These times shall pass too

Juhi shares their experiences and tips about overcoming struggles and loss during the pandemic.

- Juhi Aishwary

Happy and colourful days. Bright summers; going out with friends and family; having fun in our schools and colleges. Some of you will have planned your vacations and others would have wanted to spend time with their families but maybe could not because of work. The pandemic has been a learning experience for many – for instance, showing us that we need to look after ourselves and try to make the best out of our situation.

I certainly have learned a lot during the pandemic! I started to feel depressed and tensed due to the pandemic a month before my exams. I was already feeling rubbish as the pandemic – like exams – has a knack for making people feel anxious and panicked.

One Sunday morning, I was watching the news, and there was a report about how people were struggling due to coronavirus, followed a report about the rising number of cases. Additionally, I heard from my parents that most of my relatives had been infected with the virus, with some being in a critical condition. I later learned that unfortunately two of them had passed away. Hearing all of this made me feel so scared. I just did not want to do anything. I lost focus on my studies and constantly thought about all the people in my city who were struggling.

Soon, I realized that I went into depression also that I could not go out. I felt trapped and like I would soon stop breathing. My parents saw my condition and tried to help me to get out of it. They spent more time with me, shared inspirational stories and helped me to navigate my studies. After a while, I started feeling normal again and eventually that phase went teaching me something.

This period of depression and struggle taught me how to cope up with difficulties. I realized that many people were struggling and experience loss too and they can stay strong and fight their situation however much it hurts. Afterwards, I focused on my studies and spend some time with my family.

There were some things that I have integrated into my daily routine which have helped me to come out of my depression and to make my mind stronger.

I believe these are things which may help others as well. Exercising daily – for example jogging; yoga can help in calming the mind and body as well. I also tried to keep studying and focused my mind on the future after the pandemic is over. I found spending time with family to be one of the most important things that helped me. In these unfortunate times no one knows what might happen so we should treasure the times spend with our loved ones. They can support us when times are tough times and help us in staying strong. All these things might not help you to completely deal with the current situation, but it will surely help in passing the time.

Currently, the pandemic is not over, but I am still standing strong and looking forward for good days to come, and I hope that you are able to as well.

You can visit Student Space to explore online resources, access direct support via text, phone, web chat or email and find the support available at your place of study. 

My name is Juhi Aishwary I am an MBA student at Coventry University. I am also a London Activities Officer. I am sharing my story as other students would have had similar experiences and I want to help people to realise that they are not alone in their struggles.