Happy April! Wow I can’t believe the semester is already wrapping up it has truly been a pleasure to be in this class and this blog so much. I hope you all are ready for what Spring has to offer and you are ready to end the semester! I am going to try wrapping this blog up by talking about the overall importance of mental health, well-being, and mindset as that has been the main focus of this blog. Part of the reason I also started this blog in August is because I, like many other college students, didn’t quite know how to navigate dealing or balancing mental health & wellness with college life. 

As college students especially, we are affected by a wide range of challenges and stress, some including academic pressure, obligations, social pressures, and global and societal concerns. A recent study found that more than half of gen z has experience severe mental health impairments related to societal concerns mostly about gun violence and climate change. Another study of college students finds that more than half of students have experienced chronic stress in college. Chronic stress is also correlated to a variety of mental and physical health issues. Given the amount of mental health concerns among students, access to resourced and services is extremely important and crucial. In a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), about 95% of university counseling directors found that the number of students on their campus with significant psychological problems is rapidly increasing. As becoming a college student or making your way through college, can be filled with decisions, stress, and responsibilities, it calls for special attention to your emotional state and finding outlets to deal with unwanted and overwhelming emotions. 

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While we all experience stress at some point in time, the continued stress of mental health problems causes negative physiological reactions that cause significant harm to the body and the mind. It is not only a good idea, but a necessity to make your own mental health a priority. Not only will this set a foundation for you for the rest of your life, but the experiences you have during college are once in a lifetime. So, you’ll want to make the most of it while being able to deal with whatever life throws at you. When you’re in college, you have many support networks for your mental health available and accessible. Whether this is through student services or mental health counseling, mentors, peers, or professors, there are people all over who are willing to help.

Regardless of your age both students and adult professionals are learning to buy into false ideas that we have an endless capacity for trauma and pain. In fact, many of us tend to cope in unhealthy ways by pushing down uncomfortable feelings and bottling up difficult emotions. As you can imagine this becomes an extremely heavy burden to carry and leads to many harmful coping strategies. The current status around student mental health are alarming. Almost a third of students have sought out counseling in the past year, a number that has doubled from a decade ago. Studies found 35% of campus counseling centers have some sort of “waitlists.”

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As mental health awareness and acceptance are today, objectively at a high,still, while many students are accepting of others with mental health concerns, many are often slow to identify signs and symptoms in their own lives. While recognizing that well-being is much more than a synonym for mental health or emotional wellness, institutions can work to incorporate mental health into the entire educational experience for their students. College campuses can help by providing and promoting a variety of mental health services. Institutions should pay attention to signals regarding interest, and expand initiatives, and address policies that see student engagement. 

Emphasizing mental health education:

No matter the major or field of study, all students should be encouraged to learn about mental health and wellbeing. These are, of course, touched on in courses such as Basic Psychology but campuses should also provide plenty of other opportunities for students from all degree programs to learn more about mental health and the role it plays in their own lives.

Campus resources:

College students should enjoy access to a plethora of mental health resources. In addition to classes and seminars, colleges should provide robust counseling services and support groups. Additionally, students can benefit from activities that help them foster stronger friendships or simply invest in their own self-care. Examples include yoga classes, prayer or ministry groups, and mentoring programs.

Continue to listen to students: 

Returning to campus should include a new look at mental health interventions, including those that students wish to keep and those they would like to reimagine. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, and individual conversations. Every university should have a different  sccount, starting point, and tailored set of needs. 

Thinking about some things I am passionate about for this “passion blog” and things I find interesting enough to share with this class and other students has been a struggle recently. However, I have concluded now that since I started this blog last semester I have yet to stop “Overthinking It,” so to speak as that is also the title and was the theme that I may have strayed away from a bit. However, sometimes it’s okay not to know what to talk about, or think that what you have to say isn’t that interesting or groundbreaking enough. I’ve talked a bit about college life, mental health, and mindset being important, and in a lot of ways I was also reassuring myself as well when I wrote those blogs.

