Chapman students talk mindfulness and mental health, finding peace in the chaos
In lieu of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, Chapman students shared with The Panther how they take care of their own mental health and ways to practice mindfulness. Illustration by YANA SAMOYLOVA, Illustrator
Sleeping in until noon, grabbing a journal to jot down a list of intentions and a long, scalding shower are just a few of the ways junior creative writing major Emma Schroeter would choose to spend her ideal self-care day.
“I think a self-care day for me can look a lot of different ways,” Schroeter said. “That could be going out and doing a fun activity or staying in and watching a show. It could be reading (or) it could be engaging in a hobby. I think regardless of what it is, there shouldn't be a schedule on it, and it should just be me letting myself do something at my own pace, in a way that's not putting any pressure on myself.”
“I think a self-care day for me can look a lot of different ways. That could be going out and doing a fun activity or staying in and watching a show. It could be reading (or) it could be engaging in a hobby. I think regardless of what it is, there shouldn’t be a schedule on it, and it should just be me letting myself do something at my own pace, in a way that’s not putting any pressure on myself.”
On Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day was celebrated across the globe. This day of recognition is meant to serve as an opportunity for people to become more educated and aware of the stigma placed on mental health that is still prevalent today. The Panther spoke with students around campus to gain a better understanding of their mental state and what being mindful looks like to them.
Schroeter, who is very open about how she takes care of her mental health, shared how the transition from high school to college forced her to adjust her self-care habits. Her entire world view shifted from the sudden surge of independence.
“You have a lot more of a responsibility to be on your own and hold yourself accountable for your work in college, and it's such a different environment because there's so much more to think about,” Schroeter told The Panther. “I think that can definitely contribute to mental health, just because it's a new environment that your brain is probably reacting (to) because it's unfamiliar with it.”
“You have a lot more of a responsibility to be on your own and hold yourself accountable for your work in college, and it’s such a different environment because there’s so much more to think about. I think that can definitely contribute to mental health, just because it’s a new environment that your brain is probably reacting (to) because it’s unfamiliar with it.”
Realizing she would need to adapt to this newfound responsibility, Schroeter used that independence to reach out to someone who she felt could best aid in any mental health crisis.
“I've gotten in contact with the Counseling Center before here at Chapman, and I've done therapy with them,” Schroeter said. “That's been really helpful for me. I've also done therapy on my own, and I think it's a really nice way to learn more about yourself. Take a deep dive, away from the busyness of college life, and just understand from someone who can professionally help you what's best for you mentally (and) physically (and) balance all aspects of life.”
Although Schroeter has found solace in the resources provided on campus, senior strategic and corporate communication major Anika Iverson travels outside of university grounds to maintain a healthy mental state.
“I try to take time out of my day, every day, for myself,” Iverson said. “Usually, I'll go to a workout class or do some type of physical activity during the day just to get out of my head and give (myself) a way to focus on something other than everything I need to get done. (Others should) remember to eat and exercise and get ready. If you really like doing your hair, do your hair one day.”
While for some people, being conscious of their mental health might come naturally, senior screenwriting major Daniel Tamariz receives constant reminders from his mother about practicing mindfulness.
“My mom is always trying to get me to meditate. ‘Mindfulness,’” Tamariz said. “Meditation is the one she keeps on getting me back to. It actually does work, so I do like a five-minute (meditation) every morning where I just think about things. It really does help me out. Also, a lot of times, I'll come back (from work), and before my class, I’ll take a couple of laps around campus and listen to music.”
Despite the subject of mental health losing its stigma in recent years, there is still progress to be made. For many, the stigma has meant hesitation about opening up about their own mental health struggles for fear of being judged by others. Schroeter feels the most toxic parts of mental health stigma and comparison come from the usual culprit: social media.
“There's very much an idea that everybody looks like they're doing amazing on the outside,” Schroeter told The Panther. “I think that’s just such an important thing to consider nowadays, especially in a college setting. When you're figuring yourself out, you're figuring out your career, you're pursuing things on a more intense level ,and maybe you're feeling like other people are ahead of you and that you are behind.”
Although Schroeter has already established her favorite ways to remain mindful, she offered a piece of advice for those who are looking to obtain better mental health practices.
“Exploring your options to figure out what type of mindful activity will be best for you in order to help take care of yourself is the first step because maybe something requires therapy or maybe something just requires journaling every day,” Schroeter said. “Everybody's situation is very different, and everybody requires a different method of taking care of themselves to be the best versions of themselves.”
“Exploring your options to figure out what type of mindful activity will be best for you in order to help take care of yourself is the first step because maybe something requires therapy or maybe something just requires journaling every day. Everybody’s situation is very different, and everybody requires a different method of taking care of themselves to be the best versions of themselves.”
