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May is Mental Health Awareness Month – Let’s Talk About It

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – Let’s Talk About It

Written by: Marwa Ellis

At PMPH, we believe that health means more than just physical wellness—it includes our mental and emotional well-being too. Each May, we join the national movement to raise awareness, break the stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, depression, or simply the need to prioritize self-care, Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to reflect, support one another, and learn about the resources available in our community.

College is stressful—and that’s okay. With May marking Mental Health Awareness Month, this blog post tackles everyday mental health challenges students face, offering practical coping strategies, highlighting campus resources, and emphasizing the importance of supporting each other. It’s written by a student who understands firsthand what you’re going through.

Between classes, exams, jobs, clubs, socializing, and figuring out the future, it sometimes feels like we’re expected to have it all figured out. But honestly? It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time for us to take a step back and check in with ourselves and each other.

Recognizing the Struggle

We all experience stress differently, whether it’s anxiety over an upcoming exam, pressure from family expectations, or juggling finances. These feelings are valid, and you’re definitely not alone. Trust me, there are tons of us feeling exactly the same way.

Here are some things I’ve found helpful when everything feels a bit too much:

  • Take breaks: Even 10-minute walks or short coffee breaks can make a huge difference.
  • Get moving: A quick walk, workout or even just stretching can really lift your mood.
  • Talk it out: Reach out to a friend, roommate, a professional, or anyone you trust. Opening up feels scary, but it helps.
  • Mindfulness: Simple techniques like deep breathing, journaling your thoughts, or just taking a quiet moment to pause and be present can significantly ease stress. Spotify and YouTube have a ton of calming audio to listen to.

Campus Resources

They’re Here for a Reason Don’t overlook the support right here on campus:

Supporting Each Other

We’re all in this together. Let’s make an effort to:

  • Check in on each other: If someone seems down, just asking “Hey, are you okay?” goes a long way.
  • Listen openly: Sometimes we don’t need solutions, just someone to listen.
  • Reduce stigma: The more we openly discuss mental health, the less taboo it becomes.

Remember, prioritizing your mental health doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re human. Let’s use this month to support each other and make mental health a priority on campus.

Take care of yourselves,

A fellow student who gets it.