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Opening up can be a very scary thing, and talking about mental health can also be very scary, especially for college students. What’s even harder at times is being heard by others, and the hardest thing for me at least, is being properly seen. Every time I have “opened up,” it has felt like the world was about to end, like the facade is up, while also simultaneously feeling like I let a bit of warmth in and it can be quite refreshing. Opening up can involve treading lightly about who we are and how we feel to another individual. The good, the bad and all the everything can be seen just a little. Opening up and being vulnerable even in this blog is scary, even though it was my original goal to connect authentically with other college students and share thoughts (no matter how cheesy).    

The first time I felt that I opened up while at college was when a professor caught a split second of frustration in my voice when I answered about how my first college semester went (it didn’t necessarily go the way that I wanted it to). That small recognition of my feelings, my experience, had drained my face of color as I also felt somewhat embarrassed. I hadn’t exactly put into words what I was feeling but someone had noticed/seen it. It felt almost too vulnerable, but at the same time, I think it was a precursor of me making an effort to open up to others and showed that people aren’t so scary and some people, even professors, actually want to listen. 

Knowing someone had a glimpse into a small part of me and what I had been feeling at the time gave me a little push to open up a little more. My fear of being perceived has also led to a habit of strictly superficial conversation in attempts to relate to others, and less about who I am as a person, which I think is something that’s not talked about enough even though that can be a big part of life, especially in college.

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In all honesty, I don’t exactly know what this blog will do for you but to anyone reading this who overthinks, has struggles with opening up to others, or maybe is intimidated by the idea of beung seen or heard, I hope you know that are not alone! Opening up about mental health, about life, about yourself, how you feel, takes a certain amount of courage and bravery. Especially in this time in our lives, while we are confused and also trying to curate a future for ourselves, you can forget that people are there for you. I would say that when you are ready of course, give opening up a try with someone you can trust. Ask them to listen to you without judgment and maybe without intention to fix anything. Ask them to be there and to listen, because no matter how uninteresting you think you or what you have to say is, you are worth being seen and people are always there as you are being brave. I also want to let you guys know that I enjoy reading your posts and comments and the different perspectives from all of you are truly intriguing and inspiring. With that, I hope you all have a wonderful Spring!  

Advertisements and magazines have always been criticized for endorsing dangerous, unrealistic standards and perceptions of beauty and achievement, but at least it’s acknowledged that they are idealized. Celebrities and models you see on the pages are just that and they are crafted, perfected, and retouched for you to glorify and idealize. In these times, however, the increasingly impossible standards are also set much closer to home, not by celebrities and models but by classmates, social circles, and peers. With social media, teens and young adults especially can create their lives, showing only the best and most desirable moments while concealing efforts, struggles, and the fairly normal aspects of everyday life. There is evidence that these aspects of social media are causing distress and serious concerns for many people.

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For kids of impressionable ages, especially those struggling with anxiety and depression, edited social media can act as concealment, masking important issues behind faked perfection and making it more difficult for others to see that they need help.

Teens who have created their ideal online personas may feel confused at the division of who they pretend to be and their actual identity. Another important factor is that for some teens, their social media can ignite negative attitudes they have toward themselves and assist self-esteem and identity problems.

Those struggling with self-doubt read into their friends’ images, what they feel they are lacking, and pinpoint every imperfection they themselves have. Consistent exposure to social media has had an impact on how they view themselves and their peers to which even the acknowledgement that social media masks serious problems does not seem to alleviate the pressure. Social media has quickly become an intense, invasive presence whether people that a lot of people learn to merely tolerate.

While social media has often been hailed as a remedy for loneliness, which may be true in some circumstances, good evidence suggests that excessive use negatively impacts one’s self-esteem and overall life satisfaction. Research has also correlated links to an increase in mental health problems. Consistent rising rates in depression have correlated to a rise in smartphone use. Social media may lead to deep problems with self esteem, especially for pre-teen and teenage girls between ages 11-14. This age group is already more likely to be fronted with self esteem problems as they are figuring out their identity, they are also being subjected to comparison, emphasizing appearances and social standing. They are faced already with messages about who they should be and what is considered acceptable, popular, and even enough. Needless to say it doesn’t exactly benefit them when they enter in the social media and digital atmosphere where comparison is extremely rampant and arguably the focal point.

Social media also has the ability to evoke intense emotions and unfortunately, studies have shown that social media has the ability to be even more addictive that of alcohol or cigarettes. In hind- sight this may be largely because the internet is free and more accessible and to some, considered harmless. 

