In my role as an accounting professor, I see firsthand the struggles students face. Teachers are on the front lines when it comes to supporting students’ mental health, especially with the rising rates of anxiety and depression. A recent study of nearly a hundred thousand students across 133 campuses found that 44% had symptoms of depression, 37% had anxiety disorders, and 15% had seriously considered suicide in the past year—the highest rates in the history of the survey.
The good news is that more college students than ever are receiving therapy or counseling. This willingness to seek help is, I believe, a result of the compassion students are met with, the vulnerability of those of us who share our struggles, and the healing we find when we seek help.
I’m not quiet about the fact that I lived with depression and anxiety for several years. There were days when I felt unable to bear the weight of my struggles, wishing I could simply disappear. I want to share a letter I wrote to my younger self—a reminder of the journey I’ve been on and a message of hope for anyone who might be feeling overwhelmed by their struggles or the struggles of a loved one.
Dear Younger Self,
Thank you for not giving up on yourself.Or your dreams.
For hoping beyond all hope that this future existed. Because it does! Life is even more beautiful, wonderful, and precious than you could ever have imagined.
So, thank you for holding on.
For believing when you lost all you believed in.
For caring for me when you felt undeserving and misunderstood.
For holding to hope when it didn’t look hopeful.
For taking care of yourself even though it felt selfish at the time.
Thank you!
Not just from your future self but from your future spouse, children, friends, and peers. From all the individuals you helped along the way.
Reflecting on our journey is a great reminder of how our experiences have made us more attuned to the silent battles others are fighting, helped us learn that our current circumstances don’t define us, and given us hope for a better tomorrow.
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