People Are Strained

Ruben Sweeney SUN7NOV21

hey’re the years we all tend to look back on with the most fondness as we get older…

Our first night out in Dublin, our first proper hit of something illicit, our first kiss, the best music ever,  and not a care, bill or mortgage in the world.

It’s also that glorious few years in life when we can complain that there’s absolutely nothing to do, and then stay out all night doing it.

But what if a great big pandemic comes along and rips all those rites of passage right out of your diary?

Having had a few words of wisdom and comfort from Archdeacon Edgar Swann about breaking on through to the bright side, this time out, it’s the turn of 19-year-old Ruben Sweeney, who found his sunny future turning decidedly darker when Covid-19 came along…

I had my last day of school on Thursday March 12th, 2020. I remember thinking, ‘sweet, two weeks off school’, but what followed was far from sweet.

The remainder of the school year consisted of exam stress, online classes, uncertainty and a lack of answers and decisions with regards to the leaving cert for worried students. I found myself not committing to my studies as much because I was unsure whether the exams were going ahead or not, and if I should even bother. My motivation was at a low; it was extremely difficult to live in such a reclusive way as I would consider myself a very sociable person.

Not being able to see my girlfriend or hang out with the lads started to have an adverse affect on my mental health.

The summer after the first lockdown was a complete change of scenery. A few of the restrictions had eased, the weather was good, and after a long, lonely 3 months, we were able to see each other again and hang out in small groups. It was an inspiring time as it was the first glimpse of normality we had had in what felt like forever. The summer was short-lived and soon afterwards things went back to the way they were before.

The nights got dark and colder. There was a much more depressing feeling around and this was the period of the pandemic that affected me the worst. I was working in McDonalds and I was excited to be starting college in UCD. Unfortunately though college did not turn out to be anything like I had expected or dreamed of. Online lectures, more days of studying from inside the four walls of my bedroom, a lack of interest or passion in the subject material, and no real way of making friends in college left me feeling lost and that I may have made a mistake.

Every day felt the same and I felt like I wasn’t going anywhere or making any progress. Spending a lot of time alone led to self reflection. I had to make a change! I was too unhappy with the way things were going. I decided it would be best for me to leave college as I was by now at an all-time low. I had a terrible outlook on myself and on the future.

I have since started an electrical apprenticeship and it’s been one of the best decisions I ever made. I am so much happier and I feel motivated again for the first time since the start of the pandemic. I have a goal now that I am willing to work towards, which is a pleasant change.

I think it’s very important for young people to realise there are plenty of options out there for them and if something is not working out for them, don’t be afraid to say, ‘this is not for me’, and explore other avenues.

Things are really starting to improve out there, many of my friends were struggling through the pandemic but we are all doing better now.

It’s important to talk to your mates and check in on each other. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Things will always work out.