The real college life. Its ups and downs.
Oh, College.
Going to university for most aspirants is a dream come true.
College is a multifaceted experience. It opens a whole world of opportunities to the student. Acquiring new skills and meeting new people are a must when going to college.
Students are exposed to unknown territories. For that reason, to help you get the most out of your college experience, Keiser University offers clubs, varsity sports, and a number of extracurricular activities that go beyond just academics. You can definitely enjoy yourself by signing up to these activities, which by the way, are a great way for you to build new friendships from all over the Central American region.
In spite of these many activities, at times you’ll feel homesick and a little depressed… and that’s perfectly normal.
It’s a mental health issue that is attacking more people than you may think.
Depression strikes silently. When you experience sadness or homesickness, you must be careful to identify if those feelings don’t fade away, and this state of mind starts to affect your health and regular activities.
Then, if that happens, my friend, it’s time to seek help.
We know that college tends to be overwhelming, with all the responsibilities in classes, extracurriculars, and work-study even.
Mate, I understand you.
Five tips to Improve your Mental Health and Avoid Depression in College
1- Get out of your bedroom. PRONTO!
Exciting things are happening outside your dorm as you’re reading this, so go out (After you finish reading this XD!), and breathe some fresh air.
Take some time to detox from all the negativity that may surround you. Join an outdoor activity. Force yourself out of the comfort of your room.
At Keiser University LAC, there are many activities that you can enjoy.
Guardians of the Sacred Hearts, Tenth Legion, and Fellowship Households meet every Monday at 7 pm for boys, and Angelus, Rosa Mistica, New Covenant, and Incienso de Dios Households also meet on Mondays at 6 or 7 pm.
During the week there are other clubs’ meetings, such as the Psychology Club, which happens every Tuesday at 11:00 am; and Everything is Pawsible Club meets every Wednesday at 8 am. There is a club or household made, especially for you. So, get involved! Be part of a family, and enjoy.
2- Be Active
Don’t stop moving!
Exercising or playing sports works as an antidepressant. It makes your body and mind to focus with a different perspective.
Sports are an essential part of life at Keiser University Latin American Campus. You can practice sports from soccer to table tennis. Moreover, you can practice any sports available on campus from Monday to Thursday.
If you aren’t into sports, but you want to be active, the gym opens from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Zumba classes start at 6:00 pm!
3- Build a Support Group
Build a group in which you can rely on.
Surround yourself with people who bring positivity, good thoughts, confidence, and a safe environment to your life.
It’s vital to have someone who will be with you in your happiest times, but who can also be a shoulder to cry on when you feel like everything is going down. Please don’t surround yourself with toxic people not toxic environments, just toxic of Britney Spears!
4- Love Yourself
You are a perfect human being.
Maybe, it’s hard to recognize that you are valuable or unique.
You want to know a random fact? YOU’RE WORTH IT!
Don’t let others tell you otherwise. You’re the first person who must love yourself.
How can you love you? By having a regular sleeping schedule, having a healthy diet, and rewarding yourself when you accomplish something meaningful to you.
5- Create a Happy Toolbox
It might sound funny but believe me; it’s helpful!
You might be wondering what this last tip is about.
A happy toolbox is very personal and unique. None of us think and cope with bad situations in the same exact way.
In other words, the things that work for me, perhaps might not work for you.
However, you can find easy steps to create your own Happy Toolbox to overcome depression and homesickness in college.
Steps to make a Happy Toolbox
- Make a list of all your favorite activities and narrow them down to five. (These will be the ones that make you the happiest person in the world)
- If you can’t live without music, then make a playlist with all your favorite artists’ songs or just any cheerful songs. Try to make everything with music cause music, makes everything brighter.
- Find a hobby. It can be from drawing to gardening. Try to do it when feeling anxious.
- Have a backup of all your favorite books, food, movies. Do this when feeling stressed.
Do you know any other tips to overcome depression in college?
If the previous tips don’t work, it might be a good idea to contact a specialist.
Keiser University sincerely wishes on you to have the best experience of your life in all aspects, including mental health.
That’s why, there is a specialist here on campus whose whole objective is to help you and be there for you whenever you feel blue.
This specialist’s name is Ms. Rojas, and she is available only by appointment.
Remember she’s here for us. She’s available from Monday to Friday in the afternoon. To make an appointment call, or text her to this number 84557018.
Guys, feeling blue or frustrated in school is reasonable; there’s nothing to be scared or to be ashamed about.
It’s normal. But it doesn’t have to be a frequent issue of your life.
Mental health issues are a taboo in our society, and it depends on you and me to take that stigma down and get help.
Depression in college attacks quietly, and it’s up to you if you will let depression reign and destroy your life, or if you act to triumph and overcome the difficulties.
As John Green said, “There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.”
Author: Gandy Mendieta – Software Engineering Student
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