Karina Rodriguez | THE RIDER
College is a stressful time when focusing on academics often means leaving your mental health on the back burner.
As I reach the end of my undergraduate career, I find myself looking back on some of the most valuable lessons I have learned throughout these short two years.
During my first year, I encountered my first intense anxiety attack because of how fast-paced college is and often found myself feeling overwhelmed with all that I had to do. Very quickly, my mental health and self-care fell to the wayside, and I found myself feeling as if I were drowning in schoolwork and my emotions.
It was the two weeks before the end of my first semester that I finally reached out to my general doctor because I knew that I needed help and she directed me to a counselor who has truly helped me reshape how I view academics and myself. In college, it is really easy to get caught up in the importance of grades, applications and building up resumes but there also needs to be a moment where you sit back and recognize that you are not doing yourself any good by wearing yourself thin.
Now in the finals week of my final semester, I find myself stressed but equipped with the correct tools to help get me through this difficult time while still caring for my mental health.
Ultimately, mental health is not one size fits all, so I encourage you to read, talk to or find ways that help you cope throughout the stressors of college. For many people, reading, taking a walk outside, calling a friend, seeing a therapist or taking medication are good ways to help with mental health.
Remember that, as a student, it is not your responsibility to be perfect and sometimes you will fail but know that everything you do in life and in school does not define who you are as an individual.
When you find yourself lost, confused and overwhelmed by the stresses of academia clashing with all the other things you have going on in your life, remember that it is OK to take a step back and think of yourself because your mental health is more valuable than any number on a 4.0 scale.
