The Importance of Mental Health in College

By Kendra Mamea
@YCkendram

One thing I wish I learned sooner... was that my mental health is VITAL to my success. I am currently a junior here at York College in Nebraska, and honestly this semester has been the toughest one yet. Before continuing your read, you should know that I am a very busy woman on campus. I’ve learned the hard way how important mental health is regarding balance in my own life. PLEASE, don't make the same mistakes as me.

I am a Public Relations intern, the secretary of Student Government, the president of our campus chapter for SEAN (Student Education Association of Nebraska). I run the social media account for the York College Education Department and volleyball team, and I am an Elementary Education major. Oh, I almost forgot my most important role, I AM HUMAN! A human with feelings and emotions that don’t really function well when my mental health is ignored. Maybe you can relate.

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Don’t get me wrong, I love these roles on campus because I get to serve this amazing place but between all the priorities, “me-time” often becomes “we-time”. That switch usually involves hanging out with friends and cancelling my peaceful night of face masks and Netflix. We all have our own ways to unwind, but the point is that we use this valuable time to renew ourselves and take care of our mental well-being. We all want to be the best version of ourselves, reach our goals, so make “me-time” a priority.

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I recently spoke to one of my role models, Dr. Erin DeHart, about how difficult this semester has been for me. She was quick to emphasize the importance of mental health and gave me these words to live by,

“you work so hard for your major, your career, and your relationships because you treat them as a job... your health needs to be your first job. If you are not at your best physically and mentally, you can’t perform at your best so take time for you.” ​

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So remember to take time for you. Your mental health is more important than a test, an interview, a lunch date, or a meeting; plus, you are the only person who can control it. One of the most important things I’ve learned this semester is that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Fill your own cup before trying to fill others. We have amazing people here at York College that I call my support system and so can you. You don’t have to be at your lowest to ask for help. Take it from me, asking for help only makes you stronger.

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