In college, many of us deal with the ongoing issue of mental health revolving around social and academic pressure. We often experience the pressure to succeed academically and socially at college, while also compromising our mental health. Each person perceives the words “stress” and “pressure” differently, but they’re often defined as the body’s reaction to a challenge, while pressure is the tension felt during a specific time. I asked one of my fellow students, Dee ‘28, about her experience with mental health at college so far regarding academic work and social life:
- What has been your biggest challenge so far, and how have you overcome it?
“I would say getting into a routine. I think I have overcome it by doing it in intervals. For example, I will do my homework for some time, take a break, and repeat. I want balance.”
- How do you handle the academic pressures that come with college life, so far?
“By not comparing myself to other people.”
- How do you balance your social life and academic life?
“I try to get my homework done before I want to go out with my friends. I also understand that it is okay if I don’t have the time to go out. Everyone here supports these decisions, and I never feel left out.”
Mental health is not just essential for regulating academic pressures, but also for surviving college. It is important to promote a culture of support and create a balanced academic experience. As Dee said, once we find our routines, we can begin to make priorities for ourselves as we get used to college life.