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A story about dealing with depression and anxiety during the second year of university. <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"57b401bc-f017-4aca-a003-6d4df6c49889"},"title":"Second Year Struggles by Hilary Marshall"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

My wicked problem began in my second year of my undergrad. I was living in a place that was not very healthy for me, and my mental health issues began to be too much to handle alongside my schooling. To be a bit more specific, I struggle with depression and anxiety, often surrounding social situations and change. It got to the point where I needed to move back home, and commute to school occasionally (I did mostly online and 1 or 2 classes on campus).<\/p>\n\n

Why bring this up in this design sprint? Well I personally feel that a students mental health is an important part of their learning and overall school experience. My depression and anxiety made it hard for me to focus on school and maintain the grades that I had. I almost felt as though the only solution was to drop out; and I think many students experience this. It's an issue I really want to shed a light on and find solutions for.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"ede48e95-c19b-4645-869e-37b2291a19c0"},"title":"The Wicked Problem"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

Yes and no. Certain aspects of my problem I was able to find solutions for, but others took time, and are things that I continue to struggle with. My solution was to move back home and do mainly online schooling. To make sure that I could do this I went to Trent\u2019s academic advising team. Upon explaining my experience, they told me that I should sign up with Student Accessibility Services to further support me through the difficult time I was having. The services at SAS did help to support some of the issues I was having. One of the big supports that helped was being able to take my tests in a quiet location without a time limit. Doing class from home online gave me the space and time to better take care of myself and get the help I needed. My grades fell slightly, but I was able to maintain a fairly good average and continue back at school the next year. So in short, I got help from the school to continue my schooling, and moved to a healthier location (which I had the privilege to do).<\/p>\n\n

If someone is experiencing a similar problem, I would tell them to reach out to Student Accessibility Services and other supports at the school to get the help that they need. Additionally, other supports that can be found within the community or through health care practitioners. This might take a bit of research to find exactly what you need and find what works best. It's not always easy to advocate for oneself in these situations; finding someone you trust such as a parent, friend, or even a trusted teacher can all help to support the process as well. There is only so much one person can do to advocate for themselves. Truthfully, there are a lot of things I see that can improve the services to make it easier for students. Firstly, providing more information to students about what services are available on campus. I did not know that SAS could help my situation until someone else directed me there. It's important as Learners on campus that we know what services and supports we have access to. This might mean taking a more focused look at campus services or asking questions. This might also mean that campuses need to make more of an effort to ensure students know this information. Secondly, better online access to these services for students who are not able to readily access campus could make a big difference. These solutions are things that students can advocate for. And maybe even start an online forum or something to allow students to ask questions to other students who have been there before. Now I\u2019m thinking more about that, so maybe I better look into that soon! <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"343078b5-b2b4-48cd-bd77-d45825027c9a"},"title":"Finding a Solution"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

I think a student\u2019s mental health should always be a priority; take care of yourself so that you can continue to learn and achieve. No matter the situation one finds themselves in, whether it be mental health or something else, we should all have equal access to learning. Education should be accessible to all those who want to learn. It's something I am very passionate about, and have based my graduate degree around. Sharing one\u2019s experience can have two impacts. Firstly it can help other students who are also dealing with the same problems to both find help and a sense of support\/community. Secondly, it can work as a lesson for those who can make a difference; those that have a voice in how a school runs. Sometimes these stories might make them uncomfortable, but that is necessary to create change.<\/p>\n\n

I have gone a little off topic, but it still matters. To students who struggle with their own mental health, you are not alone. There are supports on campus that can help in your own journey. And there are students, educators, and administrators who are out there trying to create change to improve the system for those who need it. Focus on being healthy, and know that school does not need to be a race to the finish; take the load that works best for you while you get the help you need.<\/p>\n\n

And finally, always be willing to fight for change when it comes to your education!<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"d36a72ec-2411-4703-9335-a873f84036b2"},"title":"Final Thoughts"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

Marshall, H. (2021, October 12). Second Year Struggles<\/em>. Liberated Learners. <\/span>https:\/\/wicked.liberatedlearner.ca\/learner\/second-year-struggles\/<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","subContentId":"f186c4ec-c085-46e0-94d4-07b5cd14450b","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"title":"APA Reference"}],"hTag":"h2"}

Second Year Struggles

Liam Peart