Students bring a natural enthusiasm to therapy, as they are excited to translate their academic knowledge into a supportive and supervised environment. Students exhibit energy, optimism, and a desire to help others develop a meaningful, more profound, richer life.

While lowering the level of intimidation, individuals may be concerned with an intern's lack of experience. However, there are surprising assets that interns bring to counseling experiences. Interns work closely with a clinical supervisor and an academic supervisor to ensure quality therapy and provide the best care possible. Knowing that they have direct supervision and regular consultations, interns seek to work with high levels of integrity and commitment.

Interns also have exposure to current research, including counseling methods, theories, competencies, and evidence-based practices. Interns are often studying cutting edge theories and techniques; they have a fresh perspective and know the value of evidence-based-practices. Interns use this information to inform their decisions in providing quality counseling, which directly improves therapy success.

Not burnt out

Students receive extensive training on the need for self-care. While many programs no longer require students to attend their own therapy, they are still encouraged to participate as needed, and, to engage in other activities that promote personal wellness. Therefore, interns have a high degree of awareness and opportunities for the implementation of self-care and wellness routines. Students often adhere to self-care at higher levels than established professionals, which reduces burnout.

KKJ Interns

While used in developed countries on an almost daily basis, the internet is revered as a basic necessity; however, new research has indicated that continual internet use over an extended period of time has detrimental effects on neuropathways, memory storage, and mood swings. In children, continual screen time can lead to depression, antisocial tendencies, or even suicidal thoughts. If not properly regulated, chronic internet use can cause irreparable damage.

In a recent study conducted by the World Psychiatry Association of the National Institutes of Health, it has been discovered that interactions with the Internet, even small engagements via smartphones, “have been demonstrated to bring about sustained neurocognitive alterations due to neural changes in cortical regions associated with sensory and motor processing…”. As time elapses, continued screen time that reduces face-to-face personal encounters can lead to “age-related cognitive decline” that can cause cerebral degeneration. This neurocognitive decline can lead to neuropathway rewiring, loss of attention span, and even loss of linear thinking and memory storage capabilities. Through a controlled trial, scientists concluded “that six weeks of engaging in an online role playing game caused significant reductions in grey matter within the orbitofrontal cortex,” which is the region of the brain that controls impulses and decision making. Nevertheless, internet use and access to social media can have great benefits, and if used in small time increments, gives entrance into an endless amount of information, as well as a wide platform of contact internationally.

While social media and the internet can provide a great amount of information and community, it can also cause negative impacts on person-to-person relationships. In a controlled study at the University of British Colombia in Canada, researchers found that when people bring devices to the dinner table, it engrosses their attention and causes a lack of personal connection. Rated on a seven-point scale, it was determined that those distracted by their phones or other electronics at the table reported experiencing less pleasure than those without. In addition, those who were having an in-person interaction at the table while on their devices reported less enjoyment and involvement than those without. If this is the emotional experience of adults in a social interaction compromised by social media distractions, it can only then be expected to have an even greater impact on children and the connections their minds make while still developing.

While the impacts that internet use can have on the brain can sound a bit formidable, don’t fret! Technology and social media is a tool that is becoming increasingly utilized, whether in jobs, schools, or even out in establishments such as restaurants and retail stores; it is a necessary evil. It can seem overwhelming as a parent trying to limit the access that children have on social media, but it is surprisingly easy! One of the major reasons children tend to be drawn to the gratifications of social media and the internet is because their developing minds feed off of constant stimulation. To substitute the excitement of the internet, replace it by spending family time together. Board games and playing cards can be a good exchange for video games and social media engagement. Spending time outside can provide good exercise and Vitamin D benefits, along with increased healing, improved mood, and enhanced concentration according to the Harvard School of Medicine. In addition, establishing “tech-free zones” within the home, such as bedrooms and the dinner table, can help manage the amount of time spent on social media. These measures, although seemingly small, can have a large impact on children as they grow into adolescence and adulthood. Studies have shown that family dinners without the interruption or distraction of devices and social media reduces substance abuse, sexual activity, suicide, violence, and academic problems later on in life.

Access to social media during school hours interferes with learning, and those who spend more than two hours a day online show a trend of over 50% having higher rates of depression and suicide ideation. In addition, the constant search for approval through likes and open comment forums exposes young individuals to a greater risk of bullying, shaming, and peer pressure, which can lead to mental health concerns, unrealistic views of others, and even long-term harm to personal relationships. In fact, girls aged 8-12 reveal an association with negative social well being, and those with a strong Facebook presence indicate greater risks for antisocial behavior, mania, and aggressive tendencies. While all of this can appear overwhelming and a bit dark, there are also great benefits to allowing children onto social media, if monitored correctly.

Social media access connects friends and family worldwide and can provide formats for individuals to meet others with similar interests. It is a creative means of self-expression and can serve as a platform that helps introverted teens benefit from social networking. The internet can be entertaining, allowing positive reception within the brain, and can also provide real-time interactive learning opportunities through the ease of access and abundance of new information.

Social media is never going away, and, it is growing in every avenue of daily life. This is why it is important to appreciate the advantages of the internet, and also remember to take social media breaks and explore the relationships, interactions, and events present around you.

