Advice from College Seniors on Mental Health

Your mental health is extremely important and it’s essential that you have the tools and resources you need to support yourself. Around this time of the year, students are deciding on the colleges they want to attend at the same time as students are looking at the finish line called graduation. I will personally admit that “senioritis”, when school seniors are experiencing a lack of motivation or performance, is slowly but surely creeping up on me. As I count down the days of my graduation, I constantly think about my future career and my future life as an adult that does not include a school structure. It’s a big transition in my life. These thoughts can be overwhelming, especially when they are piled onto the current issues in my life. I’m excited but also nervous. My goal in writing this post is to remind and reassure students that they are not alone in their efforts to focus on their mental well-being. I have also asked a few friends who wanted to share some advice on ways to focus on your mental health.

Anaya, College of LAS, says:

Take time to truly feel what you feel. Your understanding of your feelings will help you find the tools and resources you need to support your mental well-being. Understanding your feelings mean that you are honest with yourself about what you’re experiencing. Your friends, family, and the campus resources will support you through whatever you’re going through or feeling. Please talk to the people that you trust. You are strong and extraordinary, but this does not mean that you should struggle or go through your battles alone. It will be mentally exhausting and have greater negative consequences in the long run. Also, engaging in activities that allow you to release tension and put a smile on your face is always worth it. Journaling, exercising, and yoga have been my favorite methods to wind down and focus on my well-being. I also write notes to myself that reminds me to take a deep breath and give myself grace. Hard days are inevitable, but they do not define who you are. Those obstacles will pass and every day you will become a better person than you were the day before. Things will get overwhelming, so it’s okay to take time for yourself. Be kind to yourself.

Jordan, College of LAS, says:

“At whatever point you are in during your college career, make it one of your priorities to find a group of people, whether they are the same age as you or are studying something completely different. Having a solid group of friends that match your energy and are willing to be your support system is a really valuable thing moving forward.”

Joy, College of Engineering, says:

“Don’t isolate yourself. If you’re going through something, sitting by yourself and dwelling on your hardships by yourself will not be helpful. Try to go out of your way to do things that you enjoy or will possibly find enjoyable. Try to go out and find your community because you just might find people that are going through similar things that are going through the same things as you and now you have a group of people that you can confide in. Use the campus resources, also.

Amaya, College of Applied Health Sciences, says:

“One of the things I wish I would have done is join clubs & organizations. It’s a great way to network and make friends. Sometimes it’s as simple as going out on the quad and walking around and getting fresh air. It’s sometimes scary staying to yourself when you’re going through things because you’ll feel alone. Also, staying off of social media can be beneficial. When you feel alone and you see people enjoying their lives, you may feel even more alone and jealous. It will weigh on your emotions. ”