These past 8 months have proven to be some of the most difficult months for many people and for society as a whole. Between COVID-19, the resurgence of injustices against black people in the U.S., the tensions in countries such as Nigeria with the End SARS movement and Ethiopia with the pending civil war, it is safe to say this year has been a roller coaster ride, and not the good kind where you’re screaming with euphoria and swinging your arms in the air, but more like the kind where you wish you brought a barf bag.
More recently, we have seen tensions in the U.S. rising with the election that has just passed. However, underneath that tension, we saw some of the biggest voter turnouts. Basically, what I’m trying to say is that we as a country – heck, a society – have been veryyyy stressed out this year. And with good reason. It’s incredibly difficult to not focus on the bad aspects of life when they seem to continuously occur but I just want to take a moment for us all to center ourselves and be thankful that we are alive – I mean, I assume you are if you are reading this post. I want us all to not be so hard on ourselves. And I want us to understand that we will get through this in time. We’ve been through a lot. Being aware of mental health is so important, especially during this season when a lot of people feel the effects of seasonal depression, sometimes known as the “winter blues.” You are not alone, I promise. Take care of yourself. Run a bath. Binge your favorite shows. Surround yourself with friends (safely, of course). Contact your professors. Make time to Indulge in your favorite activities. Do whatever you need to do to help you feel like yourself again. It can get tiring staring at a screen all day. I know for me, simply going to the park and watching the sunset helps me enjoy my day that much more. And most importantly, talk to someone if you need to. Whatever you need to do, it is worth it and you are worth it. UF offers resources through the Counseling and Wellness Center as well as other resources that can help.
We are less than a week away from Thanksgiving Break and then we are less than a month from Winter Break. I know all too well how easy it is to become unmotivated at this time, and to fall into the trap of being unmotivated. I want to be the one to tell you that you are almost there! Keep persisting. You can do this, trust me. And most importantly, you deserve a pat on the pack for making it this far.
So, please, do us both a favor and give yourself a pat on the back. Or even better, a hug.