Mental Health Awareness
October is mental health awareness month. At the Talon, we want to take steps in raising awareness and providing support for those who struggle with mental health. This starts by defining terms. In the article ‘What is Mental Health?’, Mentalhealth.gov states: “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood”.
Some students may consider mental health to be a taboo subject, but this should not be the case. Mental health is not talked about enough. As humans, we struggle. Struggling is part of what makes us human. Sometimes these struggles are physical, but sometimes they are mental. Mental struggles are hard to explain because you often cannot see them. We tend to overlook these struggles, or even try to hide them because we are at war with our own minds. This needs to change. Mental health is a real issue, and hiding it will not help to solve the problem.
Who you are right now is exclusive to your place in God’s grand narrative. His plans for you are grand, and you have valid feelings.
Realizing one’s potential is important to having positive mental health. Once you know what you can accomplish, you can choose whether or not things can get in your way.
Another thing that is important to consider is that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. Some things may take longer than others, but your story is unique. Each stepping stone you have to use on your path is unique to you.
How we approach one another in this community regarding mental health is important. How we approach ourselves regarding mental health is also important. You, a human being, are important. You, a college student, are important. You, a servant of Christ, are important. You, beloved by the One Most High, are important. Your mental health matters.
If you struggle with mental health, here are a few things that may help:
* Find someone to talk to. Talking to a close friend or your RA can help, and you can even utilize our Wellness Center’s counselors. They are kind, and are here to serve you.
* Get outside, spend some time in God’s creation and get some fresh air.
* Take time to do things you enjoy, for example: if you like to read, read something that is not assigned for once. If you enjoy cooking, invite some people over and make dinner.
* Try changing your mindset about how you approach stress, sometimes a positive outlook can change a situation entirely.
* Get some sleep! Go to bed early, instead of staying up late working on assignments.
* Remind yourself that God is sovereign over your struggles and that He knows what you are going through. Seek Him first in all things.