Let’s Talk Mental Health

By Jasmine Waller ~ Staff Writer

Mental Health Graphic created by Jasmine Waller

Mental health is more than just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. While you’ve likely heard the term before, do you truly understand what mental health encompasses and how to care for your own? 

It’s not just about disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia; it’s about maintaining a balanced, healthy mind in the face of life’s everyday challenges.

As college students, we deal with immense stress, whether from classes, sports, workload, or clubs we join. We all have dealt with mental health struggles. Struggling mentally is nothing to be ashamed of or something you should hide. It is very typical to struggle, especially while being in college. 

I had the privilege of sitting down with Julian Rodgers (MA, LPC), one of the counselors on campus. We had a great conversation, and he gave me tons of information on mental health. 

“Practicing self-care is the biggest thing,” Rodgers said. Self-care plays a tremendous role in one’s mental health. Some helpful tips include “Eating healthy and making sure you stay hydrated, doing things that are restful and recharging, not just the things that kind of push pause, not just the things that shut your brain off,” said Rodgers.

The biggest advice to students struggling would be to talk to somebody. “Not always a professional, someone supportive,” Rodgers stated. Talking about what you’re working with when you are struggling is always helpful. It could simply be a friend you talk to. It will be beneficial if you get out what you’re struggling with. 

If you know that your friend is struggling, be there for them. Offer to help them and inform them of their resources on campus. Rodgers noted,  “Being able to say, have you tried talking with somebody and saying, I will walk with you down to the Counseling Center.” Just offering that kind of support could change someone’s perspective on reaching out altogether. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the Counseling Center. You can call, email, or walk in and say you need to talk with someone. You can also look on the university’s website and see which counselor you believe would fit you the best. The Counseling Center is located on the terrace level of Hundley. 

Mental health is a critical issue for college students, and we can’t afford to overlook it. Resources on campus are designed to support students, and this article aims to highlight them. It’s important to remember that it’s okay not to feel OK. Feeling stressed or anxious is normal, but bottling those emotions isn’t healthy. Mental health struggles can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes, including suicide, which continues to claim the lives of far too many college students.

Check in with your friends and ask how they’re doing. Advocate for your mental well-being and support those around you. We need to have open, honest conversations about mental health before it’s too late and we lose someone we care about. Don’t be afraid to speak up about your struggles, share your experiences, and ask for help when needed. Your voice could make a difference, not just for yourself but also for others.

For more information on how to contact the Counseling Center, visit  https://www.lynchburg.edu/student-life/counseling-center/