Dear College, Our Mental Health is Important— Yes, Probably MORE Important Than You | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Education

Dear College, Our Mental Health is Important— Yes, Probably MORE Important Than You

The beauty of going to college is getting that full experience right?

313
Dear College, Our Mental Health is Important— Yes, Probably MORE Important Than You
The CW

Coming to college I already knew that it was not going to be all fun and games. I knew that I would be losing sleep, stressing out everyday, and probably grow white hairs. Is that really something we should see as normal? It's okay for me to suffer from sleep deprivation and go about my day looking like a zombie, right?

I do not remember the last time I had a full night sleep during the school year because my professors believe their class is the only class I am taking. College students can guarantee you that no one is ever "fine," instead they are "going through it." Every week professors assign essays, readings to annotate, and exams to prepare, but never consider that we as college students do not have that much time to finish all of those assignments. So what do we do? We pull all nighters, drink Redbull at 3 o'clock in the morning, skip meals to pass a class and still get up in the morning to attend class and even go to work. College focuses more on the work itself rather than students.

Who remembers thinking they were on top of their game, but the next day in class the professor assigns a lifetime of work?

This is the type of cycle that cause detrimental effects to students' mental health. I remember my freshman year of college as a Biology major I had weekly quizzes, four chapters to read every night, on top of other assigned essays. How do you think that went? Awful. Just plain awful. By the time November hit, I reached a new level of stress that almost made me want to cry everyday. Literally. My stress caused me be in a bad mood all the time and doubt my purpose of going to school. This was my experience, and I am certain that everyone with their own experience can relate on a similar level.

Let's not forget students who are working and studying at the same time. Why do they work?

Because college is EXPENSIVE.

There are students who are part-time and working full time or full-time students working full-time. As nice as it is to earn skills in a job and earn money, students unfortunately have so many expenses such as insurance, bills, food, rent, books, clothes, and most importantly tuition. Colleges are so expensive that not enough financial aid is given to students unless you're an athlete or a genius. Not to mention that college tuition raises every single year. UNBELIEVABLE.

I do not hate college if that's what you think by reading this article. Of course not, having an education is a privilege and a blessing to have and I love learning new things everyday. But the expectations college institutions set for students are extremely high and do not take into consideration of their mental health.

We talk about the importance of mental health on social media everyday, but never take action. According to the American Psychological Association, ninety-five percent of students of college counseling has mentioned a significant increase in the number of students with psychological problems. The survey reported that 41.6% of students have anxiety, 36.4% suffer from depression, 35.8% struggle with personal relationships. College students have barely even lived their life to go through this. Our parents say "that's how life is and it is hard," but does it have to be so hard to the point where we might end up hospitalized? No.

Going to college means having a love/hate relationship. It means to be grateful for going to school and feeling proud of all the hard work paying off. But it also means that to be successful means to work EXTRA hard and that comes with losing sleep, looking like a zombie on a daily basis, and having multiple mental breakdowns. I am not saying to give up, but if you know college does not care about you, then take care of yourself.

Breathe.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196729
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18759
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460803
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28272
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments