5 Ways To Cope With Struggle

In honor of October being Mental Health Awareness Month, I think it is important that we try to keep that well-rounded spirit in mind as we all do our best to survive the second half of the semester.

Mental illness has touched all of our hearts in some way, shape, or form. You probably know somebody who suffers from one. Even if you are not sure if you do, everybody has experienced feelings of anxiety and stress to some degree, which is why it is necessary that we make our mental health a priority and learn how to cope with our emotions. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with moderate-to-severe depression and panic disorder. Every day since, I have tirelessly worked to accumulate skills and strategies to combat negative emotions, and today I want to share everything that I have learned with you.

1. Find A Balance

    This may seem practically impossible when you think about all of the work you have been procrastinating, clubs you have to go to, laundry that has been sitting in your closet, and so much more. However, the best thing I did for myself was finding a healthy balance between the different parts of my life. I make sure the academic, social, and personal pieces are as equal as they can be, so that no category can dominate another. For example, I make sure to take breaks from my homework: in those 15-30 minute breaks, I tend to shower or go get dinner with my friends. That balance varies from day to day for me, but each day you work on finding that balance for you, the easier it becomes and the better you get at it.

2. Self-Care

    I make sure that I do at least one thing for myself every day. Whether that is doing a face mask, going to a yoga or pilates class, watching Netflix, or even just going to bed a little earlier than normal, I have found that it is important to make yourself a priority because you deserve it.

3. Creating Structure

    I am the type of person who needs structure at all times, but I have also found that people need it most when they are down in the dumps. It is easy to sulk, especially on Sundays, but the more you distract yourself and keep yourself busy, the less likely you are to wallow in your sorrows.

4. Listen to Your Body

    Needless to say, sometimes it is necessary to wallow. Even as a college student, it is okay to take a break. I know right now that my body is so worn down and emotionally drained from midterms, so I have been taking more naps than I usually would. Being able to identify when you need to collapse into yourself and when you need to push forward is definitely a fine line, but when you figure out what that line is for you, the results can be extremely gratifying.

5. It Is Okay To Not Be Okay

    This was the most challenging thing for me to accept in the beginning of my mental health journey, but it definitely was the most rewarding feeling once I finally allowed myself to believe it. It is okay to not be okay, and it is okay to ask for the help you deserve. Accepting help is difficult for everyone, yet it is a vital component in our self-growth. Finding a trusted source like a therapist is the best form of love that you can show yourself: I honestly think that everybody can benefit from having a therapist. Who doesn’t want somebody that they can vent to and get advice from, especially when it is FREE and confidential here at PC? But if you don’t feel ready or simply have no interest, that is also totally okay! Journaling is a good alternative because you’ll still be expressing your thoughts in whatever manner that you need to.

I hope that you found some of these skills that I have learned from my experiences to be helpful. Know that you are never alone in Friartown.

    “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Winnie the Pooh