When I started this blog, navigating the honest struggles of life was extremely difficult for me. I had just moved back home and was working to rediscover who I was. I wanted to create a platform that I could reach others who were dealing with the same things. As young adults, there are so many things we have to navigate in life – relationships, #adulting, and a huge one is mental health in college (and in general).
Last night I put a poll on Instagram asking y’all what you wanted to see on the blog today, and sooooo many of you said mental health. It makes me happy that y’all trust me enough to write on such a topic. From day one, I knew I wanted to somehow incorporate mental health into my blog but strayed away from it because I was afraid I wouldn’t do the topic justice. I guess that is my anxiety getting the best of me.
However, many of you also asked for a post of college. My perfect solution was a post about both. Mental health in college is often something that doesn’t get enough attention. I am here today to tell you how important it is.
1 in 4 young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have a diagnosed mental illness
One second you are moving into college and coming off the high of summer, next your six weeks in to the semester and have no idea where the time went. At first it’s all fun and games, making memories with all your friends and living carelessly as the young adult you are, because you’re only young once, right?
You say “yes” to everyone and maybe take on more than you can handle. You join multiple clubs, an intramural team, get a job (or two), and an internship, and next thing you know you barely have time to eat and sleep.
Then the semester picks up and you have loooaaaddsss of homework and not enough hours in the day. You stay up into the wee hours of the night/morning “studying” for that big exam, procrastinating the homework you have in three other classes, and talking yourself out of having a mental breakdown,already thinking about the nap you plan to take the next day.
We’ve all been there
So how do we avoid it?
Well first, it’s important to be aware of our own mental health. We need to understand our limits, and not push ourselves too far. Because that lack of sleep and the fatigue from being all around overcommitted can and will lead to a mental break down.
Secondly, be honest to yourself and others about how you are feeling and what you are thinking. The worst thing you can do is tell people you are fine, when you’re absolutely not. Be willing to engage with your peers about what you are going through, odds are they are as well or have at one point. Sometimes talking to someone is the best thing you can do for yourself.
let’s talk about mental breakdowns
A mental breakdown happens when we have been pushed to our limit and reach out breaking point. For someone with a pre-existing mental condition, this can come much sooner.
So take a step back. Be okay with saying no to some things. You don’t have to do all the things to be considered a success. Set aside time for yourself and practice self care. Do what makes you the happiest and makes you feel the most fulfilled.
Lucky for you… I have created a self care campaign that will help you get on the right track. If self care is something you have never practiced, I highly encourage you to start now! You are never too young (or old) to create new habits, especially if they will benefit you for the rest of your life.
Don’t make excuses like “I don’t have time to practice self care,” because that is your first mistake. MAKE THE TIME!!! Self care is soooooo important.
If you feel like you don’t have any time, I recommend giving up an activity or two. Everything you’re involved in a possible contribution to your constant overwhelm, so eliminating one can only help right? So help yourself out sister! If there is one thing you get from this whole post, it’s that it’s okay to say no!
I hope you enjoyed this post! If you did and want more like it let me know it the comments! If you would like something completely different, also feel free to let me know via the comments or my email! Happy Friday friends and I hope you have a great weekend!
