Right nown I’m sitting on an airplane thousands of feet off the ground next to a man who is manspreading far too wide for my comfort. We are right above Colorado at this point, and should be arriving in Philadelphia in about four hours. As much as I cannot wait to sleep in a full size bed in a house where everyone has the same political views, a big part of me feels incredibly guilty for traveling amidst a global pandemic.
I have to admit that this semester has really put my mental health to the test. Between stressful classes, a looming election, the death of RBG, lack of social interaction, constantly having to remind students to wear masks, and personal experiences with sexual harassment, my mental health is the worst it’s ever been. I’m lucky to have great friends, a wonderfully thoughtful boyfriend, and an overly supportive family. But at this point in time, it’s important for me to be able to spend a week in a place where I’m not anxious just simply being there. It’s overwhelmingly difficult to thrive in spaces that limit your ability to function.
This year has been nothing short of a horror film, and far too often I think some of us feel like main characters. Especially for us college age students, so much of what’s happening in the world is expected to be solved by us… even though many of us still can’t cook more than ramen and only have a few dollars in our bank accounts (if we’re lucky). But here’s the thing: we can’t move forward if you can’t function. Take care of yourself, do everything you can to take care of others, and don’t punish yourself for wanting to take a break. Do what you need to do to put as much good in the world as you can, because the world needs it now more than ever – and if that requires spending a week at home, hiking that trail, calling an old friend, or even deleting Instagram for a few days, do it. Now. Protect yourself in every way, because we need you here.