By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
College students are battling a mental health crisis, as more than 60% meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem, according to the National Education Association.
With poor mental health hitting campuses worldwide, it is important for students to be educated on resources available to them to aid their personal well-being.
Located in John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts, “The Secrets to Happiness: Discovering the Science of Well-Being with Laurie Santos,” was hosted on Sept. 17.
Santos is an expert in human cognition, its evolutionary history and the evolutionary biases that impact human decision-making.
Her research focuses on the relationship between positive psychology and behavioral modification for a happier life.
The speaker is a well-known psychology professor at Yale University and author of the widely acclaimed course The Science of Well-Being.
Santos also hosts the noted podcast The Happiness Lab, which explores the science behind happiness and how individuals can live more fulfilling lives.
The psychologist visited campus, as Owls united to gain insight on how to boost their mental health.
Santos said that there is a direct link between one’s mental health and their performance.
“Not only does your mental health matter for your performance, but your mental health matters in particular if you care about solving the problems of the world,” Santos said. “Positive emotions are the kind of thing that’s going to make you fix the problems.”
The conference “Elevating Student Wellbeing: Pioneering Strategies for Social and Emotional Empowerment” was held earlier in the day.
It is anticipated to provide groundbreaking insights that build on the knowledge gained from the previous event.
The event featured presenters Marc Brackeet, a research psychologist and founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and clinical social worker Steve Gross, who is the founder of the nonprofit organization Project Joy.
Santos shared her top tips to building a fulfilling life. Her tips include both behavioral and mindset changes.
These ranged from making time for gratitude every day, being present, engaging in social activities and getting enough sleep.
“It’s helpful to focus on gratitude, to focus on the things we’re thankful for,” Santos said. “I think we spend a lot of time not feeling grateful, and happy people don’t spend as much time doing that.”
It is important for people to get an average of 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
However, many, particularly youth, are sleep deprived.
Santos said a lack of sleep impacts one’s behavior and mindset as well. Subsequently, it is important to prioritize sleep and implement healthy habits.
This can be true for students at the university. Sociology major and psychology minor Leilany Cruz, a sophomore, said she typically gets 5-8 hours of sleep each night.
Cruz also said that if she loses sleep due to her course load it does affect her the next day.
“If I don’t get enough sleep, I get irritable, and it takes a toll on my mood” Cruz said.
Santos also taught the audience a meditation practice from meditation teacher Tara Brach that goes by the acronym book of RAIN, which stands for, recognize, allow, investigate and nurture.
The psychologist said that it is important for them to fully identify all their negative emotions to try and nurture them.
“The problem is we never sit with it and look at it so closely enough that we feel it, but that’s what the investigative step allows you to do. Kind of ride your emotions like a wave,” Santos said.
Feeling negative emotions is natural, and resources to help students cope with them can be beneficial.
Early childhood education major Priscilla Adebambo, a junior, said this decline can be traced back to the pressures placed upon their population.
“Especially as college students it can get overwhelming with classes and we don’t know where to turn to or talk to. So, I think it’s important for us to learn about our mental health and where to get help,” Adebambo said.
With many outside factors that affect college students, Cruz said there should be mandatory seminars on campus, similar to Santos’ seminar, where students learn about mental health resources.
“I definitely think that students should attend seminars and learn ways to manage and prioritize their mental health,” Cruz said.
VOL. 64- ISSUE 3
