Preparing For University and Prioritizing Your Mental Health
Dear Future Graduate: How will my future self thank me?
IYKYK, that feeling of prioritizing everybody else, everything else, and then suddenly, you’re at a point where you can’t get out of bed, miss deadlines, and feel anxious all the time. We have all been there! Balancing study life can be tough. I think I know what you might be thinking. “Why are you asking me to think about my future self when school hasn’t started yet? Isn’t being in the moment and practicing mindfulness better for our mental well-being?” Absolutely, but so is thinking about how your future self will thank you on this journey you're about to embark on.
The Challenges and Triumphs of University Life
Between adjusting to a new environment, handling student stressors, meeting new people, and attending labs, university life demands resilience. Understanding the importance of student well-being isn’t just about managing these stressors; it’s about establishing emotional equilibrium. Every semester brings the hope of new beginnings — the commitment to finish everything on time, attend all lectures, and even maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
However, despite our best intentions, sometimes we get overwhelmed. These feelings might stem from missing home, peer support challenges, academic pressures, or financial struggles. Often, we believe that simply "pushing through" will earn our future self's pride. But neglecting our mental health can lead to burnout, academic probation, or even dropping out.
The Link Between Mental Health and Academic Success
Stable mental health equates to better academic performance. It's crucial to understand the relationship between mental well-being and academic success. Recognizing the importance of mental health fosters better-coping strategies and more informed decisions.
Steps for Better Student Mental Health
So, where can you start?
Pause in this moment and ask yourself, on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most stressed right now, 5 in the middle, 1-easy/peasy), where am I?
Mindfully notice, how do I know this is where I am at? Is it because I am noticing a huge headache, heart pounding, tension in my shoulders, fast breathing, not wanting to sit still, trying to keep overly busy, etc.?
Then to help calm your nervous system before the rational part of our brain can turn on or up, slowly pull your shoulders down from your ears, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth like you are cooling down your favorite hot drink until you feel an inner shift.
Reflect- how will my future self thank me for taking care of my mental health right now? The good news, you already took one huge step, you paused, checked-in with yourself. Taking these steps makes a significant difference. The act of pausing and checking in with yourself is a basic yet impactful coping strategy. If one method doesn't work, there are always others to try.
Many colleges and universities understand the importance of mental health awareness and provide free counselling centers for students. They also offer benefits to support counselling in the community, making it easier for you to find the help you need, whether it's individual, couples, or group counselling. If you’ve not opted out, these benefits are automatically available to you.
At New Pathways Therapy Centre, near the U of T St. George Campus, we welcome everyone to take the next step in their mental well-being journey. We comprehend the intricacies of post-secondary education, family challenges, and the necessity of peer support. Both in-person and virtual sessions are available. Our goal? To ensure you can be your best self, on and off-campus.
Finally, pen a note to yourself:
Dear Future Self, I want to thank you for looking after my mental health by doing ____.
Love,
Future Self
P.S. You Rock!
Benefits by Toronto Universities and Colleges
U of T St. George Campus offers $100 session/15 visits per policy year https://www.utsu.ca/health-and-dental/
U of T Mississauga Campus-$125 session/25 sessions per policy year https://utmsu.ca/service/health-dental-plan
U of T Scarborough campus offers $100 session/15 visits per year
Toronto Metropolitan University offers $1000 per year up to $100 per session.
York University covers $125 per session/up to 20 sessions per policy year http://www.yfs.ca/healthplan
George Brown College- depending on your plan, ranges from covering 70%-90% of rate and up to $300.
Centennial College- 80% up to $300
Seneca College-80% up to $300