Illustration by Anayah Darrett
As flu season kicks in and mental health issues continue to rise, students can’t afford to not take care of their well-being.
While juggling midterms, social lives and various personal or organizational responsibilities, students may become more likely to neglect their health. While academics are important, they should not take priority over personal health.
Academic pressure is one of the most dominant stress factors affecting college students’ mental well-being, according to a 2022 study in the National Library of Medicine. Having multiple classes, quizzes, essays, exams and other obligations can drive students to postpone doctor visits for sickness or simple checkups.
Health Services director Dr. Angela Middleton said sometimes the health center sees students getting a checkup once they are getting better, rather than when they’re experiencing strong symptoms.
There are various reasons students might avoid seeking medical help when needed, including stigmas surrounding health care, lack of time or money and additional responsibilities like organizational activities.
For some students, especially those in marginalized groups, according to another 2022 study in the National Library of Medicine, negative perceptions surrounding health care professionals and the health care system may cause them to avoid seeking help.
Staying healthy is not just about going to the doctor when sick. It’s also about taking proactive steps to prevent illness.
Getting enough sleep, eating healthy and avoiding stress are healthy habits students should try to incorporate into their schedules. Regular checkups and counseling sessions can make a meaningful difference in managing overall well-being.
Middleton said she encourages students to hold open communication with professors about their sickness early on. She also suggests wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and not coughing out in the open.
To better manage stress, Middleton suggests developing time management skills and learning to prioritize tasks.
“You’re going to have to be OK with sometimes things not happening,” she said. “You may not get to do the social thing this week because you’ve got two tests, but reward yourself the next week with going to do something fun with friends.”
Students should take advantage of the resources available at UTA through Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services.
Health Services provides a range of immunizations for students, including flu shots, meningitis B, varicella and more, according to the Health Services website. Additionally, the clinic provides lab testing, X-rays, pharmacy resources, student health insurance claims and more.
Health Services also offers time management workshops where students can learn to stay organized and prioritize tasks when they feel overwhelmed or have a lot going on.
Counseling and Psychological Services connects students with mental health support through outreach programs and counseling and psychiatry sessions in-person with the office or online through TimelyCare, according to its website.
Some students continue to come to campus while in poor health due to exams, strict attendance policies and other responsibilities. Regardless of the reason, students should establish healthy habits, such as asking peers in an organization to take time off to rest and recover.
College is not just a time for academic growth; it’s also an opportunity to learn lifelong habits of self-care. The habits built now can help carry students beyond graduation.
Visit the health center. Get a checkup. Take a mental health day if needed.
Taking care of one’s health is an investment in future success.
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