Mental Health Awareness Month: How to Balance Self-Care and Your Education

May 16, 2024/Caregiver Training Institute

For 75 years, May has served as Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a national movement dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by the millions of people who live with mental health conditions, eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health struggles, and extending support. 

You Are Not Alone 

Millions of people struggle with mental health and mental illness every day. In the U.S., one in five adults experiences mental illness each year1. You are not alone. 

Balancing everyday life and self-care can be a challenge, and that’s especially true for college students who face special challenges when it comes to balancing life, work, and academics. A national survey of undergraduate students in 2023 found that 35% of surveyed students had been diagnosed with anxiety, while 28% had been diagnosed with depression2. 

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Your mental health is no different than your physical health, and just like with your physical health, you can start healthy habits to maintain your emotional well-being. Prioritize your mental health and create a plan that works for you. 

Tips for creating your own mental health plan: 

  • Create a support network 
  • Try journaling: start with a few minutes a day and reflect on the moments or feelings that stand out to you 
  • Prioritize what’s most important to you
  • Set a routine
  • Practice mindfulness or meditation
  • Get organized 
  • Take care of yourself physically through exercise, sleep, and nutrition 
  • Set boundaries 
  • Ask for help 

Student Resources at Bryan University  

Bryan University’s Student Resource Center offers a holistic support system created to empower students individually throughout their academic careers and beyond.

If you want to book a one-on-one session with an academic consultant to improve your writing, are having trouble transitioning from education to the workforce, or need a dedicated mentor to talk to — the SRC is there for you. 

Click here to read in-depth about the services offered through the SRC. 

Online & National Mental Health Resources 

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources. 

Other resources for help include: 

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  1. National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Mental Health by the Numbers | NAMI.” NAMI, April 30, 2024. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/.
  2. BestColleges.com. “College Student Mental Health Statistics | BestColleges,” n.d. https://www.bestcolleges.com/research/college-student-mental-health-statistics/.
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