By: Julie Tran and Emma Williams
In this episode of the DU 80208 Podcast, our host Julie Tran interviews Cameron Elder, a member of The Clarion and a current RA, about the mental struggles that undergraduates are facing as college students in a pandemic.
Elder previously wrote an article about freshmen at DU opening up about their experiences with mental health struggles this year. Talking to the freshmen, Elder noticed that the freshmen have been very open in talking about their current struggles. While it is hard for them right now, she noticed that many are still able to find a supportive community, whether that be people from their floor or friends from home. Elder said that DU is doing really well with making sure students know about mental health resources on campus and opportunities to get involved and meet new people.
One of the girls that Elder talked to for her article was emphasizing how grateful she is for her RA, who has made it well-known that they are there for their residents. Talking to your RA or going to the HCC are both great options for students, but Elder noticed that freshmen have utilized other forms of self-care as well.
Accomplishing small tasks can improve someone’s day in a big way. Exercising, listening to music and journaling were all mentioned along with setting some sort of routine. Elder agrees with all of these, but her personal forms of self-care are running, talking to her family, reading and cooking. Her faith has also helped her stay grounded.
Tran was also able to talk to another RA here at DU, who wishes to remain anonymous. When thinking about their residents, they noted that mental health can sometimes start with the body. Taking care of those physical aspects like exercise and sleeping are crucial right now as well as taking breaks throughout your day.
Taking a break can help prevent burnout and extra frustration from getting stuck on something. While RAs are not able to help students in every aspect of their life, they are there to help with the socialization aspect. The RA mentioned video room tours as a fun social event they heard about this year. Especially for freshmen, social events are important because the first year is the time to meet and get to know a whole new place and people.
Your RAs are there for you, but it is important to check in with them too. With finals coming up, everyone can use a little bit of self-care.
Listen to this week’s podcast and read Elder’s article “Freshmen open up about mental health struggles during the pandemic” at https://duclarion.com/2020/11/freshmen-open-up-about-mental-health-struggles-during-the-pandemic/ to hear more about ways to face mental health struggles in a pandemic. Tune in next time!
