News and Knowledge

What does mental health mean to you, and why do you think it’s important?

To me, mental health means a lot of things. To keep it brief, here are some of the ways I think mental health is meaningful to me.

• Taking time for myself 
• Talking to family 
• Talking to a friend 
• Asking for help or support when needed
• Listening to music 
• Allowing myself to feel what I need to feel in a safe way 
• Seeking counseling as well 

I think it’s important because most times, mental health can present and look different in different individuals and it’s important to say what you feel, ask for help when you need it the most, and feel unashamed to ask for help. It’s ok not to be ok. It’s ok to slow down and process what you’re feeling. It’s important to remember it’s never too late and there are always resources to support you.

What kinds of stressors have you encountered during your college experience?

A few stressors I have encountered include life altering anxiety, extreme sickness and illness, & self-isolation. I don’t often leave my dorm from time to time. Sometimes I want to go home when feeling lonely. Also making some of my best friends for life. All you really need is two friends who can stick around for life!

What are some ways you have supported your mental well-being while in school?

Talking to family, spending time with friends, having my friends to hold me accountable eating food. I have sought counseling for emotional well-being. Doing yoga. 

Have you found any on-campus resources or services meaningful in supporting students’ overall wellness?   

I have found counseling and church gatherings to be super helpful as it has given me ways to be involved with the community, given me things to look forward to, and encouraged me to be more social and out and about.

I have also recommended counseling to other friends who are in need of mental health supports and resources they otherwise wouldn’t have accessed themselves. 

Are there any techniques or tools you use to manage stress or self-regulate? 

Fidget toys or ice cube fidget toy stress block or ball to be able to physically squeeze or hold onto or use at any given time if needed. Calming podcasts or videos focusing on breathing and relaxing. Seeking counseling to talk about what’s bothering me has also really helped me in a lot of ways as well. 

Can you please share some of your favorite clubs or events to participate in on campus that have helped improve your mental health?

Being a part of a Methodist church and worship team and being around supportive friends on campus who are a part of my program have been very helpful alongside being able to share similar experiences turning into best friends.

Seeking counseling has also really helped my mental health in terms of stress anxiety and behavior changes and seeing myself feel more confident. 

Have you found any people, communities, or resources on or off campus that have supported your mental well-being? If so, how have they been helpful?  

Again, finding a church, a karaoke school event, doing crafts every other month with other school groups have also been very calming and supportive. Therapy dogs have also been nice to have around especially during stressful months like finals or testing days. 

I have seen firsthand how it not only calms myself but my friends, school peers, and other school staff. It always puts smiles on their faces.

What advice would you give to other students on how to better support their mental health?

Seek help when you most need it. Let yourself say, “it’s ok not to be ok”. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Help is there for a reason to help and support. Don’t be afraid to use resources at your disposal. It can help not only yourself but so many others. That’s why resources to help exist. Check in with each other. You never know when they may need to talk or feel heard and seen.  Make sure you are there when they need someone the most. Give people space when needed too. You may have no idea what they are going through. 

I also recommend hydrating, eating food, maintaining a good diet, trying your best to sleep, and taking care of other physical health needs. Talking to people and finding friends is important as well as advocating for your needs, feeling confident enough to say no, and making use of self-accommodations such as taking a break or setting a boundary. Also, try to enjoy the good times. You never know what kind of opportunities will come your way. 

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Abigail Peigh is an autistic 20-year-old college student attending Kent State University in Kent, Ohio currently enrolled in the career and community studies program!