For many, the topic of mental health may seem like a buzzword or cliché topic. However, mental health struggles have been a part of life for as long as humanity has existed. Mental health refers to a person’s physiological and emotional well-being.
Mental illnesses are often a result of stress, biological or genetic factors, or chemical imbalances. All humans experience stress and emotions, so it is extremely common for a person to experience some form of mental illness during their lifetime.
Because mental illnesses often affect people internally, the validity of these struggles is often overlooked in our culture. However, any struggle with mental health whether it be anxiety, depression, OCD, or an eating disorder, is valid, important and should be taken seriously.
Struggling with the difficulties and the heaviness associated with mental illness, it is important to know you are not alone. Struggles with mental health are equally valid, as they may be difficult, and as dark a mental illness may seem, it does not define you.
Life is difficult. Struggles, whether mental, physical, or emotional, are inevitable. Here are five ways, (in no particular order) to be proactive and fight against the struggles of mental health.
- Take care of your physical health. Sleep, food, and exercise go a long way when it comes to our emotions and coping with the difficulties of life. Make sure to prioritize these areas of your life. Go for a walk, go to bed an hour earlier and make sure you listen to your body and eat when you are hungry.
- Recognize that you are important, valued, and have a purpose even when life is difficult. God, the Creator of the world, knows everything about you and cares for you. Matthew 10:29-30 says, “Are not two sparrows sold for one penny? Yet not one of them falls outside of your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” God has created us with a purpose in this life. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
- Don’t be ashamed of your struggle. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
- Refuse to struggle alone. If you are struggling, reach out to your close and trusted friends. If you aren’t currently struggling, check-in on your friends, college, and life is hard.
- Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek and ask for help. There are many resources available! Listed below are several resources for helping you in your struggle with mental illness:
- Visit the on-campus counseling center: Monday – Friday 9a.m. – 5p.m. or email kthomas@hputx.edu or jmorgan@hputx.edu to schedule an appointment.
- The Taylor Clinic is just a few blocks from campus and will work with students, through insurance, to provide counseling services. Call: (325) 649-4357
- Reach out to a local church to ask about counseling options. Churches will often have counseling options available or will be able to point you in the right direction.
- If you are experiencing a crisis you can find immediate help through this 24-hour number: 1(800) 458-7788