An eighth-grade girl, online classes remind me of the past, how to let go of the time before?

Good day. Allow me to extend a warm embrace from a distance at the outset.

I perceive your current state to be one of helplessness, anxiety, and a lack of agency, as well as a desire to be seen, understood, and supported.

The reason why the recent online class experience will once again evoke painful memories and emotions is that the emotional distress caused by previous online classes was not adequately addressed. It is possible that the emotional distress experienced during online classes was overwhelming, and there was a lack of effective coping mechanisms to manage these emotions. Instead of seeking assistance from family members, friends, and teachers in a timely manner, individuals may have resorted to suppressing and hiding their emotions, which only temporarily alleviates discomfort. However, suppressing and hiding emotions does not eliminate them. Instead, they remain buried in the subconscious, resurfacing when individuals encounter similar situations.

In essence, emotions are neither inherently positive nor negative. Rather, they are a reflection of unmet expectations or unfulfilled needs. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize, accept, and respond to emotions in a constructive manner.

One may choose to record painful emotional feelings and behaviors in writing since the onset of the epidemic, particularly during the period of remote learning. This practice, known as keeping an emotional diary, can assist in perceiving and understanding emotions, identifying the needs that may be hidden behind behaviors, learning to navigate emotions, cultivating self-awareness and self-care, and exploring ways to respond to and satisfy emotions in a more effective manner.

From your description, it is evident that you have become aware of your emotions during online classes. By maintaining an emotional diary, you are attempting to accept your emotions and respond to the underlying needs that they convey.

For example, one might endeavor to communicate to one's family and friends with sincerity and courage the genuine sentiments evoked by the online learning experience. Simultaneously, one could express the desire for their loved ones to offer support, comprehension, and acknowledgment.

When one attempts to respond to the underlying needs associated with emotions through one's own actions, the detrimental effects of emotions can be mitigated or even eliminated. This is because the message conveyed by emotions as a form of communication has been received by the individual. At this juncture, it becomes evident that the source of discomfort is not the event itself, but rather the emotional response generated by one's perception and interpretation of the situation.

For example, the assumption that online classes necessitate remaining at home and precludes other activities is erroneous. Instead, one may pursue indoor activities such as playing games with classmates, watching movies, reading books, learning to prepare a few dishes, assisting with household tasks, and visiting outdoor parks with appropriate masks. Additionally, one can engage in discourse with classmates regarding their strategies for online classes at home. Consequently, individuals possess a multitude of options, contingent upon their preferences.

I am Yang Lili, the respondent, and I extend my love to the world.

Hello, classmate. I can see you're feeling confused. I'm here to support you!

You seem to be experiencing some emotional issues at the moment. I'm here to support you.

1.) How the 2020 online course affected you

I'm not sure what happened during the online class in 2020.

I imagine you must have had a negative experience.

That experience might have caused you some psychological trauma.

2.) You need to face and deal with the psychological trauma.

Otherwise, you'll have that same bad experience again when you next encounter that person, thing, or object.

As long as you don't address the experience from the online class in 2020, it won't go away on its own.

The girl just pushed it down into her subconscious.

3.) Suggestion

You can also ask the school psychologist at your secondary school to help you with your experience of online classes in 2020.

The school counselor's services are free of charge.

If there isn't a school psychologist, you can also get help from a professional counselor.

Students get 50% off the platform's consultation fees. Just fill out a form and submit proof of enrollment.

4.) Other ways to get help

If you need help, you can also use the platform's new instant counseling room feature.

There are now two types of counseling rooms.

There's also a free one-on-many chat room.

There's also a paid one-on-one counseling room.

I've only tried the free one-on-many chat room, and it's been pretty effective.

I think you should give it a try.

I really hope you can find a good solution to the problem you're having soon.

That's all I can think of for now.

I hope my above answers are helpful and inspiring to you. I'm here to help, and I study hard every day.

Here at Yixinli, we love what we do and we love our customers. Best wishes!