By: Abby Dizon
While therapy offers support in addressing negative thoughts and behaviors and helps individuals push closer to their goals, several barriers can deter someone from reaching out for professional help. Factors such as money and time constraints or doubts on the effectiveness of therapy can be significant obstacles. Furthermore, some may think that alternative mental health methods remain ineffective for them, such as keeping a journal and reaching out to professors and staff. In this article, I will share my personal experiences with these mental health alternatives and how they have been beneficial for me.
Keep a journal
At first thought, keeping a journal may sound like an overused suggestion for improving your mental health. Personally, I used to dismiss journaling, believing that it could not help with my mental health, as I preferred direct feedback and problem-solving to my challenges. Additionally, I felt that my writing couldn’t capture the overwhelming and constant thoughts overflowing my mind. However, I had a breakthrough when I realized that journaling provided an outlet for my thoughts, helping me in two significant ways:
I realized that my journal is always there. Whether in the middle of the day or late at night, it is a constant companion when I need to vent. While people, whether friends, family, or therapists, are supportive and encourage reaching out, they may be unable to be available 24/7 due to their commitments and responsibilities. This is when my journal becomes invaluable, creating a safe space to express my thoughts and emotions with no limitation of time.
Another advantage of keeping a journal is that there is unrestricted freedom to express a thought without limitations or constraints. With people, you may feel as though you have ventured too deeply into a thought and that they are tired of hearing it, or that you need to hold back your true emotions. Journaling allows you to express how you truly feel about a subject, regardless of how often you think about it.
Furthermore, journaling allows you to go at your own pace. You can take time to process your thoughts before putting them on paper, and you have the freedom to revisit and expand on your initial thoughts.
Reaching out to professors, staff, etc.
Students may feel conflicted about expressing their feelings to college professors and staff because they may be concerned that they may not care, cannot be trusted with confidential information, or will respond with criticism. While these concerns may be valid in some instances, many staff members genuinely care about their students and are trustworthy. I was fortunate enough to be surrounded with professors who kept open doors for their students, offering non judgemental, unhurried conversations whenever we needed them. Furthermore, reaching out to professors gives the potential to receive practical assistance. Understanding the mental challenges you face, they can offer academic accommodations, such as extended deadlines for assignments, to help manage your workload more effectively.
In conclusion, while therapy is vital for addressing negative thoughts and behaviors, several barriers can hinder individuals from seeking professional help. By exploring and utilizing alternative mental health methods, you can enhance your well-being and ability to self-manage. By keeping a journal and reaching out to supportive staff, you can build a strong support system to navigate the challenges of college life.