what it’s like to live through covid-19

When we think of global pandemics, it’s always some far off post-apocalyptic concept. The origin story of a young adult dystonia fantasy sweeping bookstores everywhere. It’s something we think of as separate from real life that would never happen to us.

Except now it has.

With the growing awareness of Covid-19, measures have been taken in order to limit the spread of the disease and contain those infected. This includes in person classes at Chapman being canceled, most students leaving campus to return home, local restaurants and establishments closing, and everyone being encouraged to practice social distancing.

As someone diagnosed with anxiety, the panic surrounding Covid-19 has definitely taken its toll on me and my mental health. Even though I logically know that it’s unlikely I or one of my loved ones will become infected, my anxiety still plagues me and makes me fear for this. Aside from this, the abundance of which people are buying products from stores has also caused anxiety. I have enough food and supplies to last for several weeks so I have no reason to worry, but my anxiety still causes me to feel irrationally anxious at times.

In order to control and minimize the spread of Covid-19, Chapman has suspended all in person classes and most students have returned home. Because of this, my day to day life has changed drastically. I have stayed on campus and plan to remain here until the end of the semester and in the last week I have felt the significant shift that has occurred. I have grown accustomed to going to class every day and interacting with classmates and professors. These are interactions that I greatly look forward to and have lately missed. It’s also been a part of my daily routine to spend time with friends and since they have returned home, I am now unable to do that and feel their absence.

Even though these are difficult and uncertain times, I still work hard to find comfort and peace. I do so by keeping in touch with my loved ones like friends and family over mediums such as text messages, phone calls, and video chat. Through talking to them, I find comfort and reassurance. I also make sure to practice self care routines, such as binge watching my favorite television shows and eating my favorite foods.

This last week has been immensely challenging, however I will remain positive to the best of my ability and remain calm because I know that this will pass.