In a stressful time, our mental care and psychological protection is extremely important.
I was lucky enough to sit down with University of Cincinnati student, Alvin Mantey, a mental health expert studying UC’s unique Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health program. This program provides students with the knowledge needed to address health issues, physical ones, and mental health issues too. It’s often those mental issues that we neglect to treat. With the college year of 2024-2025 coming to a close, we discussed stress and mental illness, as mental health support is as important as ever.
Aidan: Alvin, we all know how stressful exams, and especially upcoming finals are. What are some strategies students can use to care for and watch for their mental health, especially during this time?
Alvin: This is a great question! To care for and watch for your mental health, I’d advise you to be honest. You know yourself better than anyone and so you know when you’re at the end of yourself in all your work and responsibilities. Don’t ignore that. Respect it, and give yourself room to do other things, especially ones that bring you some relaxation. This might be taking the night off, sleeping in on a particular day, or catching a movie with some friends. You only have so much of yourself to give—give yourself to the things that matter to you and keep you productive. Also, prepare well. Anxiety tends to build up in the presence of loss of control and a sense of inadequacy. So therefore, preparing as much as you’re able to before will help decrease that anxiety.
Aidan: Sleep often seems to take a backseat during many stressful times, especially during work or school. Why is sleep so important to prioritize, and how does it correlate with mental health or illness?
Alvin: Sleep is probably the most natural, healthiest thing a human can do. Years of research have chronicled the benefits of sleep, from rest and restoration to the mind and body, to better mental health, and worsening without. This is supported by how sleep is one of the first parts of a person’s life to become disordered when dealing with mental illness. Sleep is also essential, particularly for students, in memory consolidation. Sleep is thought to be the state where all the memories people acquire during the day are incorporated into already existing experiences and long-term memory. What this means for students is that all their learning will pay off when they get good sleep. So, I don’t recommend all-nighters without a solid catch-up day. And before exams, get a good night’s rest.
Aidan: Definitely. I think many college students, including myself, can relate to cramming all of their studies in one night, and slamming energy drinks for an exam hours away. How does a stressful time, like an exam week, for example, correlate with mental illness or mental health?
Alvin: Exam weeks and other stressful times can trigger exacerbations in preexisting mental conditions, or potentially spark new ones if they are stressful enough. The difference maker is coping. Finding the best ways to manage stress, which is a very normal human experience, will set you up to be resilient during the challenges and even place you in positions to help people you know who go through similar challenges. However, should you find yourself unable to cope, reach out to professors or counseling services, either personal or made available by the school and get the help you need. It is available and it is accessible.
Aidan: Thanks for doing this with me, Alvin!
You can keep up with his work on Instagram @MentalAlvin.