World Mental Health Day was on October 10, but mental health should be something we are always talking about. Considering that college students are juggling classes, exams, friends, jobs, and everything else that comes with being in college, it is easy to place mental health on the back burner. Between managing your schoolwork and enjoying your social life, many students neglect their mental health. World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that mental health is important year-round, not just on this designated date.
The college years are often called the “Best years of your life.” But college can be a stressful time as well. Students are moving away from home for the first time, creating their own schedules, managing finances, and making plans for what they want their futures to look like. And then there is the pressure to succeed, make new friends, participate in activities, and get high grades, which may be too much for one person to handle all at once.
Your social media accounts can also contribute to the pressure. Browsing a few minutes on Instagram or TikTok can make you feel like everyone has life all figured out. Maybe see people who are hanging out with their friends, having fun every weekend, facing all their classes, or living their best lives, and compare their experience to your own college experience and think you’re not doing enough. Unfortunately, Social media only highlights the good parts of someone else’s life. No one is immune to struggles, even if they don’t share them online.
It is also important to remember that you never really know what someone else is going through. That usually outgoing friend may be going through something that they just haven’t shared yet. That student who seems to have it all together is carrying a lot of weight in their life, but they’re just not comfortable sharing it with everyone. That’s why it’s so important to check in on the people around you. If you ask a friend “How are you?” and you genuinely listen, you might just save their day. Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them without judgment.
Don’t forget, you don’t have to turn your life upside down to look after your mental health. The small things can make a big difference, like getting a full night’s sleep, a breather from your phone, a nice walk, or an hour or two of doing something you love. Learning to say no and put boundaries in place can help. You might want to avoid a night out now and again or enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. And, whatever you do, you don’t have to be there for everyone all of the time.
The third thing to learn about mental health is that there is nothing to be ashamed of when asking for help. Talking about mental health still has a stigma attached to it. Some people may have difficulty saying that they’re struggling because they’re worried about being judged or they feel that their problems aren’t bad enough to discuss. If anything, you don’t have to wait until you are at the point where you feel overwhelmed. You can speak to a trusted friend, go see a counselor, or contact the free mental health and wellness services offered through your college.
This is a great time to talk about mental health, but it’s a topic that needs to be discussed all year long. AwarenessIsn’t just a ‘Thing to do’ On October 10. It’s about listening and being supportive of others, spotting potential symptoms in others and knowing where and when to seek help when it’s needed, and being honest with yourself about your feelings instead of putting on a brave face when there are some real concerns.
College can be a time of change, new experiences, and discovery. It’s okay if each week doesn’t feel exciting and you don’t have your life completely sorted out just yet. If you’re having a tough time, take a break, and talk to someone. No one has an easy day every day. Taking care of our mental health should be as routine as everything else, not a yearly occurrence. World Mental Health Day may only exist one day a year, but thinking of yourself and others doesn’t have to be!