Back to School
Going back to school has always been such a fun time in my life. The preparations, the excitement, the shopping! Every year, I get so excited to go back, but this year feels different. As I approach my senior year of college, I have found myself feeling much more anxious about the year ahead; wondering if I've packed my schedule too full, if I'm ready to start applications to masters programs, if I've chosen the right path, and if I can handle having two jobs as a full-time student while living completely on my own? The truth is, I have no idea what I'm doing or what I truly want to do with my degree, and my brain is on complete overload. To some people, this may feel like normal young adult worries, but when you add mental health into the mix, these worries can make you feel like the world is closing in on you, and you are running out of time.
Whether you are in High school or College, going back to school can be a very stressful time, especially if you endure mental health issues such as Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, and others. Not only do you have to plan out your year with homework, clubs, extracurriculars, and jobs, but you also have to process how all of these things are going to affect your mental health. Even if mental health issues are not present, the schedule of school and the work that comes with it can negatively affect your mental and physical health. The process is exhausting. If you are feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to do this year, and how the heck you’re going to do it, you are not alone! According to the CDC, as of 2023, 40% of students report symptoms of depression, and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reported that around 30% of adolescents struggle with an anxiety disorder. This means if you were in a room of 5 people, 2 of you may struggle with symptoms of depression, and within a group of 3, it is likely 1 of you may struggle with anxiety. These statistics opened my eyes to understand that I am not the only one who is struggling to process the stress and worries of heading into a new school year, knowing that mental health needs to be on the list of things to worry about. So, what can we do to make sure we are all going into this school year setting up for success and prioritizing our mental health?
Finding a Safe Space
Building a safe space is an extremely important matter for a successful school year. You may find yourself getting overwhelmed and anxious, wanting to get away from reality for a little while. College and High school campuses have a large variety of areas you could go to escape! Whether that be the quiet section of the library, a table outside in a common area, a shaded area under a tree, your dorm room, or even a favorite teacher's office! Find a place that is easily accessible! This will be your grounding area! Use this space to breathe, take a brain break, and get away from your giant list of things to do!
Creating a Routine
Establish a set routine for each day. This does not have to be anything crazy, it could be as small as having a cup of coffee and writing a page in a journal. Having a routine for your day creates a sense of security and familiarity. It helps you ground yourself into the action that you are doing. A great example of this is would be to start off every day with a glass of water and writing down a list of things you want to accomplish within that day. You could also make an effort to go to the library for 30 minutes each day. Have at least one task that you can complete daily.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is extremely important for your mental health. Staying active looks different for every individual so it is very important that you listen to your body and choose the right activities for you. This could be going to the gym a few times a week, or choosing to walk to class instead of taking a transportation system. Implementing physical activity helps boost dopamine levels and endorphins, both are very important to mental health, especially those with a dopamine deficiency. It can feel taxing at first, but establishing a small form of physical activity into your daily routine can help you stay motivated and centered.
Connect with Others
Finding people you mesh well with can be very difficult. Sometimes it can feel like you have no one to support you or that everyone is against you. This is a feeling that I myself have personally struggled with as well as many others I know. However, there are many ways to get involved, and finding one person is the goal. The saying goes, if you can count on one hand how many friends you have, then you are already incredibly lucky. It is very scary to put yourself out there, those feelings are completely acceptable! You can always start small! Talk to people in your classes, or in your dorm, look into joining a club of your interest, maybe even consider joining a study group. Finding someone who will validate and accept you for who you are is one of the best ways to feel supported. Remember it is important to be your unique self! You are worthy of friendship and happiness and no one should make you feel otherwise. Create an environment that you feel fulfilled in. You do not have to go through anything alone!
Citations:
Atherton, A. M. (2024, June 27). Going to campus mindfully: Jed. The Jed Foundation. https://jedfoundation.org/resource/going-to-campus-mindfully-how-to-plan-for-a-supported-connected-less-stressful-year/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Mental Health Conditions & Care. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about-data/conditions-care.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Any anxiety disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder