Opinions and Editorials Section
By Reshelle Bihasa, Staff Writer
We put our mental health on the back burner in order to complete all the things on our to-do list as well as social demands.
At what cost is it worth it to sacrifice our emotional well-being just to keep up with constant deadlines and never-ending expectations that society demands? College mental health is no joke and it is time to break the negative stigma that follows it being seen as a weakness along with overlooking mental illnesses.
It is no secret that over the past decade, mental health issues have significantly gotten worse with many young individuals and college students, especially Gen Z. The rise of anxiety, depression, burnout and other psychological issues have taken a toll on many young people. Unfortunately, the pandemic has only made these circumstances worse, as everyone was forced into isolation and switched to being online 24/7.
One thing many people tend to forget is how unrealistic social media can be. Sure, in theory the concept has many benefits from being in constant communication with the world to being able to be in contact with your friends. However, there are so many hidden downsides which even I have to remind myself at times that social media only portrays the positive or perfect appearance of one’s life. Each person carries their own silent battles that others may never notice.
Very often, influencers’ “a day in my life” videos can be extremely unrealistic, which leads viewers to compare their own lives to an idealized version of reality. College can be over glamorized in a misleading way. From constantly packed busy schedules, going to the gym every morning at 5 a.m. and studying until 1 a.m. every night, it is more than okay to stop, let yourself recharge and give yourself time to breathe.
The college environment can sometimes make students feel like they are alone in their mental health journey, but that is never the case.
Instead of being afraid to speak up about your mental health as a weakness, it should be seen as a strength. There is strength through vulnerability which can spark emotional growth and resilience. Do not ever feel guilty for prioritizing yourself when it means caring for your emotional well-being. Everyone should be aware of mental health and never be afraid to start a conversation.
While awareness is key, taking action is more important to make a difference. This can be done in small or big ways, simply implementing self-care throughout your week, such as journaling, listening to music and taking walks can help recharge and ground yourself.
Therapy should be more normalized. Being in a safe space can allow you to talk to a trusted individual and be able to understand your own emotions and thought patterns. You can learn ways to cope with stress and anxiety, as well as maintaining a constant balance within your life.
Empowering mental health messages are also shown through the media and popular entertainment. With the new season of “Stranger Things,” a popular Netflix TV show, releasing soon, it is worth noting how season four incorporated themes of mental health.
The character Max Mayfield perfectly captures the struggle of mental health battles with her journey coping with her brother’s death. The iconic scene where she runs from Vecna with the song “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush shows her fighting to stay alive and keep going despite all her emotional pain and trauma. Therefore, it resembles how unaddressed mental issues or trying to avoid them can continue to grow worse. This empowering scene shows strength within the darkest moments and conveys how support, resilience and even music can help with emotional healing.
Never be afraid to speak up about mental health and take action. Xavier University has a variety of tools and mental health resources located in the Health United Building including counseling services, individual therapy, “Let’s Talk” (Walk-In) Hours, as well as many support groups.
