College Student Mental Health: A snapshot of the Founder’s daily emotional journey.

Hello to all my readers! I’m glad you are here. My name is Gigi Milliken, the founder of this online organization dedicated to the education and advocacy on mental health issues. Not only did I begin this because I had a passion for it, but I also deal with these problems myself. As a college student, mental health can come in large waves. One week, you feel like you are on top of the world. The next feels like everything is crashing down on you and it cannot get any worse. Throughout these feelings, I have learned, punishing or blaming myself for every minor mistake or event that happens, not in the way I want, does not help anything at all. The only thing that has truly helped me is understanding. Not just understanding what has happened, but why it happened. Acceptance then follows it. I also remind myself during the lows, that it is only temporary, that I can talk to someone or participate in a hobby I love, which will lift my spirits. 

My personal favorite outlet is to sing. It may sound cheesy, but I am a theater kid at my core! Music helps me calm down and put my energy onto bigger things that lift my mood, not drag it down. Besides this, having a good group of people to support you is so beneficial. My friends are my rock! Surround yourself with people you can be your true self around and express your feelings to- by talking it out, I can guarantee you will feel much better than bottling it up. If you are in a situation where you are not yet comfortable to share personal things with friends, that is also okay! Seek help and comfort from parents, mentors, other family members, and mental health professionals! No matter the size of the issues or feelings, it is still important you go through them healthily and learn how to manage them. 

College is one of the most stressful times in someone’s life. But it is the time when you learn the most about yourself- how strong and capable you truly are. Remember that this is all a part of the beauty of life- all the ups and downs are okay to experience. You are not alone in it. Together we create a community where we can bring those who go through it together and help one another. 

If you are new here, welcome! If you have been following us for awhile, welcome to the blog series! I’m so happy you read about this.