Browsing: mental health

1500 miles away from home and three years in, I can finally say I’ve somewhat made Baylor a second home. It’s never too late to join an organization that best fits you. Remember to take a deep breath. You may not be able to see the future, but you can give it your all and go for it.

Look, everyone’s college journey is different, but it’s safe to say each member of the graduating class has a one-up saved in their back pocket for the “when I was a college student” conversations that pop up during family and work outings. On a more serious note, there is reason to celebrate, because the class of 2024 overcame unique hurdles to finally walk the stage.

While test anxiety is nothing new — and many of our parents and grandparents have similar stories of their hearts racing and palms sweating before being handed an exam — there is an alternative: final essays.

It is important to destigmatize mental health, and there is power in conversation. However, accepting the existence and impact of mental illness should not mean taking it less seriously — and self-diagnosing does just that.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not immune to this feeling, and neither are 75% of people. But I have implemented some more positive ways of thinking that have completely changed my perspective. The first step? Realizing comparison is the thief of joy.

Breathing is the alpha and omega of human life. It signifies the beginning and end, and it is a big determiner of our physical and mental problems. Paying more attention to your breathing and practicing deep breathing techniques unarguably improves your sanative value.

In a society that encourages and praises strength, resilience and that “boss babe” mentality, vulnerability is often overlooked or viewed as a sign of weakness. However, beneath the surface, there is a profound power in being vulnerable.

Long story short, there are a lot of expenses when it comes to college, and students might not be well-equipped to handle them. Baylor has resources for financial aid and counseling; however, it’s still vital to understand what costs you or your family are paying and how they can impact you in the long run.

Like any and all heritage months, Women’s History Month gets the same criticism. People often express the idea that Women’s History Month excludes men, but it’s time we realized that this month is for all of us — an opportunity to reflect on our history and grow from it together.

It may feel as though carrying on is a necessary sacrifice to make, but a gap year could help take care of burnout and leave you refreshed and ready to enter more school or the job market.

Spend more time interacting with the world instead of watching it through a screen. When you wake up, don’t let time go to waste watching others’ lives when you could be out living yours. Be where your feet are.

So, my friends, I encourage you to post that blurry picture of your friends laughing, or even the one where no one is looking at the camera because they’re having a great time with each other. It’ll be the best thing to look back on.

With October winding down and November soon to be upon us, it’s safe to say that the semester is flying by. We’re over halfway done, which might be either a source of relief to you or a harsh reality check. Either way, here’s some advice to keep in mind for the coming weeks.

School is important, and we should perform to the best of our ability, but we were never supposed to choose it over our mental health, physical health or relational health. So, put the textbook down and go outside. Have a long dinner with your friends. Watch a movie. Remind yourself that school is not all there is to life. It’ll work wonders.

All services offered by the Counseling Center are free, including telehealth services, face-to-face counseling and the mental health clinical support line. However, some programs that fall under the health services category — such as general medical care, medical nutrition therapy and psychiatric services — require payment, which is usually covered by insurance.

Mindfulness is the act of being present, the ability to be aware. You begin to perceive people in the right way since you can see everyone for who they really are. Your mind begins to take control, rather than your heart. Choices become clearer, and if they’re hazy, they’re easier to figure out. Mindfulness makes each moment more precious than the next.

In the words of Dominic Chambers, “There is an arena for you to participate in.” These simple yet empowering words ring loud and clear when walking through the quiet halls of the exhibit entitled “Narrative as Reality: Constructing an Identity” in the Martin Museum of Art.

Baylor’s Counseling Center is offering Question, Persuade, Refer Gatekeeper Training for students from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 10 in Moody-Memorial Library’s Active Learning Lab. The training will allow students to become mental health allies by equipping them with tools to identify warning signs in their peers.

After three years on Baylor’s campus, I feel like I know the place inside and out. One thing I’ve learned is that this university offers a lot to its undergraduate students. Whether you are looking for academic, emotional, mental or physical support, it’s more than likely that Baylor has a resource perfectly designed to provide that support and improve your life on campus.