World Mental Health Day: the Importance of Self Care
World Mental Health day is today, October 10. In honour of that, we’d like to share some personal mental health tips we’ve found useful as well as some resources.
If you are in need of time sensitive mental health assistance please call Good2Talk at 1-866-925-5454 or attend your nearest hospital.
Learning to Take a Break: Why Rest Isn’t Weakness
In a world that values efficiency, taking a break can feel strange, even wrong. People in our culture exhort us to work harder, longer, and always be “on.” But the truth is that mental health does better when things are balanced, not when they are always busy.
Taking a break doesn’t imply doing nothing. It involves deciding to let your mind and body rest and heal.
That could include going for a walk, writing in a notebook, being attentive, spending time outside, or simply saying “no” when you feel like you have too much to do. Rest is not a way to get away; it’s a way to build strength.
The Burden of “Always On”
A lot of us think we’re worth something based on what we do. When we aren’t working, learning, or doing something “useful,” we start to feel guilty. That guilt typically shows up as worry or restlessness, which is like an inner critic telling us that if we slow down, we’ll fall behind. But here’s the strange thing: if we don’t relax, our performance, focus, and creativity all go down. Burnout is not something to be proud of; it means that something has to change.
The Strength of Saying “No”
Setting limits is frequently a good way to protect your mental health. It might be hard to say “no,” especially when we are afraid of letting others down. But boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re doors that you can open or close based on your ability. Every “no” to something that drains you is really a “yes” to your health.
A Small Practice to Try
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try this:
1. Pause for a moment.
2. Ask yourself, “What do I need right now: physically, emotionally, or mentally?”
3. Then take one small action toward that need. It might be drinking water, stepping outside, messaging a friend, or simply closing your laptop for ten minutes.
Resources
Here are some campus-based resources you can use to assist get the point across:
● King’s University College Library — provides online research resources, catalogue search, and librarian help.
● Mental Health & Wellness at King’s — offers individual and academic counseling, as well as links to supports available to King’s students within the broader community, plus online / campus support. You can schedule an appointment through the Online Appointment Booking website, by calling the office at 519-930-4640, stopping by Wemple Room 151, or completing the appointment request form.
24/7 Support & Crisis Services:
Good To Talk Crisis Line : 1-866-925-5454, text chat : text 686868
Reach Out Crisis Line - t: 1-866-933-2023, web chat: https://reachout247.ca/
CMHA Mental Health Crisis Drop-in Centre: 648 Huron Street, London, ON
Anova, Gender-based Violence Crisis Line - t: 519-642-3000
Regional Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre at St. Joseph's Hospital - 268 Grosvenor St, London, ON
Lastly
Taking care of your mental health is not selfish. In fact, it’s essential. Just as your phone needs to recharge to keep working, so do you. Rest is not weakness. It’s wisdom. And the more we normalize that truth, the healthier and kinder our academic communities become.
Hope this small blog is helpful to you! Stay tuned for the next one.
