College is supposed to be “the best years of our lives,” right? That’s what everyone says. But the truth is, college can feel overwhelming, lonely, and stressful at times. Between keeping up with classes, working jobs, staying involved on campus, and just trying to figure out who we are as young adults, it’s easy to feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. For me, mental health has been one of those things I didn’t fully understand until I was in college and had to face it head-on.
One of the hardest parts about struggling with mental health in college is that it can feel like you’re the only one going through it, but you’re not. I’ve had days where I felt like I couldn’t get out of bed or where the stress of assignments made me want to give up. I’ve also had nights where I felt completely alone, even when I was surrounded by people. Talking about this stuff isn’t always easy, but being honest about how I’m feeling has been the first step in learning how to cope.
What’s helped me is finding small ways to take care of myself before things get too heavy. For example, I started setting aside time to just breathe and slow down, even if it’s only for ten minutes a day. I’ve learned to reach out to friends and admit when I’m not okay, and I’ve started to appreciate how much of a difference it makes when someone just listens without judgment. I also remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help, whether that’s talking to a counselor, leaning on my support system, or even just being real with a professor when life feels like too much.
If you’re in college and dealing with mental health struggles, I want you to know it doesn’t mean you’re weak or failing; it means you’re human. Coping doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it might be journaling, exercising, or listening to music. For others, it might be prayer, therapy, or simply taking a break. The point is, you don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it alone. College is tough, but learning how to take care of your mind while you’re here is one of the most important lessons you’ll carry into the rest of your life. So, if today feels heavy, give yourself permission to slow down. You’re not behind, and you’re not broken. You’re just learning, just like the rest of us. And that’s okay.
Jaqoune Brown
Jaqoune is a junior at SAU, majoring in Social Work with a minor in Psychology. He is from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he learned the importance of community, compassion, and hard work. Those values inspired him to pursue a career helping others and making a difference in people’s lives. He is passionate about supporting youth and those who may not always have a voice, and he hopes to use his education to give back to his community and create positive change.