While social media is unlikely to help develop your self-worth, there are proven things you can do to combat low self esteem and reduce risk of declining your mental well-being.

With depression and anxiety being a serious issue today, a stronger focus on positive ways to build healthy self-esteem is crucial. By establishing boundaries and moderating your time on social media, you can prevent negative effects and create a more healthy and fulfilling life.  

With the spirit of my blog focusing more on mental and emotional well-being, I’d like to talk about something I recently discovered. This year I am focusing more on self-improvement and one of the main things I’ve struggled with in the past has been putting focus on my own mental and physical health. With this, I have recently discovered something called “Ayurveda.” Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. The word Ayurveda translates into “knowledge of life,” and is based on the idea that poor health is due to stress or in a person’s state of being. Ayurveda encourages lifestyle interventions as well as natural therapy to regain balance between your mind, body, and spirit. 

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The traditional science of Ayurveda attests to the long-term solution to unresolved conditions of trauma by restoring the mental and psychological aspects of your life. A bit different from conventional Western medicine, Ayurveda brings a natural approach to regulating emotional behavior through herbal medications and lifestyle modifications. In Ayurveda, the mind is considered a springboard between the soul and the senses and has a unique set of characteristics that correlate with every life emotion. Everything in the universe is believed to be connected. If your mind, body, and soul are in harmony with the universe, you are in good health. When something disrupts the balance, you get sick,  genetics can also play a factor along with injuries, climate and seasonal change, and your emotions. The concept of this connection to the universe, the body’s constitution (Prakriti), and life forces (Doshas) are the primary foundations of Ayurvedic medicine. The objective goal of treatment is to aid the individual by working on impurities, reducing symptoms, resistance to disease, reducing stress, and increasing harmony in one’s life. Ayurveda is a form of medical care in India and is equal to conventional Western medicine. As with many alternative therapies, not as much clinical research has been done on Ayurveda as on Western medicine, however many practices of Ayurveda have been shown to greatly improve health and well-being.

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If you are interested in trying Ayurvedic or any alternative medical treatments, it is important to consult with your doctor/practitioner before doing so. However, there are still many simple Ayurvedic practices you can do at home to help balance your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health. Some of this includes; adding herbs to your diet used in ayurveda when cooking. Some of the most common and accessible herbs used in Ayurveda involve Tumeric, Aswagandha, Ginger, Cumin, and Black Pepper. These are all anti-inflammatory, easy to digest, and can help with sleep and nausea, along with other benefits. Ashwagandha is a very beneficial herb to improve cortisol levels and increases the popper functioning of brain cells. Turmeric is great for blood circulation and helps prevent developing mental disorders. Ayurvedic food involves fresh, whole meals instead of processed foods and it is encouraged to eat your food when you are in a calm state to aid digestion. It is also encouraged to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables. Ayurveda also involves yoga and meditation, or simply increasing moving your body during the day. Meditation is a big part of Ayurveda and rewires your brain as it is a natural mode of Vagus Nerve Stimulation which improves your health.   

There is a lot more to talk about regarding Ayurveda and its practices but this is a reminder to figure out what works for you in helping your mental and physical well-being as it is crucial in living a happy and healthy life. 

The Mundane is defined in the dictionary as the everyday, ordinary, or relating to the world in worldly manners. This for you could be everyday things you see or experience and have lost interest in. Having a good cup of coffee, receiving packages, walking to places, train rides. These moments were things I’ve always enjoyed and experienced countless times, and they are daily and seemingly “boring,” things, however, they can feel beautiful when I take notice of them. There is beauty everywhere if you try to see it in the moment and I think it’s important to find beauty in the simple things. I think the mundane becomes interesting when you take the time to look at it and carefully take time to enjoy it.

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Life goes by fast, college flies by, and working, and retiring all in the blink of an eye if you truly think about it. We are constantly waiting for extravagant things to happen in our lives. Maybe you can’t wait until graduation, getting your dream job, getting married, or having kids— but in reality, the moment you are living in right now is “extravagant” in and of itself and it is exactly where you’re supposed to be. Sometimes it’s hard to stay present and and be satisfied with where you are in life. To “stop and smell the roses,” to start conversations, to express gratitude for opportunities you’ve had, or to take notice of the people walking past. 

