MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS KIT // AS SEEN IN THE SPRING ISSUE

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Since 1949, the United States has recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month. But May shouldn’t be the only month in which we recognize the prevalence of mental illness. In fact, we should always be recognizing the importance of raising our voices in support of those experiencing mental health issues.

Life at Elon can induce enough stress to make even the most relaxed students crack under pressure. Between academics, extracurriculars, and the lengthy list of everything else that shines on a resume, mental illness lurks among college campuses more than one would think. According to National Data on Campus Suicide and Depression, more teenagers and young adults die from suicide than all other medical illnesses combined, and two-thirds of students who are struggling do not seek treatment.

With these alarming numbers ringing throughout the academic community, colleges are listening and taking action. Elon has made it a priority to focus on giving students resources and people to reach out to if they start to feel lost. In 2015, Elon’s Counseling Services department debuted their online mental health screening tool, which students can find online without even having to walk into the counseling offices — and it’s completely free. Find it with a simple Google search — just look up “Elon mental health screening tool.”

It is important to recognize if your stress feels like more than just stress. Anxiety or depression doesn’t look the same for anybody, emotionally or physically. Tune into yourself and do what you need to do to stay happy and healthy. However, if you feel that you’re simply in a funk, consider practicing self care. Taking steps to de-stress are crucial in keeping yourself healthy.

These are some tried and true helpers for when you’re feeling low, stressed or just not yourself.

Please note, we do not suggest that any of these items will cure or effectively treat any mental illness — rather, they are items to aid in self care and relaxation.

story by // johanna hilpuesch & kayla hoey