For many people who struggle with the occasional blues, it really takes a toll. I struggle with anxiety and stress that usually sends my mental state through the window most weeks. Most of the time I feel like I can control my worrying or stress through sleep, relaxation techniques or working out. Other times, I see all of my control slip away and I become a ball of stress. Of course, there are many people who experience the same or similar sort of mental state at some point.
Personally, I feel as though college is one of the main causes of my anxiety and self-doubt. When I got to the University of Central Florida almost three years ago I was confident in what I was going to do with my life. I knew I was going to find a way to be successful and high school was long behind me so there was no way I could feel as lost as I had before. Now this was before I could even settle on a major which took my entire freshman year. Throughout that first year, I had roommate issues, social issues and academic failings left and right. So by the time summer came around I was convinced I was going to take a semester off away from everyone and everything that had caused me so much anxiety. Then I met some of the most awesome people through a campus organization called "Project Spotlight". They are a student run and student designed theatrical company on campus. Long and short, for a while there I didn't feel so alone anymore because I had found people who were like me in a way. With that I had found my way through what major(s) I was going to take on and study through my collegiate time at UCF.
I was lucky to have a wonderful family as a support system when I was feeling at my lowest and even now when I get to those lows they are always there to pick me back up. For some of those at UCF, they don't have a support system or feel like they don't help with the struggles they are facing and that is where student services are so wonderful. The University of Central Florida and many universities to be exact have people who are trained and work to help you when you need it most throughout your college experience. Your mental health and wellness are the most important to maintain when you are faced with an obstacle like your education. Not all of us can do it alone and it is always okay to ask for help. Remember you are never alone.
These links will help you get to the services at UCF that you may need along the way: UCF Victim Services, UCF CAPS, and UCF Wellness.
