By: Bella Moncure, MPH, CHES, Public Health Marketing and Communications Manager, University Life, including Patriots Thriving Together
“There’s always gonna be another mountain/I’m always gonna wanna make it move/Always gonna be an uphill battle/Sometimes, I’m gonna have to lose/Ain’t about how fast I get there/Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side/It’s the climb.” – “The Climb”, sung by Miley Cyrus
Caring for our mental health is not about the speed of healing or avoiding future obstacles; it’s about how we face them and find our way through. Most of us wish we could wave a magic wand and erase all future challenges and heartbreaks, but that isn’t reality. What is possible is investing time and effort into our mental health journeys. That empowers us to overcome hardships in healthy and more resilient ways.
College Mental Health Data from a Recent Health Minds Survey
Mental health is a shared experience, and understanding broader trends can help us see how millions of people are affected every day. These insights also create a sense of belonging, reminding us that we are not alone. Here are U.S. national trends from the Healthy Minds Study (2023–2024):
- 41 percent of college students agreed with the statement, “Most people would think less of someone who has received mental health treatment.”
- 7 percent of students reported personal stigma, agreeing with the statement, “I would think less of someone who has received mental health treatment.”
- 36 percent of college students reported receiving mental health therapy or counseling in the past year.
- 34 percent of students reported having moderate or severe anxiety symptoms.
- 38 percent of college students reported experiencing moderate or severe depressive symptoms.
- 23 percent of college students reported frequently feeling left out.
- 21 percent of college students reported that emotional or mental difficulties affected their academic performance for six or more days in the past four weeks.
The Importance of Understanding Emotions
Growing up, I had little to no emotional stability. I knew how to survive, but I didn’t know how to feel or process my emotions. I was expected to stay polished and quiet, never showing or expressing my true feelings. I was often forced into situations and around people who harmed my well-being, which created an internal storm of feelings of being unheard, unseen, and angry, while carrying resentment toward my parents.
The emotions I had bottled up for years began to unravel during my college years. Suddenly, I was left questioning my purpose, feeling stuck, and overwhelmed. At first, I fell back on what I knew best: keeping it in and staying quiet. However, over time, I discovered that the first step toward healing was to honestly examine my emotions, to ask myself why I felt a certain way, and sit with those answers.
I came to understand that this process can take days, months, or even years, and that’s okay. Time gave me the space to feel more in control of myself, and I realized that clarity doesn’t arrive all at once, but gradually.
The Role of Time in Healing
Healing doesn’t follow a schedule we can control. Every part of the process is still a step in the right direction, no matter how slow it may feel. I used to beat myself up for not getting over things “fast enough,” but I’ve come to understand that healing is rooted in patience and grace, not speed.
Time doesn’t just heal; it gives us space to reflect, seek help when we’re ready, and discover the coping strategies that work best for us. Over time, the weight I carried began to loosen, and I slowly grew into someone more resilient, self-aware, and empowered to advocate for myself.
Looking back, I realize that what I truly needed was time, the time to feel, to understand, and to rebuild and strengthen. It was also important for me to find people who respected and supported my well-being.
When to Seek Help and Reach Out to Others
There’s still stigma around seeking mental health support. For far too long, I struggled with that fear, worrying that people would think of me differently or not support my decision to seek therapy or psychiatry services. Now I know that anyone who objects to what I need to better myself doesn’t deserve a place in my life.
It took me five years to finally get the support I needed: a therapist and a psychiatrist. Psychiatry was essential in helping me receive a diagnosis and treatment plan, and now I’m able to manage my anxiety in a way that allows me to function without disruption. Therapy, too, was a turning point in my life. At first, I went twice a week, unpacking things I hadn’t even realized were weighing me down. Now, I go as needed, and those sessions continue to help me reflect, grow, and reset. Therapy gave me the tools to cope, but more importantly, it gave me permission to care for myself regardless of what others think. I don’t see myself discontinuing therapy services as long as I live. It gives me a safe space to be vulnerable and receive guidance on sometimes harsh and unfair internal thoughts.
Equally important is building a support system and setting relationship boundaries. It’s okay to love and respect people who are bad for our mental health, from a distance. I’m learning to surround myself with those who genuinely care for me and respect my needs for positive emotional well-being. Being in an environment where we can be raw, heal, make mistakes, and grow is essential to building resilience. Sometimes, environmental changes can shift us out of survival mode and into a thriving space.
Personal Coping Strategies: What Worked for Me
Alongside therapy, psychiatry, and a growing support system, I’ve developed strategies that help me feel grounded. We can all try out different coping strategies like these, which can give us space for healing.
- Exercise: Exercise, such as running, outdoor walks, stretching, and weight training – paired with music – helps me relieve stress and live in the moment. I can focus on myself while engaging in activities that promote my physical and emotional well-being.
- Creativity: Creative expression, whether through painting, journaling, or doodling, allows me to unwind and live in the moment.
- Downtime and social time: Downtime and time with others gives me opportunities to reset, relax, and spend time with people who bring me happiness. Sometimes, we want to overfill our schedules with things to do when we actually need a break and time to ourselves. Finding the balance is challenging and looks different for everyone, but it’s worthwhile to try.
- Routine connection: My partner and I talk every day after work about our day, including the best and most challenging parts. I also connect with a friend every Tuesday via phone and Wednesday via voice message. Developing these communication strategies with a busy lifestyle takes time, but intentional connections are crucial for my overall well-being.
- Gratitude: One of my journey’s most significant mindset shifts has been practicing gratitude. I always look for something to be grateful for. Gratitude doesn’t erase the pain, but reminds me that good things still exist when it feels dark.
These practices aren’t magic fixes, but they do remind me I’m not alone. Even in difficult periods, I have various tools to help me get through.
In conclusion, healing doesn’t happen overnight. Some days, it may even feel like we’re moving backward. But progress often shows up quietly, through resilience, self-awareness, and the way we respond to life’s challenges.
There are many resources available, and it’s essential for each of us to find the ones that work best in our lives. Resilience isn’t about never falling apart; it’s about knowing how to pick ourselves back up, sometimes with the help of others.
Most importantly, let’s remember that we don’t have to climb alone! We can surround ourselves with people who care, ask for help when we need it, and give ourselves the time to heal. The process may be long, but the growth is incredibly rewarding.
We are not alone in our journeys, and our mental health matters!
Additional Resources
Explore resources that support mental health and well-being at George Mason with Patriots Thriving Together. Resources are available for students, faculty, and staff.
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