If there is anything that can be learned halfway through the semester, it is to respect your mind and body. The significance of reflecting if you’ve eaten today, drank water, moved your body and journaled are great steps to understand where your health is at.
The middle of the semester is never an easy experience, and at times, this point in time can really feel like the end of the world. As someone who could win an award for giving advice but not taking it, please take this time to realize what your how the mind is reacting to your emotions.
As a person who is struggling and is not afraid to admit that, there is value in prioritizing your mental health.
Take a moment to breathe for more than a minute between drinking coffee and walking to class. If the body is struggling with being present in life, then it will also struggle just existing.
The wellbeing of any person’s needs care, and a gentle internal monologue. This personally comes from advice I have been given from select people in life and is tough to practice everyday.
According to John Hopkins University, when a person is mentally healthy in the workspace, people are more likely to contribute positively to the company. If people have to interact with toxic individuals or toxic workspaces, there is a trend of reduced productivity and high turn-over rates.
As someone diagnosed with ADHD, routines are so beneficial when the world feels like it’s crumbling and there’s no action which can be taken. Simple habits such as practicing gratitude, getting enough sleep and connecting with others can improve mental health, according to Grow Therapy.
Personally, small habits like leaving a glass of water out for yourself and creating a “doom pile” can help. Though ominous sounding, a “doom pile” is anything but. It’s a space to drop keys, ear plugs and any small papers from the day into. This way, you won’t forget necessary items during low emotional states or episodes of brain fog.
To the professors, staff, and students who are experiencing tough times right now: do something that you consciously know will help you. Exercise, talk with a trusted colleague or friend, watch a comfort show, read a book on your “TBR” list or listen to that podcast you enjoy. The ability to create an ecosystem where you have a trustworthy support network is frankly everything.
Although there are many jokes which are made to cope with the reality of mental health, every Point Park community member needs to educate themselves and take mental illness seriously.
If you are experiencing a crisis, text or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Point Park University Counseling Center is a spectacular resource for students that offers crisis consultations. Another resource is Resolve Crisis Services, available to any Allegheny County resident, which offers a helpline and short-term residential services for individuals in need.