Life can be hard sometimes, but the WPI community is here with a helping hand and support. In our continued efforts to #BeRealTogether, students, faculty, and staff shared their real-world experiences, insights, and quotes, all touching upon how they effectively navigate their own mental health and wellness.
“I’ve found that the best mental health support for me is being a part of tight-knit student groups. Some of the people that support me the most I've met through clubs and organizations; they’re great to lean on since they can empathize with what I'm going through.”
“I always find myself de-stressing with bullet journaling because it not only holds me accountable, but serves as a place where I can write down everything I'm thinking about...it’s also helped me practice contentment, serving as a daily gratitude log to remind myself of all the things I have to be grateful for.”
“I was raised to be a giver, but sometimes this drains me and affects my mental health. In moments of stress, I find relief through self-reflection, my favorite music, and baking sweets.”
“I’ve found that nature and spending time outside walking in Worcester help when I’m anxious or stressed. Taking a break from work and spending time by yourself is so important to avoid burnout.”
“You are a piece of this beautiful puzzle of a WPI community. Even if you don't know where you fit in, the puzzle will never be complete without you. It's never too late to focus on you, to ask for help, or to search for the gap in our puzzle where you belong.”
“I have suffered from anxiety for most of my adult life. Talking to a trusted friend and/or therapist is the best method I have found to help work through the difficulties…My anxiety will never disappear but with help I have learned how to live with it. You are not alone, and you are not a burden for needing help.”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers several suggestions about what we can do as individuals to help reduce the stigma of mental illness:
