In a world that is becoming institutionally more difficult to thrive in, particularly in marginalized groups, it’s no surprise that there’s been a very noticeable decline in mental health. I’ve seen it in both online and physical spaces, with complete strangers and close friends, and in every corner of the US and beyond. Between the environmental and societal consequences of AI, ongoing genocide in multiple countries, and the targeted oppression of immigrants and transgender people in the US, it’s difficult to hold on to the hope of having a normal life, let alone a thriving one. It even continues in academic spaces, with important, life-changing research groups losing all funding and students being forcibly taken from their campuses. How do we keep moving forward in a world that doesn’t want us to? It’s a question that’s been following me for a majority of this year, and one that I’m still trying to find answers to. But after this semester, I think I’ve at least
found a start. 

 

Mental health is a deeply complex issue, especially when it comes to poor mental health caused by not easily solved situations, and one that requires a combination of several skills, treatments, and resources to fix. For a while, I really struggled with this fact. But discussion with my own therapist and through reading lived experiences of people who have gone through similar issues, I was able to find a way of thinking that I felt was actionable. While I am not a psychology student and don’t have the knowledge or skills of a professional therapist, there are small ways that can bring joy and optimism into both mine and my loved ones lives. This year has taught me about a great deal of suffering, but I do my best to balance it out with the connections I have with other people. Particularly, with finding joy in being a part of the community around me, by both accepting and giving help when it’s needed. I’ve spent the past few months being more engaged than I ever have been by helping friends move, participating in community gardening projects, and visiting local cultural festivals with my friends. This year has taught me to say “yes” to bids for help more, because we all could use a little more assistance in our lives. The world may be getting harder to live in, but we aren’t powerless to it as long as we have people to rely on. 

 

This methodology easily applies to both my life as a student and a young professional. Everyone has their own issues in their private lives, and I now believe that one of the best things you can do for someone you work with in any capacity is to give them a little grace. Picking up extra work when someone is out sick, or reaching out to a peer if they're visibly struggling could mean a lot more than the effort it takes to do. My goal for the next year is to bring as much kindness and understanding to the spaces I occupy, including school and work as I rotate between academic and co-op semesters. If I can make one part of someone’s life easier or give them one less thing to worry about, I want to do it.