Mental Health Check-in With Sara Cocoran
Exam season is approaching, which means to-do lists are accumulating, stress is rising, and time is slipping. When we are absorbed in our tasks, we tend to neglect self-care and assume there is no time for it. However, self-care is imperative to keep our brains and bodies energized and healthy. Without taking breaks, we will inevitably and gradually lose motivation, which can be accompanied by tortuous feelings of guilt and self-doubt. However, to avoid these situations, I had a conversation with our student health and wellness coordinator, Sara Cocoran, on how students can approach the exam season with an equilibrium between work and essential breaks.
Can you explain how burnout and mental health are related and how to avoid burnout?
“Prevention and early intervention are key to avoiding burnout. This means taking care of your well-being by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating well, and practicing wellness skills daily. Especially when things get busy, it is very important not to let self-care slip. Listen to signs/symptoms of burnout and take a break, use coping strategies before burnout escalates.”
How should students not feel guilty about taking breaks?
“Remember that taking breaks is an important part of preventing burnout. Many people respond to rising demands by putting more time into them, and that can contribute to burnout and decreased productivity. Taking breaks allows you to renew your energy, so you can get back to the task at hand or your to-do list with more energy, clarity, and productivity.”
How to cope with a low mark?
“Practice self-compassion: Allow yourself to feel the emotion that comes with the low mark without judgement. Think about it from a growth mindset. A growth mindset sees a failure, setback, or disappointment (like a low mark) as an opportunity for growth rather than a lack of ability.”
Any advice to people who are currently struggling with their mental health:
“My advice is don't delay seeking help for your mental health. It is important to get support sooner rather than later before things escalate. There are a variety of resources available, so you can choose the type of support that is right for you. You can find resources, such as counseling services, available to Lakehead students through the WellU Key, or on the Student Health and Wellness webpage.”
For additional information on resources:
Student Health and Wellness contact information:
Visit the official Student Health and Wellness website to navigate resources and mental health supports, learn about upcoming events, view strategies about how you can prioritize your mental health, and more:
https://www.lakeheadu.ca/students/wellness-recreation/student-health-and-wellness