A few simple ways to do so is by putting your phone down and out of reach, so it does not serve as a present temptation. Set limits by tracking your social media time, and turn off notifications. Set virtual boundaries as well as “phone-free zones,” and schedule “social media free days.” If you notice you are spending too much time on social media or are having difficulty resisting the urge to constantly check in on Facebook, Instagram, or any other platform, temporarily delete those apps from your smartphone to give yourself an immediate break.

In addition, setting your status to “offline” allows you to not be interrupted by constant notifications. You can make a point to monitor your online habits, so you have a visual to see the amount of time you are spending on social media or online games, and can make revisions accordingly.

Take time to notice and appreciate the world around you, including art, nature, people, music, et cetera. Allow yourself quiet times to meditate, and distract your mind with exercise, daydreaming, doodling, or journaling. Instead of reaching for an entertainment release online, reach for a book and give your mind a rest from the constant barrage of information flooding every page of social media, advertisements, and any other platforms.

The internet is a never-ending sea of information, entertainment, and ideas – like all things, it can be rewarding but should be consumed in moderation.

What Can We Do?

Ensure that you are socially connecting, even if it’s more difficult and/or you don’t feel up for it (this is the important part!):

If you find that you or someone you know is struggling during this time and needs extra support, resources are available. Don’t wait. The sooner you seek help, the better.

As individuals around the world face quarantines and isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at King’s College in London conducted a “rapid review” of the available research on the psychological impacts of quarantine (Brooks et al., 2020). Rapid reviews are systematic reviews of the literature conducted in an expedited fashion and are recommended by the World Health Organization (2017) in emergency contexts. This article provides a summary of this rapid review; the full review was published in The Lancet, and a link to the full text of the article can be found in the references.

As many of us are now aware, a quarantine involves separating people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease and restricting their movements in order reduce the likelihood of infecting others. Isolation involves separating individuals who have actually been diagnosed with a contagious disease from those who have not. Both of these experiences are likely to be unpleasant and disruptive for a variety of reasons, including being apart from friends and family, losing freedom of movement, feeling anxiety about contagion, and even experiencing boredom. As public health experts have made clear, quarantines and isolation are necessary in order to save lives, despite these negative impacts. However, it is also important to explore the likely impacts on the mental health and well being of individuals who experience these unwelcome conditions. The King’s College rapid review included 24 research papers that specifically addressed the psychological impact of quarantines; these studies spanned ten countries and five different contagious diseases.

General Psychological Impacts

In general, individuals who have been quarantined were more likely to show high levels of psychological distress than those who had not been quarantined. One of the most common forms of distress involved symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In one study, being quarantined predicted post-traumatic stress symptoms in hospital employees as long as three years later. Depressive symptoms were also a common response to quarantine; individuals displayed low mood, sadness, guilt, or grief reactions. As with PTSD symptoms, there was some evidence that depressive reactions could persist years after the event. Irritability and anger were also common reactions, as were anxiety, nervousness, fear, and insomnia. Finally, some studies reported the presence of exhaustion and emotional exhaustion, numbness, detachment from others, poor concentration, indecisiveness, and deteriorating work performance.

Longer-term impacts, measured by two studies several years after a quarantine had ended, included alcohol abuse and dependency symptoms as well as avoidance behaviors. Avoidance behaviors are part of a particularly problematic cluster of post-traumatic symptoms. In one study, health care workers were found to avoid contact with patients and going to work; other individuals avoided people who were coughing and sneezing as well as crowded or public places.

 Predictors of Adverse Psychological Impacts

Some factors appear to increase the risk for negative psychological outcomes from quarantine. In terms of pre-existing factors, health-care workers did appear to be at a higher risk for more severe post-traumatic stress symptoms than other individuals and had higher levels of other symptoms as well; this finding was not always consistent but was found in several studies.

During quarantines, increased distress was associated with longer quarantines, inadequate basic supplies, and inadequate information. One study found that those quarantined for more than 10 days exhibited more post-traumatic stress symptoms than those quarantined for less than 10 days. Not having supplies like food, water, clothing, shelter, or medication was associated with symptoms of anxiety and anger, even when assessed four to six months after the experience. A lack of clarity, information, and transparency from health and government officials about risks and guidelines appeared related to post-traumatic stress symptoms. A lack of information also appeared to lead to the development of catastrophic fears about symptoms and risks.

After quarantines, stressors that appeared to increase the potential for psychological problems included financial losses and stigmatization. Financial distress was associated with increases in anger and anxiety, and individuals with lower incomes experienced significantly higher levels of post-traumatic and depressive symptoms than those with lower incomes; a temporary loss of income is likely to be more problematic for those with lower incomes. Stigma was reported to be a major problem for individuals who had experienced quarantine; there were reports of rejection and negative treatment from neighbors, employers, and family members. Stigma caused some quarantined individuals to avoid seeking help for other subsequent illnesses.

Recommendations to Reduce the Psychological Impacts of Quarantine

Although the study’s authors stated clearly that there is much that remains unknown about the effects of quarantine, they provided some suggestions that may mitigate adverse psychological impacts:

References:

Brooks, S. K., Webster, R. K., Smith, L. E., Woodland, L., Wesseley, S., Greenberg, N., & Rubin, G. J. (2020). The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: Rapid review of the evidence. The Lancet, 395: 912-920. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30460-8/fulltext

World Health Organization. (2017). Rapid reviews to strengthen health policy and systems: A practical guide. https://www.who.int/alliance-hpsr/resources/publications/rapid-review-guide/en/