Looking Behind the Physicalities
Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? 
Mental illness in teens and young adults is a constant, continuous problem, and it certainly affects college students. Balancing college classes on top of your mental health is a hard thing to do, and it’s okay to give yourself a break when you feel the need to. No one ever said college was easy, but it can be a smoother ride if you learn how to take care of yourself by managing your stressors and emotions.
I hated everything about being in high school, so I was eager and excited to enter college. I had heard that college would be a more independent environment — but being independent comes with the burden of responsibility. For me, that meant working on top of taking classes, and I ultimately changed jobs more than once during my first year of college. By the time spring semester began, I had just started a new position, and nights once reserved for homework were quickly rededicated to seven-hour shifts. I was stressed beyond belief trying to juggle classes, work and my personal life.
I told myself daily that I could handle everything, but I eventually had to be hospitalized because I could no longer manage the effects of these stressors on my mental health. I thought of dropping some classes, but I was afraid to do less than my peers because I didn’t want to be seen as lazy. Instead, I discarded my burden of responsibility and overworked myself to the point of a mental break.
So what would I do differently next time? A lot of people aren’t familiar with proper stress management techniques, and this lack of knowledge can contribute to feelings of hopelessness or even depression. Here are some tips that can help you if you’re struggling:
- Try to stay organized. Simple things like making a to-do list or keeping a calendar of important events can help to prevent stress.
- Take a break when you need one. Don’t overwork yourself because it seems like the “right” thing to do. You’re not lazy if you choose to take only one class, or if you take a break from school entirely to focus on getting your personal life in order.
- Speak up. Mental illness is a highly stigmatized topic right now, but we can all help to break that stigma by talking about our struggles (and encouraging others to do the same). In order for people to feel comfortable processing their emotions in public, we have to normalize having discussions about mental health.
- Be supportive of others. Many people hide their emotions because they underestimate the severity of them, but afflictions don’t always have to be visible to be serious. There is never a bad time to lend a helping hand to someone in need. You never know what others are going through, and even the simple act of smiling at a stranger could dramatically improve their day.
- Use the resources around you. At Eastern Florida, students can contact EFSCares for free counseling services if they are going through a difficult time. Visit the EFSCares web page for more information.
No one is alone on this journey. I’ve certainly felt alone many times in my life, but I try to keep in mind that someone out there is going through the same thing. Mental illness has plagued my life since middle school, but every day I’m alive is another day I’ve beaten it. No matter how impossible your situation may seem, you will get through it, and you will make it out of your rut.
I never thought I was capable of making it this far, but I prove myself wrong each and every day. So let this month, Mental Health Awareness Month, serve as reminder to check in on your mental health. The end of a term is always a great time to decompress and celebrate your accomplishments — both in school and in life.
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