It can be hard to find beauty in the little things because as humans we tend to crave novelty, almost like shiny object syndrome. The shiny new iPhone 15 you bought months ago can start to lose its sheen after some time. It’s also why a lot of people crave traveling to get away from the routines of everyday life or why our senses seem to be intensified when we enter a new environment. However, in this pursuit for a meaningful existence or experience, we often overlook the simple moments that bring joy to our everyday lives. It’s about being fully present in the moment, observing without any judgment, and allowing ourselves to experience life as is, not as we think it should be. This present-moment awareness brings fruitfulness to the mundane, transforming ordinary routine into experiences of extraordinary beauty and not constantly looking forward to the next big thing.

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This is a concept of mindfulness and it plays a key role in unlocking the beauty within the mundane. By focusing on the present moment without judgment, you cultivate a sense of awareness of your surroundings and experiences. Breaking free from autopilot and not just going through life. Some simple ways to do this include: Expressing gratitude for the ordinary aspects of life. Whether it’s the warmth of sunlight or the smell of your morning coffee, acknowledging and appreciating these moments can boost your mood and increase overall life satisfaction. This practice of gratitude is linked to improved resilience and mental well-being. 

Finding Inspiration In The Simple: Creativity actually thrives in the mundane. The small moments can serve as a canvas for inspiration and profound ideas. Embracing the ordinary allows you to open yourself up to a world of creative possibilities, proving that beauty is not reserved for grand events but is entwined into the framework of existence.  

In a world that programs you to glorify the extraordinary, the psychology of finding beauty in the mundane offers a bracing perspective. By expressing gratitude, taking time to notice things without judgment, and seeking inspiration in simplicity, you find fulfillment in everyday life. Let this be your reminder to savor the magic that resides in the ordinary as it is at these moments we experience life’s true beauty. 

 Happy 2024 and welcome to the Spring semester! I’m glad to be back and continuing this blog into the new year and I am very excited to see what this year has in store for everyone. Leaving the Fall Semester behind I am sure all of you are ready for a fresh new start to school, new endeavors, and the new year. After winter break, specifically on the long drive back to State College, I had some time to reflect on 2023, the goals I achieved… and the ones I didn’t quite reach. I am sure this is a common thing amongst students and people in general, specifically at the start of a new year because, after all, it is a time of reflection and setting or continuing with aspiring goals. Naturally, at the start of a new year, a lot of us follow the traditions of having “New Year’s resolutions,” which typically serve as a motivator to make those changes. The start of the year is a new beginning, a time to renew, better ourselves, and start over. It’s a time to reflect on the year that was and plan for a better one. Time to get fit, eat healthier, learn a new language, start a new business, etc…then we eventually get back to our everyday lives which are far too demanding and busy to focus or dedicate time to anything else. Sometimes the things that get left in the background are our personal goals. 

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The reality is there are a multitude of things about the way we make these resolutions that set us up for failure or setbacks before we’ve even begun. One of the biggest problems is that they often revolve around huge changes that take time and aren’t a simple fix. A reason that some of us fail at our resolutions is the goals can be very daunting and intimidating, leading to people feeling discouraged and putting it off and the goals fall through. A lot of people stick with their goals in the beginning but most do not stick to them over time. According to research statistics, over 90% of people don’t stick to what they set out to achieve on January 1st. After one week, 75% are still successful, then a month drops down to 64%, and after 6 months around 40% of those who make a resolution keep it. As humans, we are naturally driven for self-improvement and we are goal-seekers. Most of us want to continue to prosper and improve ourselves throughout the year and be successful with our achievements. There are many ways to help you reach the goals you set. Here are some tips and tricks given by the 8% of people who achieve those goals throughout the year. 

The first step is to actually believe you are capable of what you’re trying to achieve. Having a positive mindset will help you stay motivated and not succumb to procrastination or giving up, which can arguably be the hardest step for most people but the most important. 

Keeping your goals simple and doable but still aiming for what you are trying to achieve this year is also a great way to stay consistent. The journey to your goals shouldn’t have to be mentally exhausting and should be reasonable. In reality, any steps closer to your goals are already setting you up to achieve them. 

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 Another tip is to be open to creating change, as are creatures of habit, and stay in those habits, change can become a habit too. Setting huge, overwhelming New Year’s resolutions, we also set that expectation that we are going to be completely different from the start. However, real change requires small, gradual changes so we adapt and ensure it becomes habitual.   

