Calling all College Students
Everyone always says, “College is the best 4 years of your life.” While I wouldn’t say they are lying, I would certainly say that isn’t true for all college students. Particularly in the heat of college, I think it is hard to see the lessons you will look back at as ‘necessary’. Often times those teachable moments will be the toughest experiences in college. I can say with 100% confidence that every hard experience in college shaped me into the individual I am today that is writing this.
I’ve noticed that nobody talks about the struggles. Everyone seems to be doing great and having the time of their lives. I remember feeling so alone in the struggles. The freedom of college can be overwhelming. You no longer have a curfew, you can choose to skip class whenever it seems convenient, and you get to create the “you”who people in college will see. Often times this can be a time where anxiety and depression can increase. There is a lot of pressure on you as a college student to be the person your parents will be proud of, to choose the career which you will rely on for the rest of your life, and to fit into the college you have chosen. This might come as a shock, but college isn’t the “end all be all”. You might have to drop a few classes. You might choose a major which you later decide isn’t your passion. Guess what! That is absolutely OKAY. College is a place for growth not perfection. Take a deep breath and give yourself some grace.
I can remember vividly being a freshman in college and wanting nothing more than to go home. I had been through sorority recruitment at one of the toughest schools to do so, I had moved away from my high school boyfriend, I left my comfy and safe “bubble”, and all while I was 5.5 hours away from everything I had ever known. What I wasn’t able to see was the life changing lessons I would take away from my college town. Flash forward four years later to the hardest goodbye which I never expected. I had developed friends that became family, I had found my passion for my career path moving forward, and I had built a support system unmatched by anything I had ever experienced. I can say from personal experience that it gets better.
Here are some tips which I preach to my college aged clients:
Get some sleep! - Sleep is so important to our everyday functioning. If we aren’t sleeping, we can’t regulate our emotions.
Practice self-care … I will do a post later on self-care. What is most important to realize is that self-care doesn’t have to be the stereotypical bubble bath. Do what YOU love.
Find your supports … identify your people. Migrate to those who lift you up. If they don’t bring you joy then they aren’t your people.
Lastly, if you or anyone you know might be struggling and needs a professional to talk to, please reach out! Mental health matters. Everyone deserves a safe space to talk.
xx,
Hadley