I really liked this week’s table talk on managing stress. I think discussions about mental health really help to erase the stigma surrounding it and I would love for there to be more talks like this.
After two years in university, I feel like I am finally in a place of (unstable) equilibrium when it comes to stress and mental health. I say unstable because a push in either direction will probably send me reeling for a bit until I can find my way back. From my perspective, much of mental health is walking the fine line between two extremes. For example, a small amount of stress can be motivational wheres too much is overwhelming, too little socialising leads to withdrawal and isolation wheres too much may lead to a neglect of self-care, etc. The right balance for each person is subjective. For example, some people do their homework at the last minute because the pressure to finish on time motivates them so that stress can be considered healthy. For me, the presence of a looming deadline leaves me unable to think clearly so stress from that would be overwhelming. It takes time and patience to find the right balance for each person and it also explains why tips for stress management are effective for some people but not for others.
For me, when I am stressed I tend to internalise my problems so as to not burden other people. This is probably not healthy, but I like to seek other outlets, like writing. I also like running because it feels liberating as I’m literally running away from responsibilities (at least for a short while). Lastly, I think it’s important to incorporate fun into every day so I try to read a bit of a book or a poem, or draw, or watch a video online before sleeping. There are still some days where I am so stressed that I want to lie in bed all day and cry, but I find that this system of balance and fun has really helped me get through the everyday stresses of life.
The seemingly constant balancing act here at Cornell is definitely one of the most difficult aspects of college life. I too find that a small event or obligation can significantly effect my mental health because a small thing may be the tipping point of many other balanced obligations.
Cornell is a really stressful place and I can relate a lot with your post. I learned a lot about mental health because of my own mental health struggles while trying to navigate the stressors of Cornell life. That being said, I would like to offer some advice. I don’t think it’s healthy to see sharing your struggles as burdening someone else. Look at is as a means of connecting with other people, because many of us feel the same way. Letting it out, and letting someone else know that they are not alone in what they feel in the process, can be mutually beneficial. You might just be helping them out more than you realize. Sometimes all we need is to feel as though we are not facing a problem on our own.