Sometimes you don’t need to set a big goal to achieve by the end of the year, but instead set yourself up to achieve small milestones that will help you reach your achievements over time. I think the true meaning behind having New Year’s resolutions is allowing yourself to overcome obstacles, whatever that may be, and to improve your mindset as you move through the year. Nonetheless, I encourage you all to set some goals for the semester and know it’s okay to not achieve the goals entirely. Continuously working towards your goals is an achievement in and of itself and it is just as important.  

“It’s almost break,” and “You’re almost done” are things I am sure you may have heard from family, friends, and other students when talking about the struggles of this semester, I know I have. I didn’t realize how close we were to the end of the semester until the frightful preparation for finals that came up in several of my classes this past week. This is a very stressful time for most students and I want this passion blog to be a reminder that your academic and professional accomplishments do not determine your self-worth. If you haven’t had the best semester and in turn feel as though you aren’t good enough as an individual, you need to understand and embrace everything you have to offer as you as a person are so unique in your offerings, thoughts, and abilities. As we near the end of the semester, it is important to give yourself grace and cultivate a healthy sense of self-love. The truth is everyone’s journey looks different and we need to differentiate our worth from our work and accomplishments.

Self-worth as college students 

It is hard to not be consumed by college life, building your resume for your future after college, joining clubs and activities on campus, getting good grades, and just being a student in general. It can get to a certain point in school where your entire identity is determined by how well you are doing as a college student. I know that for me, all my major accomplishments were tied to being a student and therefore where I put my self-worth and value as a person. This can lead to an unfulfilling, miserable cycle, and in turn, you lose your sense of self. Your self-worth should not be determined by how well or how active you are in school but by who you are as a person. So, what is self worth? Self-worth is described as the internal sense of being good enough and worthy of love and belonging from others. As it is important to have a solid understanding of our strengths and areas for progress, we also need to feel good enough even when we make mistakes or things do not work out in our lives as we had hoped. Think about how you would describe your self worth right now and what value did you place yourself or aspects of yourself. Too often, the measure of our self-worth is the amount of our outward accomplishments. For many students in particular, their self-worth is tied to their academic accomplishments and their grades. Getting a bad grade on an exam, or not receiving an offer for that one desired internship, does not mean you’re a failure and does not determine you who are as an individual.

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Recognizing your importance

This has to do with some self awareness and introspection. It is very important that you recognize who you really are from deep within. Now, I want you to know that the only person that can sufficiently answer the question about who you are, is you. Every other person is limited to the knowledge of who you really are. In the process of understanding more about yourself, you would become more aware of your strengths, talents, potentials, and all the unique aspects of yourself. In discovering these things, your self confidence grows and you begin to recognize how powerful you are, how intelligent you are, and how much bigger you are than your accomplishments as a student, your grades or your productivity. After recognizing your inherent worth as a human being, you have to place it on something higher and greater than what you accomplish. Your worth runs so much deeper than anything you can prove through achievement. You are worthy simply because you exist, and nothing more.

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How to build self worth 

The main way to build self worth is to practice unconditional self love. Practice offering unconditional self love to your self by forgiving yourself when you are not perfect, and recognizing that you deserve love no matter what you achieve. Letting go of perfectionism and the need to base external validation can be a continual process. Having a healthy sense of self-love means having a positive and realistic view of yourself, which allows for a greater sense of self-confidence. This includes recognizing your unique qualities and abilities while acknowledging areas for growth and improvement. It also involves prioritizing self-care while being able to ask for help and support when needed. We as students face a lot of challenges that can heavily impact our self-worth, including academic pressures, social comparisons, and the anxiety of navigating foreign environments and relationships. Prioritizing yourself, your needs, and engaging in self-care that promotes mental and emotional well-being is crucial. It is important to also challenge perfectionism and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. 

I know this blog post is kinda cheesy and a bit rushed, but I truly hope you all recognize how much you matter as individuals. Don’t let external factors determine your self worth or value. I hope you all continue to thrive and get through the rest of the semester knowing that you have inherent worth and that you are way more than what you achieve as college students.

