College can be a lot to deal with and although college is not necessarily a trigger for mental health problems, a whole load of stress comes along with it. Whether that be the stress of your classes, getting into your major, work scheduling, recruitment, boyfriend/girlfriend problems, financial burdens, or even roommate trouble.
I'd like to remind you that you can do it. Whatever it may be. It might take blood, sweat, and tears (more like being at the library until 2 am, drinking five cups of coffee a day, and a few mental breakdowns), but just put in the hard work, because it'll pay off soon enough.
Sometimes I forget I have these disorders because during college I've decided to not let them define me. However, sometimes when I do not expect it, they end up showing up. Whether it's crying over something that seems so small or itching at your neck, waiting for the stress to subside.
Apparently crying, pulling at your split ends, scratching at your skin and shortness of breath aren't normal reactions to stress? Interesting. Although you may feel down and there's an elephant on your chest, but it's OK not to be OK. So allow yourself to get it out or have a break.
As this new school year begins, I'd like to send out a little reminder to remember to take care of yourself, mentally and physically,
Take a step back from your studies.
Don't forget to eat, just because you're stressed about an important exam coming up.
Put away the third coffee once in a while.
Go to the gym for a half an hour or even just a five-minute workout. Anything goes!
Check up on yourself sometimes, not everyone else. Focus on you.
Dance around your room.
Or go on a walk.
Play an instrument.
Or just listen to music and lay in your bed.
Cook (if you're good at it, JK).
Color.
Talk to a friend when you're stressed.
Complain to each other how much you're stressed.
Then, proceed to eat ice cream and say, "but you can do it."
Because we all need some encouragement sometimes.
If you feel your mental health problems kicking in, make time to see a therapist at your school or in an actual office.
However, if you feel like you can make it through without one, make sure to keep reminding yourself to breathe, take some steps back, and relax for just a little bit amount of time. That's all you need.
