With all the talk of eating well and staying active in college, it’s no secret that your physical health is extremely important to take care of. However, staying physically healthy is just one piece in a much bigger puzzle when it comes to caring for yourself.
One factor of self-care that often gets placed on the back burner is our mental health. As college students, it’s easy to dismiss things like exhaustion, mood swings, low energy or unusual behavior. We often justify our actions because they feel “typical” of the average college student.
However, signs like these (and many more) should never be ignored or dismissed. It can be your body’s way of telling you that something’s not right … and it’s time we all start listening.
1. Sticks and stones may break my bones … but words can hurt too.
Some people feel that they are in great shape when it comes to mental health. Good for you. But, unfortunately, that gives you no right to discredit someone else’s feelings. Being aware of mental health is important not only for your own benefit but for the benefit of those around you. Terms like “snap out of it” or “cheer up” can be extremely insensitive and hurtful to a person who’s truly struggling.
2. Mental health does not discriminate!
For those people who feel like they’re doing fine, it’s still important to stay educated. Mental health issues can affect any person of any age of any race at any time. It’s okay to have moments in your life where you’re not feeling perfectly fine all the time. It’s okay to seek help and acknowledge that there may be something wrong. The bottom line is that knowing the signs of debilitating mental health is incredibly important, regardless of how you feel right now.
3. No one chooses mental health issues.
Mental health issues often make even the smallest tasks feel insurmountable. Getting out of bed or taking a shower can feel like huge accomplishments. This makes the bigger things, like getting good grades or attending social events, seem impossible. No one asks to feel that way. No one asks to struggle or suffer. That’s why it’s so important to not make people feel like they have the choice to “get better.” The path to healing takes time and work; it’s not something you can just snap out of or sleep on.
4. Owning your mental health status can literally be a life-saver.
With the current stigma surrounding mental health, it might feel impossible to speak up about how you feel. In a case like this, it’s important to know that you truly are never alone. People around you may not understand how you feel; you may not even understand how you feel. Regardless, talking about these feelings is not only important but necessary. When something doesn’t feel right, the only way to make it better is to seek help. Mental health issues are strong and often impossible to tackle alone. If you (or someone you know) are struggling with mental health, please don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who can help. Here are some ideas:
Free Counseling at School
- RENEW at FSU
Hotline Services
- 1-800-662-4357
- 1-800-448-4663
- 1-800-784-2433)
Mobile Apps
- 7 Cups
- Talkspace
Online Resources
All images courtesy of Pinterest.