It's The Little Things

I was walking on campus the other day and someone gave me a compliment on my hair. I had no clue who the person was, but it still put a smile on my face and drastically improved my mood. Even though I change my hair up quite a bit, I still get anxious about what other people will think of it so when I get compliments like that, it makes me a bit more confident as well.

At a TWLOHA meeting recently, we challenged the group to give a compliment to someone on campus throughout the week. The message in this is that you never know what another person is going through and giving out that compliment could make their day.

We also tried to make a point that it doesn't have to be about physical appearance. Maybe you had a class with them and you really agreed with something they said or maybe you notice that they have a band logo on their laptop and you want to tell them they have great taste in music. Even just pointing out how nice the weather is one day can cause them to notice the sunshine more so than usual.

So I challenge you to be more aware of people you walk by on campus or at work and hand out some compliments!

A classmate of mine is making a Random Act Of Kindness Week and I think it's a great idea. If you're interested in checking that out click here!

In The News Again

This article is an interesting read. It covers the topic of mental health services on college campuses. More colleges and universities are recognizing the need for these services but taking action is costing the students more money. Overall though, it's great that institutions are seeing this need and realizing the positive outcomes that can come from providing adequate services. I think it does a good job of raising awareness and also touches on the stigma associated with mental health over the years and how it affects students' use of these services.

Here's a quick figure from the article in case you don't have time to read the whole thing. 

Photo Credit: The Wall Street Journal

How To Be A Friend

Having a friend come to you and share that they aren't doing well can bring on many emotions. You care about this person and you don't want to see them struggle. You want to be able to help out but how?

Take the time to listen. It's a simple answer, but it's effective. Chances are, you aren't a trained psychologist or counselor. You may not know how to fix what's wrong, but you can listen. They've come to you because they trust you and value your friendship. Be present in that conversation with them. Offer to help them in the ways you are able. A lot of the time, that can be something as simple as helping them look some options for help or even walking with them to an appointment. Most importantly, let them know that what they are feeling is valid and that they are not alone.

What if you suspect something is wrong, but they haven't reached out to you?

This is a tricky one. I don't feel like there is one right answer to this because each of your friendships are unique and what may help with one person may not for another. If you notice that a friend might be struggling with something, make an effort to start that conversation. Even just asking how their day/week/month is going can help them see that someone is genuinely interested in how they are feeling. 

As always though, keep your own mental health in mind. Sometimes friends can share a lot with you and it can get pretty heavy. It's okay to say that maybe you aren't in a position, or maybe not even in a mental state yourself, to be able to help them but there are so many resources you can direct them to. Find out what counseling services are in your area. If you're on a college campus, there is most likely free services to student that they are already paying for in their tuition. 

For those in the Topeka area and/or attending Washburn University, this is the counseling staff on campus and they are more than willing to help! They are located in Henderson 111.

Photo Credit: Washburn University

Ways To Help: The Trevor Project

There are many organizations that exist solely to raise awareness and help those struggling with their mental health. To Write Love On Her Arms is one of course. If I were to make a list of every single one, it would take quite some time, but I did want to point out one that I became familiar with over the last year.

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24. One thing I really like about this organization is that they have a 24/7 hotline. So literally whenever someone may need help, counselors are there.

All photos belong to The Trevor Project's official Facebook page 

I was introduce to The Trevor Project through YouTuber, Tyler Oakley. For the past few years for his birthday, he has asked his subscribers to donate to the foundation instead of sending him fan mail and/or gifts. This year he was able to raise over $500,000. There's something really great about seeing someone who knows they have the ability to reach a lot of people and is able to take advantage of that in a positive way.

I encourage you to check our their website HERE to read some more about them and what they do. If you can't donate but still want to help, SHARE! Post about it, talk about it with your friends and family, etc. Just starting that conversation can reach so many people!