A Discussion of Mental Health: You’re Not Alone
Written by Jenna McConnell
Banner and thumbnail photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Mental health is a wide and sometimes scary topic that many prefer to avoid. Some people try to make their lives seem happy and good, but deep down everyone goes through periods of struggle. Whether it be anxiety and stress over a big life change, burnout, trouble focusing, feeling overwhelmed from the amount of schoolwork piling up, or a genuinely diagnosed mental disorder, different individuals face these negative thoughts and feelings in unique ways. But for whatever reason, society has placed a taboo on mental health, making it something embarrassing and weird to discuss. While this has lessened over the years with online campaigns and a designated World Mental Health Day on October 10th, the stigma still exists in a lot of people’s minds.
Despite this stigma, mental health is still a vitally important topic of discussion. Everyone has their own mental health to take care of, whether they realise it or not. I know I’m not alone in saying that some days all of the obligations and deadlines just get a bit too much to handle, and that’s totally okay! It helps a lot to simply know that these days do pass and that you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed or confused. By talking about mental health more candidly in day-to-day life, we can begin to normalise discussions of mental health. Having a supportive and encouraging circle of friends and family does wonders to deconstruct the notion of mental health being this inherently bad thing as well; and once you achieve that freedom in yourself, you can begin to possibly be part of that group for someone else! How inspiring is that?
Education surrounding mental health and mental illnesses is a growing field, full of new and exciting research. It can feel overwhelming to wade through the seemingly endless lists and articles packed with information that may be difficult to wrap your head around. And if you suspect that you may have something going on in your own mental health, and want to know more…good luck! The amount of symptom overlap and misinformation online is enough to make the most stable person’s head spin. This is why I would suggest going to a family doctor or therapist if you can. Being able to talk about your feelings and experiences in a professional setting can be cathartic and so very nonjudgmental. As well, they will be able to help you make a game plan; either suggesting coping strategies and techniques, tests/assessments they may recommend you look into, or booking another appointment if that seems to do the trick! You should never feel bad or strange for doing what you need to do to feel confident and comfortable. Self-care is something I recommend to everyone, whatever that may mean to you. It doesn’t have to be the stereotypical bubble bath or nature walk that have been recommended a million times before (all power to you if those work for you!), but could perhaps be something a bit smaller and low-effort. For me, simply chatting with a friend over coffee or reading a couple chapters for pleasure is what I need to calm my mind after a hard day; finding what works for you is a fun and eye-opening experience.
No one needs to feel embarrassed for reaching out or receiving help, either. It is not a bad thing at all! While yes, it can be scary to admit that you’ve been having a hard time managing, it is a great first step to improving and moving forward. That first step is the hardest, but it opens the door to so much growth and improvement. Finding what works to bring you comfort and relief when experiencing symptoms, whether that be a hobby, a therapist, or prescribed medication, can be a long but rewarding process. Trust me, the feeling of finally being able to function and do your daily activities with no problems is the greatest!
SMU offers lots of support for students’ mental health through the Counselling Centre and the Fred Smithers Centre. They are both wonderful (and free!) services that will work with each individual to give them exactly what they need to thrive during their academic careers. The Counselling Centre offers individual counselling sessions with a qualified and supportive team, including a counsellor who speaks Chinese, to support students who feel more comfortable communicating in their first language. The Fred Smithers Centre can provide extra time on assignments, as well as many other resources that are available to help students succeed in classes. These are open and welcoming spaces, truly committed to assisting all students who seek their support. Another great resource is the Res Wellness Team (RWT). They focus on promoting healthy decisions, harm reduction, and mental health awareness. They host free events throughout the year, open to all students, whether they live in residence or off-campus.
Mental health is a tricky conversation to have, but one which can prove beneficial to everyone involved. It can be hard and intimidating, but opening up and speaking out about their internal struggles will be vital. It may not feel like it, but each conversation makes a big difference. Each of us can do our part in helping take down the stigma surrounding mental health, and showing that none of us are alone.