We Need to Start Taking Our Mental Health Seriously, A Think Piece By Noorhan Desouky

 We Need to Start Taking Our Mental Health Seriously

Think Piece By Noorhan Desouky

Oftentimes, many of us get so caught up in the vicious cycle of hustle culture that we forget to take care of ourselves. In a world where your value is dependent on your productivity, it is hard not to fall victim to this idea– but I need to tell you that nothing is ever more important than your mental health. 

This is a crazy time for high school juniors and seniors right now. Many of us are incredibly stressed and at our limits with studying for the SAT/ACT and filing college applications. Yet, on top of that, we are still meant to keep up with schoolwork and have a social life. It is simply unrealistic to think that students can be challenging themselves academically with AP classes and the SAT/ACT, yet sleep a solid eight hours a night. 

As a result of school, many of us have abandoned our mental health and developed unhealthy habits. We are sleeping too late because of schoolwork, ghosting our friends from stress, and having caffeine addictions by the age of sixteen. 

I’m here to tell you that you need to take it easy. We are not robots, we are humans who need social interaction and a life away from all of the studying and homework. 

Go do something relaxing: paint your nails, do a face mask, and make plans to go out with your friends. Start developing better habits, like doing your homework as soon as you get home so you don’t stay up late doing it. Go to sleep by 11PM and drink only one cup of coffee a day. If your mental health will be harmed because of something, then it is never worth it. Take care of yourself, and take it easy.