You Gotta Nourish To Flourish: 3 ways to nurture your mental health

Mental health. Yes, we are going to talk about it. We as Gen Zer’s are incredibly lucky to live in a society where mental health is taken just as seriously as any other illness or challenge that we may face. However, just because we are having this conversation, and your mental well being is considered valid, this does not mean that you may not still be struggling with the feelings that accompany mental illness.

Let's look at the facts: Chadron State College’s CARE team provides some facts about mental health among college aged adults stating, “One in four young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have a diagnosable mental illness” (“College Student Mental Health Statistics”). Additionally, 39% of college students suffer from significant mental health issues (“Statistics”). Whether it be anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or anything in between, these statistics should help you to realize that you are definitely not alone.

As we talk about mental challenges, let’s also discuss how we can work against it. We must nourish and care for our mental health in order to flourish emotionally, spiritually, and even academically. I want to suggest three ways that I have discovered greatly improve my mood and mental well being.

1. Get up and groove.

I was a dancer for 15 years. I took a large range of different types of dance classes and spent many hours in dance studios. I have noticed since attending college and no longer attending dance classes, finding my space to “get active” can be very challenging. I have never been one to enjoy the gym because it is far too serious for me. However, getting up and moving is extremely vital to my physical and mental health. Along with its obvious benefits, daily exercise releases “feel good” hormones, such as endorphins, that relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety. So get up and find something physical that you enjoy.

P.S. This does not have to be the gym. Try turning on some music in your room and groove out. Trust me, it helps.

2. Read your Bible, pray everyday, and you’ll grow, grow, grow.

Apparently the songs that we used to sing in Sunday school still apply to us today in our adult lives. As Christians, we may hear this command to “read your Bible” and “pray” everyday. Maybe this notion is very easy for you, but maybe it is not. Finding time to spend alone time with God between your classes, homework, part time job, and social activities can be difficult. But I promise that starting your day with some quiet time with the Father, you will change your mood for the entire day. Plus, God WANTS to spend time with you. He loves and desires you with such ferocity. I don’t know about you, but this makes me feel less alone and depressed.

3. #NormalizeTherapy

The “T” word. There is sadly such a stigma on admitting that you need help and seeking counseling. However, this is an amazing way to combat mental instability and stress. I am a big advocate for normalizing going to therapy and not being ashamed to talk about it. To be transparent, I started going to therapy this semester to help me process trauma and find coping skills for my anxiety. I sought out a Christian counselor who not only listens to my problems, but also prays with and for me, and reminds me that it is okay to seek help.

You have to nourish to flourish. Finding things that make you happy, calm, and grounded can significantly help combat the anxiety and depression that so many of us college kids face.

Now, if #2 confused you, here's a video to catch you up to speed:

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“College Student Mental Health Statistics.” College Student Mental Health Statistics - CARE

Team - Chadron State College, www.csc.edu/care/resources/statistics/index.csc.

“Statistics.” Active Minds, 2 Mar. 2021, www.activeminds.org/about-mental-health/statistics/.