Sources

The Importance of Self-Worth

https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness/self-love

Unconditional Self-Acceptance: Love Yourself for Who You Are [+Exercises]

Great TED Talk on this topic

https://youtu.be/EirlZ7fy3bE

Greetings beautiful people! In my last post, I touched on some serious topics (I do that a lot) that tend to come up during the Fall season and left out possibly the best part of Fall time; Halloween. Halloween is quickly approaching and it is marking off the first holiday wave of the school year. For me, Halloween and entering the holiday season sometimes drives my motivation and gives me something, anything, to look forward to. I am sure you all have been swamped with work recently and maybe some of you also have been counting down the days for some sort of a break. Halloween is conveniently during Midterm season and I certainly am feeling the weight of the upcoming exams and projects. To counteract that stress, we as students luckily have one of the best holidays to fall back on. This spooky holiday is not everyone’s cup of tea but I think a lot of college students learn to appreciate it in one way or another and at the least, use it as an excuse to dedicate an entire week of festivities. Even if you aren’t feeling stressed during this time, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t take part in some activity that relieves stress. That may be Halloween or may be something else, regardless, Halloween is the one time of year when you can really go all out while dressed up in a costume and not have to worry about people giving you weird looks on the street.

Samhain festival in Glastonbury

Halloween as we know today is one of our oldest holidays. Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, actually originated as Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival, to celebrate the end of summer and welcome the harvest. People during this time felt especially close to deceased relatives and spirits. The Celtic believed that on this date, the veil separating the realms of the living and the dead thins. It was a time of rituals and prophecies, where people bonded with otherworldly beings and celebrated life and death. People wore disguises, held bonfires, and lit candles along roads to celebrate. After a season of labor, Halloween was a time to throw off social restraints and revel as they ventured out when it was believed that spirits walked the land. Over the centuries, the holiday evolved drastically from its Druidic origins in Ireland, taking on Christian influences, and European and American consumerism. Today costumes and disguises have figured into Halloween, children and their parents roam the streets to “trick-or-treat,” and teens today are more likely to have parties or attend horror movies, regarding themselves as too old to participate. Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in America with roughly 76% of Americans are reported to celebrate this Fall. Kids in America are fostered on the Halloween spirit from a young age, and this continues into adulthood. Halloween is known for being a night where you can be anything you want. You dress up, be weird with friends, and eat extensive amounts of candy, but it’s all justified because it is Halloween.

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While Christmas and Thanksgiving usually steal the spotlight, Halloween is undoubtedly my favorite holiday hands down. When I was a child it was a magical time to pretend that I was anyone I wanted to be and walk around the neighborhood to trick-or-treat until my feet got sore and people had no more candy to give out. In high school I still loved Halloween but as it transformed into partying on school nights, I no longer felt the need to participate. Now as a college student, Halloween is no longer a day of holiday spirit, but a week-long commitment to going out with friends. Halloween in college is considered an entertaining distraction from the problems of young adult life. As students, we share many similar struggles – managing finances, balancing academics and social life, and preparing for our future after we graduate. Fall is such an important transition season and as we get lost in the demands of life at school, Halloween remains the one substantial event that reminds us that it’s okay to take a step back, enjoy life, and enjoy the season. The nearing prospect of this holiday gives all of us something to distract ourselves with, something to work toward besides the weeks of intensive studying, papers, and glorious midterms. A careless weekend of excitement and mysticism I think is what we all need. Not to mention Halloween also works as an incentive to be more social. As most of you I assume are also first years, it is a great time to get out and participate in fall festivities. I wish you all a happy Halloween and if you aren’t celebrating, I hope you do something you enjoy!

Accepting change is something that takes time and it often occurs in stages. I think it is safe to assume most of us have left home, some great distances away from our support systems. As you’ve changed throughout the months, you’ve likely outgrown many relationships and environments central to your development. I find these universal experiences are captured in Maya Angelou’s “Late October,” poem.

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Carefully

the leaves of autumn

sprinkle down the tinny

sound of little dyings

and skies sated

of roseate dawns

of ruddy sunsets                                                                                       

roil ceaselessly in

cobweb greys and turn

to black

for comfort.

Only lovers

see the fall

a signal end to endings

a gruffish gesture alerting

those who will not be alarmed

that we begin to stop

in order to begin

Again.                             

