MENTAL HEALTH: SELF-LOVE

Finding Self-Love and Beating the Anxiety Blues: My University Journey

If I’m being real, COVID-19 was the unexpected plot twist I didn’t see coming. One moment I was juggling school, friends, and life, and the next, I was staring at my reflection for hours on end (thanks, lockdown!). It was during those quiet moments—when the world seemed to stop—that I realized something big: I didn’t really know how to love myself. And not in the bubble baths and face masks kind of way (though those are fab), but in the deep, soul-level, you’re-enough-as-you-are kind of way.

The pandemic forced me to confront my inner critic—the one who never seemed to shut up. “Why aren’t you productive today?” or “Why can’t you just get it together?” Yeah, that voice. It was draining. So, I started small. I’d wake up and write down one thing I appreciated about myself. Some days it was as simple as, “I got out of bed,” and on better days, “I’m actually pretty awesome at being me.” Slowly but surely, self-love stopped feeling awkward and started feeling natural.

Fast forward to university, and life got messy. Anxiety and depression? They don’t RSVP—they just show up uninvited. From last-minute assignment panics to the creeping fear of, “Am I even good enough for this?”—I felt it all. But here’s what saved me: remembering that self-love wasn’t a one-time deal. It’s a practice, like brushing your teeth or binge-watching your comfort show (Bridgerton, anyone?). When waves of anxiety hit, I’d pause, breathe, and remind myself, “This moment doesn’t define you.” Some days I’d meditate; other days, I’d ugly cry into a pillow. Both are valid.

The beautiful thing about mental health awareness today is that we’re all finally talking about it. Finally! Society is waking up to the fact that mental health is just as important as physical health. Whether it’s at school, work, or even at the dinner table, the conversation is shifting. We’re learning that it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay.” Employers are offering mental health days, schools are pushing for counselors, and friends (the real ones) are checking in. Progress? Absolutely. But there’s still so much to do.

So, here’s my love letter to you, dear reader: You are more resilient than you know. Your worth isn’t tied to your productivity, your grades, or how many Instagram likes you get (trust me on this one). And if you’re in a season of struggle, know this—it’s just a season. Seasons change.

I’ll be diving deeper into topics like managing anxiety, practicing self-love, and staying grounded in upcoming posts, so stick around! Let’s keep this a safe space to share, learn, and grow together. Got tips, stories, or just want to say hi? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear from you! Let’s stay connected because this journey? It’s so much better when we walk it together.