It’s okay to not be okay

It’s okay to not be okay.

It is evident that this global pandemic has disrupted our daily routine and created uncertainty in many facets of our lives. What might not be so clear during this period is that it is okay to not be okay. Collectively, we are all experiencing an unprecedented traumatic event. The normal biological response is to experience stress and anxiety.

As law students, many of us strive to plan things out – our summer jobs, our courses, volunteering, networking. A lot of these things aren’t possible to do right now and it is completely okay to be stressed and upset by this. Many of us had summer plans that have been disrupted and we don’t know what will happen next. Requirements of self-isolation have impacted our ability to see family and friends.

Law school on its own is difficult. There are many pressures and demands we are faced with. Under normal circumstances, this is a challenging time. The global pandemic on top of all that is a lot to overcome. Most, if not all of us, have never experienced anything like this before and we probably never will again. 

It is important to remember that we need to show ourselves self-compassion and practice self-care. This is a difficult period and it’s okay if we are unsure how to feel or what to do. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Take a deep breath. Go for a walk. Talk about what’s on your mind. Reach out to your peers and friends. We are all experiencing this and together we will all get through it. We will all have a unique law school experience that we can share with others for years to come.

Below are a few resources that you might find helpful, plus some suggestions of how to cope with self-isolation.

Keep smiling and remember we can do this!

Mental Health Supports

*The following offer free counselling support over the phone for students.

• The University of Manitoba’s Student Counselling Centre continues to be available to all students (all appointments are being conducted over the phone). To make an appointment, please phone 204-474-8592.
  Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Please let the receptionist know you are a law student.
• Empower Me 24-hour line 1-844-741-6389 (multi-lingual)
• Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM) Telephone Support Line (204) 925-0600 (9 am-9 pm weekdays, 10 am-4 pm weekends)
• Aulneau Renewal COVID 19 Wellness CheckRegister at the website.
• Liminal Space Therapy204-799-3806 or 204-290-5165 (5 PM-7 PM weekdays, anytime on weekends)
• Sara Riel Inc. Seneca Services 24-hour peer support line 204-231-0217 or 204-942-9276
• Kids Help Phone 24/7 Text Connect to 686868 to connect to a Crisis Responder or Call 1-800-668-6868
• Klinic Crisis Line 24/7 Call 204-786-8686 or toll free 1-888-322-3019

You can also contact your regular doctor and they will refer you to a counsellor, mental health practitioner, psychologist, etc. This is also free.

• HelpGuide: Coronavirus Anxiety information – Article: Fears about COVID-19 can take an emotional toll, especially if you’re already living with an anxiety disorder. But you’re not powerless. These tips can help you get through this stressful time.
• Anxiety Canada: Coping with COVID-19 – Article & resource website: Struggling with anxiety during this time of uncertainty? You’re not alone. Learn from our experts on how you can cope.
• Canadian Mental Health Association – Resource website

Coping Mechanisms during Self Isolation

• Yoga
• Meditate
• Journal
• Stay in touch with friends and family
  • Zoom is a free app that can be used to have group video chats!
• Play with pets
• Read a book for fun
• Do something for yourself!
  • Take a bath
  • Watch tv/movies
  • Listen to music
• Do the fun things that you love to do that you never have time for
• Stay Active
  • Go for a run, walk
  • Workout – there are tons of videos on Youtube and free apps that have workouts that don’t require equipment
  • Check out the U of M Recreation Services Facebook page for workout videos from our own campus experts!
• Reach out
  • This is a difficult time for everyone, so don’t be afraid to reach out to people and tell them how you are feeling.
• Talk it out
• Get some fresh air

How to focus on schoolwork during this time

• Sleep and eating properly is extremely important
• Keeping a routine is important
• Designate a specific work area
• Eliminate distractions
• Set aside a period of time to focus on schoolwork
• Make a to-do list
• Focus on completing one thing at a time
• Reward yourself when you complete a difficult assignment or do readings you were dreading
• Work as a team
  • Get a study buddy who can keep motivated and check in with each other (electronically)
  • Share outlines with students or work together on them
• Unsure about a topic or what a case means?
  • Look at the Outline Bank and see if they can help clarify anything
  • Talk to profs and classmates. The people at Robson are amazing!
• Remember that you are a strong and resilient individual and you will get through this!
• You will be so proud of yourself and feel accomplished when it is DONE

Show kindness and consideration to everyone! This is a stressful time, but with compassion and looking after your well-being, you will get through it!

Story submitted by the Robson Hall Mental Health Group.