Late October describes Autumn, its colors, sounds, and sentiment with rich imagery. She illustrates seasonal changes that occur in the Fall and emphasizes that change is a natural part of life. Then the end of the poem turns to relationships and ends so evocative: “We begin to stop in order simply to begin again.” This statement allows us to consider how an ending simply makes space for a new beginning and in difficult moments I occasionally go back to that quote to shift my perspective on change. 

Leaves are falling, and changing, chunky sweaters are being brought back out, and the holidays are right around the corner. All of that sounds lovely, right? Well, our feelings about Fall are usually a little more complicated than these simple observations. There’s something strangely spiritual about watching the world slowly become dormant, something profound in the unceasing crisp air. The Fall is a significant time of rebirth and transformation and some aspects of the season make me wish fall lasted forever, others make me want it to last only a few days. 

As we move deeper into the Fall season, this particular time is when things begin to rapidly progress in the semester and motivation often treads on a decline. Some might feel a little more homesick as we all await Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, while others may face increased anxiety regarding upcoming midterms or projects. Regardless, we are entering a time where as college students, the lack of motivation and exhaustion creeps up. This seems to be even more prevalent for the fall semester. Maybe I say this due to the influence of the cold weather, or the fact that a lot of people are affected by the seasonal change in regards to mental health. Along with the transition of seasons and entering more gloomy weather, seasonal depression has come up as a topic of discussion in my life, specifically Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a form of depression commonly triggered by the diminishing daylight of fall and winter and can occur for several months. For college students, the fall and winter season also brings an array of academic and social stressors that can contribute to symptoms of depression. Unlike the winter blues, students with SAD experience more severe symptoms associated with depression, such as hopelessness, extreme fatigue, changes in appetite, and social isolation. The Mayo Clinic reports that up to 44% of college students experience depression and about 5% of the US population (over 16 million people) experience SAD. 

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The change of seasons can be exciting and whether the warm weather is finally letting up or the holidays are approaching, it is not uncommon to welcome the change. However, people impacted by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may not feel this way. For some, the knowledge that a new season is starting, such as leaves falling or the temperature changing, can prompt anxiety and increase symptoms of SAD. It is not known for sure what exactly causes seasonal depression, however there are factors that can contribute to it, like reduced sunlight. During the fall and winter months, the sun is a lot harder to access. The time changes, colder temperatures making it harder for outdoor activities, and limiting natural Vitamin D impact serotonin and melatonin levels, all affecting your general mood. Other mental health conditions: Those with other mental health conditions like Bipolar Disorder or Anxiety Disorder for example have higher chances of experiencing seasonal depression. It is typical for SAD symptoms to begin in early adulthood, making college students particularly susceptible. However, there are many proven treatment options like light therapy. Since it is concluded that a lack of sunlight can be a trigger for SAD, bright lights can be used to help reset that balance in the body and help to naturally produce serotonin. Psychotherapy and working with a mental health professional can be very effective in reducing stress and anxiety related to seasonal changes and seasonal depression. Medication; for some, medication is the best treatment for SAD. It can be used in addition to light therapy and talk therapy for certain circumstances. Switching up your routine and practicing self-care are also good ways to make the transition of seasons a bit easier by keeping yourself busy. As college students, we can also explore on-campus mental health support groups or group therapy to help cope with seasonal depression or meet others experiencing similar things.  

Along with SAD, there are other factors to consider as we head deeper into the fall semester and enter the colder months. Given the pressure of college, it’s hard to find healthy and effective ways to cope if you are struggling with mental health. If you are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression, it is important to put energy into taking care of yourself and your emotional and physical well-being. We are nearly at the midpoint of the semester and it seems the mid-semester slump is very much present. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by your course load, stressed about exams, maybe having trouble managing relationships, feeling down, or unmotivated, I hope this serves as a reminder that you are not alone. It is important to reach out for help and take care of yourself if you are struggling. In the midst of the chaos Fall may bring to you, never lose sight of how far you have come and all that you have accomplished. 

Change is one thing that is constant in life. Sometimes it can be amazing, but sometimes, not so much. Whether it’s adjusting to college life or going through particularly tough seasons of the year, dealing with these transition periods can be difficult. It is important to slow down and give time to yourself, your creativity and foster things that are beneficial to your health and well-being. In the meantime try to appreciate the beauty of this colorful season, because the leaves are not a warning sign of bad things to come but part of the joy that comes with Autumn.

