May celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, launched in 1949 by Mental Health America (MHA) to raise awareness about mental illness and mental well-being: this month, like any other, it’s important to take care of yourself. No, it’s not selfish — it’s necessary to prioritize your own well-being! In a world that glamorizes being busy and having it all together, it’s easy to dismiss anxiety or burnout as just part of the hustle. But mental health matters just as much as physical health.
Whether you’re overwhelmed, detached or just not feeling like yourself, this month is about putting yourself first. As students juggling balancing aspects of college life such as friendships, career goals, jobs, clubs, sports, and more, it’s easy to push your well-being to the bottom of the list. But taking care of yourself isn’t optional — it’s essential for your success. Luckily, UC Santa Barbara provides essential mental health resources for students to help them succeed.
what is mental health awareness month’s mission?
Mental Health Awareness Month has been recognized for years, and with each passing May, more people are getting involved, reaching out for support, and understanding just how important it is to bring mental health into the spotlight. Still, even with all the growing awareness, it’s completely valid to have questions about what this month is truly about. The four key components of this month’s mission include:
- Mental health impacts everybody one way or another, as it includes everything from stress and anxiety to depression, trauma, substance use, and serious mental illnesses. No one experiences mental health the same way, which is why this month is so crucial to address the wide range of resources available to students.
- Destigmatizing mental illness to promote inclusivity is an important pillar of Mental Health Awareness Month. This month opens up a space for diverse stories and experiences — across age, race, gender, ability, and socioeconomic background.
- Encouraging awareness and education across all levels, including diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, and outreach. Understanding individual needs stem from obtained knowledge surrounding mental issues and symptoms of struggle. It is important to be aware and to know when to act.
- This month teaches the equal importance of self-care and well-being, not just illness. It is so important to pay attention to how you are feeling, in terms of your body and your mind, every single day. Normalizing the conversation surrounding individual well-being raises awareness about the importance of checking in on yourself and prioritizing individual needs.
Free UCSB Campus Wellness Resources
On this campus, you are not alone. You’re surrounded by so many supportive students, faculty members, and departments that are ready to help whenever you’re ready to reach out. One great starting point is the UCSB Student Wellbeing Department, which offers an easy-to-navigate overview of all available resources, organized by category.
Whether you’re looking for nutrition guidance, psychiatric services, or therapy, there are tools like basic needs assessments to help you figure out a personalized plan for moving forward. These resources include clear steps, detailed outlines, and supportive guidance every step of the way — ensuring that the process doesn’t feel overwhelming, intimidating, or out of reach.
This month is about normalizing the act of reaching out. In a society where media and expectations often pressure us to meet impossible ideals, it’s okay to go through a rough patch, to ask for help, and to find strength through support. These experiences don’t make you weak — they make you human. This campus is here to support you and help you achieve your goals. Don’t be afraid to use the resources available to you!
Take a break with some off-campus activities
Whether you’re looking to talk to someone, seek professional guidance, or simply take some time for yourself, there’s no one-size-fits-all manual for self-care. Everyone finds calm and rest in different ways. Some of my favorite ways to prioritize “me time” now that it’s spring include going for a sunset walk to Devereux or Sands Beach to watch the surfers, do a little tidepooling, and enjoy the view as the sun sets.
I also love taking yoga classes — there are plenty of options like a free week at CorePower, club-organized workouts, or yoga and fitness classes at the Rec Cen. Going for a run along the coast is another great way to clear my head, care for my body, and feel strong. And lastly, I love cooking myself a good meal.
These may seem like small, obvious things, but as students balancing friendships, social lives, career goals, jobs, clubs, sports, and countless time commitments, it’s easy to push the things that really matter — like taking care of ourselves — to the bottom of the list. So make sure to take care of yourself, and listen to your body — not just this month, but all the time!