Wide recognition never equates to wide acceptance. World Mental Health Day is widely recognized on October 10th but the real question remains, do you really acknowledge your mental health? Do you pay attention to it during times of pressure? Do you pay any heed to it during your exams?
While the pandemic was a brutal reminder of our mental health’s importance, it was also a time of extreme isolation. Under the constant lockdown, that lasted more than a year, people, especially children faced several mental health issues, like anxiety, panic attacks, and a few, even depression.
However, even after the pandemic when people have started returning to the “actual normal”, they are still battling with the same issues, adding to developing social anxiety among others, and thus, further crippling mental health.
Schools were the primary institutions to return to the offline mode considering the risk to quality education, the online mode presented. The online studies, helped in bridging the gap between students and teachers, for most of the students, during the pandemic. However, students’ already reduced attention span did not help in this case. Moreover, the use of mobiles and the internet was more than ever. The outdoor activities were reduced and the quality of education declined as well. Now that the students have to go back to school again regularly, give the exams in pen and paper mode and return to the hectic routine after the long break, it has started affecting their mental health.
The students have lost the balance between work and play. But what are the most common symptoms of declining mental health among students? According to an article by India Today, the most ubiquitous symptoms include:
- Low mood
- Anger and frequent outbursts
- Irritation and mood swings
- Anxiety
- Overeating to cope with the emotions
- Numbness and frequent low motivation
5 tips for the mental health of students
Are you making constant efforts to robust your mental health? In this article, we are providing 5 tips for the mental health of students.
1. Don’t take yourself seriously
The main problem with most people today is that they take themselves too seriously. Most of us today do not make room for our mistakes. The strive for perfection is one of the major reasons why we chase unrealistic expectations, which eventually affects our mental health. When we run after perfectionism, we often fail to learn and grow, which are the main requirements for our growth. No exam is literally a matter of life and death. Perceive it as a step towards your destination rather than the ultimate destination. So what can you do?
Practice good and positive self-talking. Talk to yourself like you would to another child or a friend. As cliche as it might sound, trust me, it helps. When you talk to yourself in a positive way, it is scientifically proven to reduce your stress, improve self-esteem, and also help with anxiety.
2. Refrain from using digital devices too much
The lockdown led to an increase in the screen time of the students. From television to mobile phones and laptops, students were often forced to use them for online lectures and then continued using them due to several distractions we are all aware of. But these digital devices, not only reduce our attention span but also are a source of induced anxiety, especially social media. For some, it may not, but for most people, it does. Digital devices disconnect you from the real world and might induce thought spiralling. It disconnects you from your friends and family and further detaches you from real scenarios.
3. Talk about it
While you may have heard this a lot of times, you may be unaware that it actually helps. Find someone who is not only a genuine well-wisher but also a good listener. In case you feel that you cannot confide in other people easily or do not feel comfortable telling it to anyone, try Journaling. Writing a diary helps immensely. Plus, you can also write it on a piece of paper and throw it away. Writing affirmations, and listening to calming music are a few of the many practices that can help you during situations of uneasiness, anxiousness, panic, etc.
4. Therapy
Therapy is the most known yet the least approached solution. People do not realize the importance of therapy and how effective it can be. Most people are still chained by the myth about therapy being approached by people whose conditions are deteriorated to a severe level. Therapies are the most effective solution. Plus, it is not necessary that one goes to a therapist only when they are dealing with mental health issues. Few people are aware that therapy in daily life can prove to be very beneficial, as healing can only add to the essence of life.
5. Spend some time with yourself
We underestimate the vitality of “me-time”. Indulge in activities that make you happy, that make you smile, and that make you perhaps forget the world. Spend time doing the hobby that interests you the most. Do not just study or work. Allocate some time to activities apart from these two. It is good to remind yourself that the work you do or the exam you are studying for is merely a part of your life, not life itself. Appreciate yourself and give your journey a little acknowledgment and appreciation.
We hope these small tips would help you in feeling better when the times are tough. Remember that “it is all temporary”.
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