Sources: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/college-students-and-depression

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder

Late October by Maya Angelou

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/college-students-and-depression.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-affective-disorder.

In college, you are surrounded by new faces, new experiences, and new beginnings. From new living spaces, classes, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs you are thrust into new rich possibilities for blossoming relationships. At first, college is a bit overwhelming for everyone, but if you enjoy the quieter side of life or need alone time to recharge, it can be especially hard because of the college party prerogatives and the social atmosphere. However, this is probably the only time in your life where you will be surrounded by so many peers, potential friends, and relationships. Somewhere in the herd, you may find just the people you need. Before I go any further, let’s get a general understanding of what an introvert actually is. When you hear the word introvert, you may immediately think of someone who is very quiet or shy and prefers to be alone. While that is true for some introverts, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert more so depends on how you process the world around you. Introversion itself isn’t a measurable personality trait but rather refers to low levels of extroversion and tends to have characteristics on the opposite spectrum. For example, an introverted person may do better in quiet environments, enjoy spending time alone, or show more reservation as opposed to enthusiasm in social settings. One of the ways to find out if you’re an introvert is to take a test like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or even the SAPA project.

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Being Social As An Introvert 

The hardest part about being an introvert in college is definitely the pressure to socialize. It can seem as if it’s one of the most important parts of college sometimes and portrayals of college life make it seem like people make friends super easily through NSO, the idea that you have to be best friends with your roommate, always going out on the weekends with big groups of people. The pressure to be social can be overwhelming for everyone, especially those more introverted. For me, social settings a lot of time can cause great anxiety, especially when I don’t know anyone. The negative connotations that come with being introverted are also tough and if you’re more reserved in social settings, you are seen as stuck up, and cold even if that’s not the case.

Friends and Social Life 

Being more introverted myself I have found that the social aspect of college can be quite challenging. I think a big part of the challenge is the process of making friends and coming off as approachable. I think a lot of people assume introverts are quietly sitting there  in judgment, which is up to us to correct but can be a bit frustrating when you want to meet people. I think extroverted people really have a big advantage due to the easy-going nature they give off when around others and how they seemingly to have no trouble attracting people. Something that has helped me with this is letting the people around me know I am open and available to make plans. Depending on your situation, it could be your roommate, your friends, or people you have just met. Whatever the case may be, letting them know you want to hang out with them doesn’t sound as needy as you make it seem in your head. Of course attending events, concerts, lectures, clubs, or even parties (yes, introverts may like to party) will put you in the atmosphere to make friends, and even if you want to go alone for the experience that is great too and you shouldn’t feel awkward for wanting to experience it with yourself. Attending events on campus is a great way to meet people but it’s also important to know your social limit. Maybe it is wise to plan on going to only one event for a couple of hours and if you start to feel drained, don’t feel pressure to stay out and home for alone time. Seeking out friends who prefer one on one hangouts as opposed to big group settings or making more relaxed plans rather than going to events is also helpful. I know it may seem like there are no introverts in college sometimes, but there are tons and you will eventually find your people.

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Alone Time 

Although socializing is a central part of creating healthy relationships and mental health, being surrounded by other students all the time can feel exhausting for an introverted person. It is important to plan out down time each day when you can be alone and recharge from the social aspect of college life. Whether you’re chilling in your dorm or the library, try to find a quiet space where you can spend an hour, or however long you need, for time by yourself. If your roommate is in your dorm and you need space, the library is a great place to get work done alone. If you just need space and you aren’t in the mood to socialize a good tip is to bring headphones. This is also really useful for your walks to class, eating alone, or just getting work done. Finding somewhere quiet where you can feel at peace is crucial and during the first few weeks of this semester, I personally was on a hunt to find quiet spots on campus and there are plenty of options.

At the end of the day, college can be tough for everyone and each person approaches it differently, no matter the personality. College can be isolating and overwhelming, but it is a great for new experiences and forming new relationships. While there are benefits and drawbacks on being an introvert in college, it is important to navigate through college pushing yourself out of your comfort zone while also setting your own boundaries. Don’t be embarrassed about being introverted in college and take care of yourself, after all we are all still figuring it out.