It is okay to ask for a helping hand

Helping hands

Now that we are down to the last 5 weeks of the semester, the stress level has amplified, along with the workload. This stress cans sometimes be a bit much for us students and greatly affect our mental health.

Did you know that, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 20% of the population, 18 and older, suffer from anxiety and depression? Stress is a major cause of anxiety and depression, and college is a huge stressor. While you may not be able to help some stressors, you can combat school stress. So here are some tips on how to destress school:

  • Plan out you week. Planners are amazing resources for eliminating stress. Each week, look at your planner and see what is do when, and plan out when you are going to get each thing done.
  • Leave time for you. Self-care is so important in combating stress. Whether it’s making time to get your favorite Starbucks drink or taking a study break to watch your favorite movie, make time for what makes you happy.
  • Do not dwell on the past. One thing I have learned in my 6 years being chronically sick is that we take life for granted. Do not worry about what you can’t control. If you didn’t do too well on an assignment, do not stress over that; focus on trying to do better in the future. You cannot change the past, but you can change your future.

If you think you may be suffering from anxiety, depression, or just need someone to talk to, MC has the resources for you. If you go here, you can find a list of crisis centers and hotlines you can contact. You can also make an appointment and talk with an MC counselor to get assistance.

There is no harm in reaching out when you need help – 18 million of your peers suffer just like you. You are not alone, and MC is here to help.

I am a 19-year-old lifelong resident of Damascus, Maryland. I am in my 3rd semester as a part-time student at MC. I plan on getting my Associates Degree in the next couple of years and then transferring to the University of Maryland at the Universities at Shady Grove (health permitting).

MC has been my academic home for the past year and I could not be happier. I started off my collegiate experience at Salisbury University in the fall of 2015, but due to my Chronic Lyme Disease, I was forced to drop out. I thought my academic life was over, as I was too ill to handle a full course-load, but that is when I discovered the part-time option at MC. MC gave the choice to take as many, or as few classes as I wanted, and because of this, I am now back on track to getting my degree. MC also offered me disability support services to further assist me in accomplishing my dreams.

I hope that this blog can help other students like me to see that even though they may not be taking the “traditional” route towards higher education, MC offers load of opportunities that will get us where we want to go. Whether you aren’t sure where you want to end up in life, or have another obstacle, like a chronic illness or disability, you can still reach for the stars and accomplish anything they want to here at MC. 

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. As I mentioned to the other MC Voices bloggers, it seems the mid-terms really gave students the reason to reflect on what helps make a string student who will get to the degree. I am hearing organization, don’t procrastinate, see advisers and as you say, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Any kind of help – schoolwork or depression. Thanks Cassidy!

    Reply

  2. It’s really nice to be reminded the simple important things when it comes to stress and anxiety. For some people their stress and anxiety can be through seasonal depression, however, for me it’s school and work. It’s important to be reminded on what to do when feeling stress or having high anxiety. Your post is everything I like to do when I am feeling stressed and when I have anxiety. I absolutely love to plan and planning out my week keeps me organized and less stressed. I also love self-care. I love doing my nails and a face mask every Thursday nights and even the weekends. Lastly, I find myself dwelling on the past such doing bad on an exam and getting a bad grade. I am still learning how to deal with bad grades and not feeling prepared. I agree, it’s not worth dwelling on the past especially if there is nothing you can do about it.

    Great post girl!

    Reply

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