too overwhelming.
Something that helps me is remembering to be patient and loving with myself. I ask what I would say to myself if another person felt the way I’m feeling and how I would treat them. Surround yourself with supportive and loving people. We will get through this together.
Carly Baldachin // Stage Manager, Musician
COVID-19 has sucked, but I would say the biggest impact that it has had on my mental health is that I have been experiencing compassion fatigue while trying to be there virtually for all my friends. It’s hard to know your friends are struggling and the only way you can be there for them is over the phone. However, one way that I am have been coping and taking care of myself is by having a morning routine. Spending some time off of my phone and focused on myself has been amazing. I make my coffee, do my makeup, my hair, and try to put together a cute outfit. That little bit of time dedicated to myself and away from technology has been crucial. Also, getting myself outside to go on a walk (preferably with a friend) really grounds me and helps me realize that everything will be okay. Starting my day dedicated to myself and getting outside lets everything else falls into place.
Amanda Rankin // Head of Music
Being isolated for as long as we have, I’ve skipped from hobby to hobby quicker than ever. It can be really hard to find solutions to boredom these days. My mental health is at its best when I’m able to disconnect from my phone and force myself away from school work. I try to turn my screens off for a couple hours a day and paint. Whether my roommates are joining in or I’m blasting my latest shower/karaoke playlist, it’s been nice having an escape aside from the world of academia when it feels like that’s all we have these days. I’ve learned a lot throughout this pandemic, a lot of strategies to keep myself entertained and a lot about my relationships with my friends. Mental health is a process, but I’m proud of my process right now.
Marley Higgs // Press and Media Intern
As many of us are aware, the pandemic has taken a huge toll on the mental health of millions of people across the world. Consequently, it has become increasingly important that we begin to invest in our own mental health during the pandemic. I have provided 5 tips on how to protect your psychological and emotional well- being during the pandemic.
1.Take a break from the news.
2.Manage your expectations.
3.Routine is your friend!
4.Maintain connections.
5.Take care of your body.
Christina Pillkahn // Co-President
Throughout COVID, my mental health has had a few ups, but truthfully for the most part, lots of downs. I have tried almost every crafting activity to help with anxious thoughts and the constant feeling of being stuck and just waiting for good news. This is definitely not how I would have pictured my 4th and final year of undergrad, but sewing and crocheting have become my new favourite things to do and have helped to brighten my mood in a very gloomy time.
Nicole Stanton // Head of Clothing
This past year often feels like a big L, specifically 3Ls; lazy, lonely, and lost.I have felt lazier than ever this year, largely because yes I am forced to stay home as much as possible, but no, no one's forcing me to complete my daily home workouts, limit my snacking, nor sit at my desk checking off my to do list. Loneliness has been huge - my housemates stayed home in BC due to Covid this year and I felt like I lost my sisters/support system. And, this overwhelming feeling of being lost. I used to thrive off of the connections I made with my profs after class and with the like-minded students around me. Now at a time when I am graduating and begging for someone to guide me on what to do next, I no longer feel capable of bouncing off career ideas with others or hearing suggestions and advice for this "next chapter" of my life.Despite these L's however, I have grown so much from this year of uncertainty. I have learned to prioritize routine and recognize what makes me the happiest. Three of my favourite new additions to my everyday include what I call 'no pressure journaling' , trying new sports (specifically bouldering, swimming, hiking, and skateboarding), and fiction reading (downtime that always feels like the longest, best movie).Yes, this year has consisted of considerable mental challenges, but recognizing these and making daily efforts to change these feelings is a win in itself.
