Mental health is a very popular topic within our society, especially now with the pandemic we are in. For months, we were staying inside and limiting contact with others, which caused a spike in loneliness and sadness. It’s important to know that you are not alone. We are all in this together. Talking about mental health can be rather difficult, but extremely beneficial.
It is not healthy to bottle up your emotions, which is why talking to someone, whether it is a friend, a family member or a therapist, can make a big difference. Talking about what is going on can teach us how to better cope with and communicate our issues. Someone may seem happy on the outside, but we do not know what is going on behind closed doors. Therefore, it is imperative that we are cautious about how we word and say things. We need to think before we speak and act because something that may not mean a lot to one, may mean the world to someone else.
Acknowledging mental health can mean many different things. Saying something kind to someone, doing things that make you happy and being supportive are just a few of the many ways to acknowledge mental health. It is important to remember to take care of yourself both physically and mentally, even if it is just carving out 10 minutes from your day for some self-care. Go for a walk, to the beach, to a park or get involved in a club or sport in school. Remember to notice the small victories within your day, like making your bed or making yourself a meal. Sometimes, it is the little things that can make the biggest impact.
I have reached out for help in the past and it was one of the best decisions I made. I decided it was time to put my mental health first and it was time to take action. Finding your support system is key to helping mental health. This is something that we need to work on as a collective. We need to help bring each other up and encourage each other to step outside of our comfort zones. If you see someone dealing with mental health issues, be supportive and encourage them to seek help. Here at NSU, there are resources. So, if you see someone dealing with mental health issues or you are experiencing mental health issues, try and reach out to Student Counseling Services and Well Being. For more information on Student Counseling Services and Well Being, click here.
