2021's impact on my Mental Health

Kayleigh Fraser discusses the feelings surrounding the start of 2021

Kayleigh Fraser
15th March 2021
Image Credits: qs.com
With 2020 far in the past, so many of us thought 2021 would be a fresh start for our lives and rebuilding our mental health. However, 2021 has still felt much of the same, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any easier.

Now the new Government ‘Road map’ has been released, you’d think it would be easier to stay positive. Instead, how I’ve been feeling is totally indifferent to what future looms on the horizon and hopelessly stuck to the present. 

What January and February has taught me is the damaging cycle that is monotony. Every day feels like the same. Wake up, try and do some work for uni, squeeze in a walk and then wait for whatever figure announcement or coronavirus briefing will be aired on television that night. 

Every day feels like the same.

Although we have what seems to be a path to freedom, I can’t help but feel that none of it will go ahead. After the disappointment that was last year, my mentality towards normality is hugely skeptical.

Statistics show that thousands of young people have suffered with their mental health during the pandemic. Source: twitter.com/pweiser

2020 brought the easing of restrictions in the summer, but stuck us right back into a full lockdown by November.

2020 brought the easing of restrictions in the summer, but stuck us right back into a full lockdown by November. One of my biggest fears is history repeating itself and a third wave sweeping the country. As much as the vaccine programme is proving successful, news outlets report outbreaks of 'new variants' daily.

My anxiety for the future has never been higher. Walking, baking and staying positive can only go so far when you can't see your friends or make any plans for fear of them being cancelled.

My anxiety for the future has never been higher.

It's safe to say that 2021 hasn't got off to the best start for my mental health. With warmer nights and longer days coming up, I hope things will start to improve for myself and many others. But for now, life feels like small steps towards a freer future far away.

featured image credits: hrzone.com

AUTHOR: Kayleigh Fraser
Campus Comment Sub Editor for 2021/22 and Head of News at NSR. English Literature Student heavily obsessed with politics, bath and body works and making positive change. Also slightly infatuated with iced coffee, guinea pigs, my dog and binging The Simpsons.

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