Many in higher education say they feel more isolated, vulnerable and confused than ever
A student from Birmingham, who’s suffered with an anxiety disorder from a very young age, says she’s feeling confused and uncertain because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Kayleigh Evans, 19, is studying for an English degree at Birmingham City University. Like many other higher institutions, the university closed its campuses last month and has moved to online teaching for the rest of the academic year.
What is anxiety?
There are different ways people will experience anxiety, according to the charity, MIND. Kayleigh has what’s known as a ‘generalised anxiety disorder’ which is quite common, and means that someone has regular or uncontrollable worries about many different things in their everyday life.
1 in 4 people experience mental health issues each year, says MHFA England (Mental Health First Aid England).
“My anxiety attacks became much more intense before I realised that coronavirus was the reason for my decline, followed by a flood of intrusive and irrational thoughts about the safety of myself and my family.
I’m still struggling every day. University has proved difficult to keep up with when existential dread rules my life for days at a time.“
There is still a stigma surrounding mental health. The charity says when people suffer physical injuries they are looked after with the utmost care and attention, whereas mental health problems are diminished to a ‘phase’.
Clinical psychologist, Dr. Ilan Ben-Zion, said in his 2017 #ihavementalhealth campaign, “You can’t ‘see’ mental health difficulties which means that some don’t take these sorts of issues seriously or believe that they exist.”
However help is available across the West Midlands. Helen Wadley is the CEO of Birmingham Mind.
“Birmingham and Solihull don’t suffer behind closed doors. Ring our Helpline – we are here to listen and advise you if needed. We can also get people specific counselling by Living Well Brum.“
For Kayleigh, distraction is key.
“A minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day approach is essential for my sanity.”
“I hope from this people can understand the level of panic some of us endure on a regular basis.”
For someone to talk to there are many charities and organisations across the region offering help:
The government does provide information pages, with links to the Every Mind Matters page on anxiety, as well as NHS mental wellbeing audio guides.