Every student at Williams College goes through some form of stress of varying intensity during his or her college career, whether it be due to the heavy workload, social relationships, or balancing extracurriculars. Although this is common in all colleges, it is even further amplified at Williams because of the high caliber of classes and the remoteness of the campus.
As a freshman, it can be even more difficult to take care of your mental health on top of adjusting to being in a new college environment. I personally remember being in shock at the amount of work required here, compared to that of my large, non-competitive, public high school. It can be even more intimidating if you’re not used to being in an environment full of high-achieving and motivated students. On top of that, some people may feel lonely and that they don’t fit in at a small college, despite the college’s efforts to ensure that you feel included through the pre-orientation programs and the entry system. Although I did not have this problem because I had the opportunity to make many friends through the Summer Science Program offered at Williams before starting my freshman year, I know that some of my entrymates went through periods of isolation and loneliness several times throughout the year, especially during the harsh winter season when it can get cold and gloomy.
Coming into sophomore year, however, I thought I wouldn’t face the same struggles I faced my freshman year. I had learned from my mistakes and taken the summer to reflect on myself and focus on self-love. Little did I know, halfway through the first semester, I found myself in the same position as I was in the year before, maybe even worse. My course load got heavier, and I started to question the value of my relationships I had been trying so hard to maintain. I can admit that I have randomly broken down crying in the Schow Science Library several times as a result of all the stress I felt weighing me down. I soon realized that the “sophomore slump” may actually be a reality.
Despite all of this, it is very much possible to value and get help for your mental health here at Williams. Williams does a wonderful job at making psych services accessible to all, and it is not an anomaly for students to make an appointment here and there. In regards to work, professors are very open to discussing deadlines with you and take into account how stressed students can be. I recently realized that my mental health is more valuable to me than losing sleep and stressing myself out to finish my Organic Chemistry problem set. If you need to take a mental break from school and life, please do it. Go to bed early, listen to some upbeat tunes, or watch an uplifting Disney movie. As someone who has done all of the above, I highly recommend it and guarantee it’s worth it in the end because this is your life and you only get to live it once.
Call (413) 597-2353 to access Integrative Wellbeing Services (IWS)