Staying mentally healthy in university

    It was just one of those days where I knew if I made it into school I would be wrecked even more for the rest of the week mentally and emotionally. Its not that anything had happened in particular, but sometimes at some point during the semester a full course load in a studio heavy program takes its toll. I pressed send on the email, having written to my teachers I would not be present for today’s classes, because I was taking a mental health day. I then proceeded to just relax for the day and not worry about what I was missing out on, because my mental health had become a priority.
    Mental health is becoming this new fad thing that we all talk about, but our institutions, systems and infrastructures don’t take note. Its fine to talk about mental health and admit we have problems as long as we all keep functioning at the same break-neck speed that is expected of us. As with most things, we need to take responsibility for our own bodies and health. We cannot expect institutions to regulate these things for us. So, if you’re feeling like you cannot possibly go on today, take a break, send off a quick email to your professors stating that you need a day off in order to take care of your mental health. I guarantee you’ll probably get more work done for the rest of the week because you listened to your body and gave it the rest it requires. ​