This piece was prepared by Caitlin Talty.
Staying healthy goes beyond exercise and eating vegetables, it encompasses the whole realm of one’s life. Mental health plays a huge part in focusing, getting good grades, and productive social interactions. As students, life can get pretty hectic and stress can influence academic performance, and compromise the state of one’s well-being in general. Keeping a healthy state of mind is a most valuable technique in achieving personal success, whether in school, work, or with interpersonal relationships. Mental health, though unique to the individual, can be affected by traumatic events, substance abuse, or occurrences that may even seem unexplainable.
There are many ways to promote positive mental health practices on your own, such as through physical exercise, meditation, or getting out in nature. However, sometimes it can be beneficial to talk to someone you can confide in, whether a friend or a close relative. On the other hand, sometimes it can be even better to talk to someone trained in the mental health field, who can provide unbiased feedback and guidance. The WNMU Student Health Center provides fifteen free counseling appointments each semester to current students. These appointments are covered by YOUR student fees, and are designed to provide a safe environment for individuals struggling with mental health, or simply a place to have someone to talk to free of judgement.
