Starting a new academic year is never easy – starting a new academic year in the midst of a pandemic is even harder. Navigating the dissonance of knowing that the procedures are in place to keep yourself and Buckeye Nation safe and healthy while also mourning the loss of fall sports, activities and the sense of “normalcy” can take a toll on you. Now more than ever it is important to proactively manage your mental health. Getting regular physical activity, eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a connection to friends and family (safely), practicing gratitude and utilizing preventive services like Wellness Coaching and the Peer Access Line will all aide in maintaining and improving your mental health. Start the school year off right and put your mental health on the top of your back to school checklist. Read below from 4th year Senior, Sly, on how he has learned to take care of his mental health at Ohio State.
- What do you do to proactively take care of your mental health/wellness? What strategies do you currently have in place?
One of the biggest things I have done to take care of my mental health is by working out. This is important because I feel better after I workout and it is also my escape where I get to focus on myself and clear my mind. Another thing that I do to take care of my mental health/wellness is by taking self-care days. I am one who is always doing something so implementing these days allows me to re-energize and keep myself effective. Some of the strategies I have in place are planning out my day which allows me to utilize my time more effectively which will allow me to get an adequate amount of sleep which is important.
- Who do you lean on for support? Friends? Family? Ohio State Resources?
My primary sense of support comes from my friends. I have a solid group of friends where we can be vulnerable with each other and talk about our problems and/or experiences. I have also started to utilize Ohio State’s Counseling and Consultation Services which has been a great resource.
- How do your identities influence how you take care of yourself in college?
Being someone who is a: Black, first-generation college student, from a low socioeconomic status, I often find myself questioning whether I am doing enough in the academic space. This oftentimes puts a lot of pressure on me to always achieve at the highest level. I am one who appreciates healthy competition, especially with myself but sometimes this weight can be stressful. As a result, in most of the ways I try to take care of myself are through utilizing self-care days, days where I get to relax and relieve myself from pressure. This allows me to regain my strength and energy and helps me stay connected.
- What advice would you give other Ohio State students in regard to proactive mental health/wellness?
My advice would be to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you, who can be a resource, and point you in the right direction when they cannot. I would also advise one to find hobbies or to get in a routine where your mental health is prioritized.
Sly Worthy, 4th year
Majors: Social Work and African/African American Studies
President/Found of Buckeyes First Student Organization
Hometown: Lorain, OH