The impact of Covid-19 on the students' mental health and the role of teaching institutions to protect and promote their emotional well-being

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the public health interventions that require social distancing and school closures, despite being indispensable, may have contributed to the widespread emotional distress and increased risk for psychiatric illnesses associated, especially among the most vulnerable groups. The purpose of this article is to discuss the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and contingency measures on students' mental health and the role of educational institutions as a protective factor in terms of health and well-being. For that, we conducted a literature review focus on mental health of the students during the pandemic and the sample of excerpts from the analysis of educational guidelines and recommendations that regulate educational systems in Brazil. We showed a substantial number of students, from different segments and teaching modalities, had to deal with the psychological effects caused by the disruption of the personal routine and suspension of classroom teaching. Fear of infection, loneliness, anguish and sleep disorders were identified as the major contributors to the widespread emotional distress and increased risk for mental disorders including stress, anxiety and depression. According to the guidelines and recommendations that aiming educational systems in Brazil, Education covers training processes that develop in family life, coexistence at work and in academic institutions. We conclude, therefore, that educational institutions must develop plans including learning objectives focused on mitigating the psychological impacts imposed by the pandemic, thus contributing to decrease existing educational inequalities.