When you're coughing up a storm or your stomach feels as if it's turning itself inside out, you do what you can to feel better, Whether it be a quick trip to the doctor or even just some over the counter medicine. Regardless of what you do, the matter of fact is that you are doing what you can to feel better. As you should! But what if it isn't your cough or your physical self that is in pain, but mentally and emotionally, would you take the same steps as you would if you were physically sick? Mental Illnesses are often not talked about openly, but that needs to change. Getting and seeking help in all forms should be seen in a more positive light.
One's mental wellness is just as important as their physical wellness, but more times than not it is not treated like it is. Many people often overlook their mental health, though it is a very real and serious subject. Though we are starting to become more independent and feel like we are on top of the world, college students often fall victim of poor mental health. The National Alliance of Mental Illness did a survey on students and mental illness and found that poor mental health played some sort of role in 64% of college dropouts. That is an alarming number and something has to be done about it.
It is so important that college students take care of themselves both physically and mentally. We are constantly caught up with school, work, and the social scene to remind ourselves to put our well being first. It is common for people to push off thinking about their wellness to focus on other things. However, you should always be your main priority. If you are not 100% well in all aspects, there is no way you can put your full effort in anything else.
There are so many ways college students can make sure they are doing the most to keep up their mental wellness. Have a friend you can always talk to! It's good to always have someone you can rely on and knows what you are going through. Sometimes the only thing you need is a person to vent to and good company. Or if you think it would best to see a professional, go seek out your school's counseling center. Their services are always free for students and are there to help you and your well being. They will help guide you in the right direction on what steps you need to take if you have a more severe mental illness. Even though they help with more serious mental illnesses, like depression or anxiety, you can go to them no matter how little of a problem you think it is. When it comes to mental help, anyone at any level of severity should feel comfortable talking to professionals.
However, the best advice I believe that can be given when it comes to your mental being is to value yourself. It sounds cheesy, but will do yourself wonders. You must listen to yourself and what your body and mind are telling you. There are days where you need to just take a break from everything and have a little "me day". The same way you treat a physical sickness is the way you should treat a mental one. While there are others you can rely on, the person who knows you best is yourself. There is no shame in acknowledging that you need help or are not okay. Everyone goes through it one way or another, you are never ever alone in the way you are feeling.
