In the final days of 2019, a large number of pneumonia cases were detected in Wuhan China. Little did Wuhan Municipal Health know that this was the start of another world outbreak that would spread like wildfire. January 7ththe Chinese authorities confirmed they have identified the virus as a novel coronavirus also known as COVID-19.
COVID-19 is swarming the globe. On March 26, 2020 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised the threat level of the spreading virus and named it a pandemic. The spread of this virus raises fear and panic around the world and poses a serious public health risk. With over one million casesin the world and the 275,000 reportedin the United States, the health crisis is not all people are worried about.
Millions of Americans have been told to stop moving. In over40 states, local and state directives have ordered “shelter in place” or “stay at home” initiatives in order to stop or slow the spread of the virus. This changes how everyone goes about their daily lives and normal interactions. These initiatives include work, school, religious events, and even going to the store.
This new quarantine has especially been taking a toll on those whose social lives drive their everyday interactions. This includes a majority of students in college who have been sent home. Sophomore student Chandler Maizel at the University of Denver has been struggling with leaving her new home at school for her parents home.
“Quarantine sucks. It’s a big change to be home with my parents in a smaller space since they downsized when I left for college. Being isolated doesn’t scare me but it is scary to see other people that are being gravely affected by the disease. College was a home and it broke my heart when we left but it took me until online classes started to truly feel how big the change was. COVID-19 is an very scary virus and I wish people would listen to the stay at home orders,” says Maizel.
Junior student Katie Isler at the University of Vermont can attest to. Maizel’s statement.
“I did feel like college was home, it feels weird being back in the house I grew up in, back to old rules and nothing to do. It feels like I am in middle school again. I should have taken more advantage of the time I had at school,” explains Isler.
Isolation seems crippling. Jussi Tanskanen studies the simultaneous effects of social isolation and loneliness on mortality. The results showed that social isolation predicted and increase in the risk of heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression, and even mortality. In conclusion Tanskanen reveals the strong evidence for social isolation and loneliness having a pathway to mortality and health.
Bella Pisano, a recent college graduate now working from home, can attest to the affects Tanskanen mentions in her research.
“Other than feeling tired, breaking out, and feeling less motivated, it’s almost like I have phantom symptoms,” explains Pisano. “I know I’m not sick but I feel sick. I stay inside every day and move from couch to chair to bed isolated.”
William Hammit, in his study on the psychology and functions of wilderness solitude, explains an opposite idea as Tanskanen. Hammit touches on wilderness isolation and privacy. Looking at the dimensions that would be similar, in the case of individual cognitive freedom and social cognitive freedom, intimacy, emotional release, and reflective thought and self-evaluation led those to inhibit individual freedom of choice, tranquility, and peace of mind.
While Hammit found this research in the wilderness, the results of isolation has not been the same for the college students now home. Maizel explains that the social isolation has ruined the alone time she used to have to spend with herself, relax and take a break.
“Being alone while knowing I’m in isolation makes it less appealing,” claims Maizel. “Before this the time I would make for myself felt like self-care and being able to section out that time for myself was for my mental health. Now because I have so much of that time without having to make it, it feels less relaxing and almost more stress inducing.”
At first it wasn’t being taken seriously. Since the virus had not seriously affected the
United States it wasn’t taking a toll however now the mindsets are changing Isler explains.
“I thought this was kind of a joke at first, leaving school and getting an extra week of spring break but it turned out to be a life altering event,” explains Isler.
While this is daunting and isolating, COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere. In order to flatten the curve, social distancing and stay at home orders will stay in place. Restaurants, bars, clubs, and event spaces will close. However, these measures, which have been proven effective in countries such as China and South Korea, will make a lasting impact in the future.
However, others feel as if their whole life plans have been put on hold or ruined due to the stay at home order, online classes, and looming post-graduation jobs. Junior athletic training major at the University of Alabama Patricia Smith feels as if she doesn’t know what to do next.
“I’m scared for my future,” exclaims Smith. “I worked so hard for three years to get into the NFL and now that I’ve done it, there’s a high chance it will get taken away from me. If I don’t complete this internship my entire plan for my future is going to be ruined. It’s scary that something that you’ve been told to plan for since elementary can be ruined in a matter of a month.”
The MFJS Reporter -- Winter 2020 M-W 