Mental health plays a vital role in everyday life, affecting emotions, relationships, productivity and overall well-being. 

Experts say maintaining mental health can help people cope with stress, make decisions and enjoy life, while neglecting it can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression and physical health problems.

Patricia Glascock, associate director of the Wilson Counseling Center, said mental health affects the body in many ways.

“Mental health is important because it impacts our physical well-being, our quality of life, our relationships, our ability to focus and concentrate, and follow through,” Glascock said. “It impacts our sense of connection with life, having a sense of meaning and purpose, feeling energized throughout the day and making important connections, not only with other people but with nature.”

Glascock said failing to address mental health can result in physical symptoms.

“If we don’t take care of our mental well-being, it may present itself in terms of physical illnesses,” she said. “Sometimes individuals experience body aches, headaches or low energy. They may go to the doctor, undergo multiple tests, and find no conclusive reason. That doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. It may indicate that their physical symptoms result from unprocessed emotions, high anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders.”

Tristan Harlen, a senior creative media production major from Cabot, Arkansas and station manager at ASU-TV, said taking time to relax and have fun is key to maintaining mental health.

“Mental health is important because it makes people want to do and give more,” Harlen said. “It’s different for everyone. As college students, we have people to talk to, whether that’s at a counseling center, a trusted teacher, friends or a significant other.”

Harlen said simple activities can help improve mental well-being.

“Spending time with the people you care about most, getting a good laugh every once in a while, and doing things you enjoy—whether that’s watching a favorite show, taking a nap or drinking your favorite beverage—can make a difference,” he said. “At the end of the day, only you know what’s going on with you.”

Devin Nelson, a student life counselor at the Wilson Counseling Center and a licensed professional counselor, said mental health impacts all aspects of daily life.

“Mental health affects how people perform, make connections and operate in their day-to-day lives,” Nelson said. “It influences how comfortable they feel in new environments, how they handle challenges and how they work toward future goals.”

Nelson said stress is not always negative. She said learning how to harness stress and use it to one’s advantage is important.

“That’s why we talk about stress management instead of stress elimination. There’s a window of stress where we’re most productive,” Nelson said.

She said there are healthy ways to handle stress, including taking breaks, setting realistic goals and avoiding procrastination.

“Breathing techniques, going for a walk and making an action plan with attainable goals can all help,” Nelson said. “Motivation follows action. Managing our time and prioritizing our needs—including taking care of ourselves—is key.”

A-State students interested in the Wilson Counseling Center and the services they provide can contact their office at 870-972-2318, drop by the office in person or email them at counseling@astate.edu to schedule an initial intake.

Categories: Life