You Are Not Alone
When we began a new year and a new semester (Spring 2020), who knew that in a few short weeks, our lives would be turned upside down. No one could have imagined the uncertainty we would be facing and are still facing today. I always hold true to the belief that “God would not bring us to it if He could not bring us through it”; I firmly believe that.
Experiencing uncertainty can play havoc on one’s mind, body, and soul. If we are not careful, this can also be dangerous to our health; especially to a young college student. While many may experience different physical health issues that can be diagnosed through various testing, it is the silent issue of mental health that can be hard to detect.
Without walking a mile in someone’s shoes, you won’t know what they are going through or how a crisis such as COVID-19 is affecting them. Add this to the stress of classes, course loads, and extracurricular activities and it can become a lot to carry on one’s shoulders.
As administrators, faculty, and staff, we must be proactive in the lives of students when we see changing patterns in a student’s behavior. Whether it is a change in mood, discipline, lack of interest and engagement, or even appearance. We must be ready and prepared to intervene as this could be signs on someone struggling.
On the other hand, it is also imperative for college students to be mindful of the state of their mental health, to acknowledge and recognize when they are struggling, and to take steps to seek and get help.
Here are some words of advice for protecting your mental health:
1. Trust in God. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29; 11 — “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Having faith and trusting in God helps the mind, body, and spirit. It gives you sense of purpose in knowing that “troubles don’t always last”.
2. Maintain a healthy routine. Eat healthy, get regular sleep, and exercise. Stay positive and limit negative emotions.
3. Limit stressful media intake. Television, radio, and social media can be overwhelming with news, opinions, and politics that can have a profound effect on one’s mental state.
4. Reach out to family and friends and stay connected. Share how you are feeling are if you are struggling. Talk through your struggles. It could be that what you are feeling, others may be feeling the same.
5. Know that you are not alone. Over the past few months, we all have gone through trying times and have felt a sense of loss as to what to expect as we attempt to move forward. Seeking and having resources to aid you in times of struggle is the best way to help relieve some of the anxiety you may be experiencing and overall, provide stability to your mental health.
