HOW TO KEEP A GOOD MENTAL POSITION AS A YOUTH

 

                                      Jacqueline Dee Nyarko

At this youthful stage in our lives, we are at a point where we are dealing with academic stress, pressure from friends and determining the direction in which we want our lives to go. Trust you me, that's not an easy task. So at times we can easily fall into depression or have a poor mental health if we become overwhelmed by all these situations. 

And not forgetting, the youthful stage is the point where we loose important people in our lives, it could be a relative, friend or someone you know.

The youth is faced with the harsh reality of life and is forced to move from the spoon-feed stage . Sad isn't it?

So in a nutshell as young people we are constantly evolving and being exposed to new situations on a daily basis, How do we keep our headspace in a good position through all of these challenges? But before that let us start with what is a good mental position/health?

Good mental health might have different meanings to each of us but it's generally understood as being able to think, feel and react in the ways that you need and want to live your life as fully and independently as possible. So good mental health doesn't mean you always feel happy or never have bad moods or bad days.

But if your anxiety or low moods become increasingly difficult to cope with then you are not in a really good mental position. Then it brings up the question, how do I get into a good mental position as a youth?  I'm going to share a few points I believe would help in achieving a good mental health. 

1. Take care of your body:

Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to: Eat nutritious meals, Avoid smoking and alcohol,  Drink plenty of water, Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods.  Get enough sleep. Researchers believe that lack of sleep contributes to a high rate of depression in college students.

2. Set realistic goals:

Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don't over-schedule. You'll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal. But remember not to be too hard on yourself when you are not able to reach these goals. The most important thing is to identify the things that prevent you from attaining your goals and actively work on it. But always start with small achievable goals, then you set big ones as you progress

3.Learn how to deal with stress. 

As students stress is an inevitable part of our educational journey. Stress would come in various forms to us, stress with exams, studies, unannounced tests and quizzes, bad grades,friends and so much more. 

Practice good coping skills: Try taking a nature walk to free up your mind, hang out with friends or do something you actually have fun doing. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in life. laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress. Try meditating, Mindfulness and/or prayer. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life.

Also you can try planning ahead and getting things done on time to avoid being stressed out. 

4.Value yourself:

Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism.Don't be too hard on yourself. Did you fail a test, didn't accomplish a goal or messed up something. Pat yourself at the back and keep on moving forward. Love yourself and be kind to yourself. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons. Do a daily crossword puzzle, plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language. 

5.Break up the monotony:

Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. As students it shouldn't be always about studying such that we don't even get time to take care of ourselves or have a social life. You should find a balance where you study adequately but you also have time for a social life.

Move out of your comfort zone and make good friends. Get to know others, learn from them and share your experiences. Sometimes listening to someone's experience can inspire you to keep pressing on or even inform you about certain decisions to make in the future.

6. So lastly, Get help when you need it. 

Seeking help is a sign of strength not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction. There are rehabilitation centers, therapists, university counsellors etc. you can see. It takes so much effort and bravery to step forward and admit that you may not be able to handle your challenges all on your own. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking someone for help.

Don't be shy about it too, let's say for instance if you are suffering from a heart break and as such you feel you are not in a good mental position. Feel free and speak to your university councellor or better still peer counselors.

In conclusion, Mental health problems can impact the academic performance and success of a college student. Poor mental health contributes to lack of motivation and problems focusing which can lead to failing grades. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Hence being in a good mental position is very crucial to our development as individuals. And I hope that these few points would be helpful.

Writer: Jacqueline Dee Nyarko, KNUST MEDICAL SCHOOL 

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