Approximately 7 out of 10 students have struggled with mental health problems. (Of course, adults can also have mental health problems.)
What is mental health? It’s the emotional and social well-being of an individual’s mind, affecting how they feel, think, and act, that enables people to cope with stress for long periods of time.
What about the effects of mental health and stress? feeling upset, unmotivated, irritated and etc., for more than just one day. You tend to lose motivation for certain things, become less patient, drown yourself in thoughts, and escape from reality. Some people have to take certain medications because of how bad it is.
Mental and Physical health are both serious topics. I wouldn’t compare the two, but mental health has had more attention and awareness. For example, the whole month of May is ‘Mental Health Awareness Month’, and conversations about mental health are becoming more common and more open.
How long can it last? Mental health can last as long as it needs to; sometimes it’s phased like 2 weeks+. The earlier you get help from anyone and the earlier you can find things that clear your thoughts, the better the process in the long run.
What I do to keep myself away from stress is shower in the morning, before school, or just before a long day because it wakes me up, I stay energized, and I don’t end up going back to bed. Next, I make sure to eat breakfast; some students will never eat breakfast or three meals like they are supposed to because they have no time, no appetite, or simply because they don’t want to. They don’t realize it’s fuel for the body and mind; not eating will just make you lose muscle, make you feel weak, and more stressed out.
Also, I like to go to the gym because your mind is focused on a certain workout, you can listen to music that motivates you, and after finishing the gym, you sweat out all the waste. Trust me, you will feel so much better knowing your body is active and not just rotting in your thoughts. Once I get home, I eat my last meal, then shower if I have time after I will color in my personal coloring book or do some homework. I truly do recommend the gym; the key is self-discipline and consistency. Yes, it is easier said than done, but once that phase is over, self-discipline/will constantly change the way you see life and yourself.
Of course, everyone’s tips and management is different for example, going a good 30 minute walk, talking to that trusted person, stress toys could help, be organize have a daily schedule to keep your mind busy (not too much), spoil yourself once a while, prioritize sleep, modify your environment, breathing tips, remind yourself what your grateful for.
Lastly, if your mental health is really that bad, talk to a professional and go to the closest clinic in your area. If you need emotional support, call 988 Lifeline. It is available 24/7
