Mental Health Perspectives from a Harvard Student
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2024
- If you need to talk: bit.ly/call_intl
April is international stress awareness month, and I wanted to take a moment to use my platform as a RUclips creator and as a Harvard student to talk about mental health and my personal struggles with it. I've struggled with anxiety for a long time and learning how to deal with school while having anxiety is really tough. Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments, but be mindful of the sensitivity of this topic.
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I'm sorry, but it makes me feel slightly relieved knowing that you're doing well at Harvard (of all places) despite struggling with anxiety. I struggled with stress and anxiety for the first time this year, and its made me terrified of attending a competitive college. But if you can manage it, so can I!!
Hey, you can do it. There are so many resources out there at most colleges, make sure to use them when it feels like you need them.
sure will, thank you!
Mariah Hassan you can do this!! 😃🙏🙌🏼
@@thejohnfish hey, I want to know something from you... can u tell me plzzz
Worth a ted talk!
@@juliantaylor6631 Totally agree!
He is amazing.
WHERES THE TED TAAAALK!?!!??!!??!?!
"You're not alone." This line literally made me cry. Thank you so much, John. I am in my sophomore year in high school, and I'm suffering from social anxiety and depression. There are some days when I just cannot function, and as I result, I end up pushing EVERYTHING aside, and envelope myself with negative thoughts and suicidal tendencies, as i don't see any ray of hope at the end of the tunnel. Amidst the ocean of emotional turbulence, this video acted as a beacon of light, guiding me to confront my own inhibitions and talk about it with friends and family. Thank you so much! This video was insightful and indeed helpful.❤
Hey, I'm not so good in English but well...I can completely understand what u r feeling about it, bcuz even if we have different view, and different problems, we've the same thing. No, u r not alone...
U should share what u got, and if people don't want to hear it, don't stop to talk. U need to talk because this is the 1st step to be better. Talking about it will help you to understand what's going wrong, and hearing people's thoughts about it, will maybe help you too.
To be honest, i do not guarantee it will gonna be better soon, u will have some difficult moments, but, at least, u gonna have some people to help u, to support u, to talk to. And this is maybe the more important in going better.
And when u will be in these difficult moments, please, take time for you !!! U need this, u REALLY need it. That's how i'm going better. Some people care about you, don't even forget this, and don't forget to love yourself too.
My message will not help at all, but i wanted to say this to you. At least, maybe it will gonna give u some hope...I hope so, because nobody should live in this hell which is depression.
Kunoko Aeri, thank you so much for your kind words. It's really encouraging how you took time to write this beautiful message for me. Thank you so much! You have no idea how helpful your message is. These words just made my day.❤️
I'm grateful it help u, even a bit. Really. And if u need to talk, i'm here too :)
Kunoko Aeri Thanks for the support.💕
Abira Das yeah I'm in 7th grade same sort of issues
it's good to know i'm not alone
You're never alone!
Wow, that's a lot of information to disclose appreciate your level of comfort in doing so.
I have personally had horrible experiences with anxiety since I was very young. It didn't come to me in episodes of panic attacks (although that did happen in my early teens) it was more like a constant discomfort, it never left me. I would constantly feel scared and anxious, and I never could explain it to my mom, who had grown sick of me saying that I was scared. I think she thought that I was just a cowardly kid.
But depression was something new, I couldn't explain the feeling in simple words like I could with anxiety (that I was scared). I felt empty, sad and like everything was shutting down around me, and I was helpless. I remember one time in grade 11 when I had a physics midterm which was particularly difficult. And despite my love for physics I was having a tough time with it that year. I spent my entire day just staring at my ceiling, so confused about how I was feeling. I think that since than, I have grown accustomed to it, yet it can still be impossibly overwhelming.
During a challenging time like finals week, I try to be prepared, and to take care of myself physically and mentally beforehand. So I would make sure to feel good about how I looked, even if it means wearing makeup to university everyday, which is something I don't do, despite how often I wear makeup otherwise.
I hope that everyone has enough time to prep for finals. Remember to take care of yourself.
Your mental health > anything else. xx
mimiowh I suffer from anxiety and severe depression
I can't study and haven't even gone to my final exams
I will graduate high school when im 20 and it's killing me
I just can't help anymore
try getting professional help, it has helped me immensely with school. Remember to be easy on yourself, and ask for the help that you need.
THANK YOU! You give me hope and make me realize I can do whatever I want and conquer fears and mental health, crowds are a no no for me.. I've wanted to go to college for years but my anxiety has stopped me, But you have made me feel it IS possible.. THANK YOU!! ❤❤
Nice job, John Fish. Yes! Mental Health is super important. We need to seek help when we feel out of sorts. Kudos to you for making this video! Getting help is not a sign of weakness; rather, it's the smartest thing you can do. : )
Exactly! Taking care of yourself is the smart thing to do.
True
Thank you John. Depression and anxiety have hugely impacted me. My family are mentally abusive. From a young age, people looked down at me. "Why is everyone always mad at me?" I wondered constantly throughout my life. Then, I realized. I was an accident and because of that high expectations were put onto me -- expectations that I couldn't fulfill. Soon enough, we moved to New Zealand where I was so happy and grateful. We had a nice house, neighbourhood and it was great. But, school began. My tounge had never spoken English before. No one understood how that felt like. As I stepped foot into that school, I immediately felt afraid, I sensed my fear. Eventually, it happened. Before you knew it, everyone would stay away me. Someone once told me "you should be ashamed of yourself" and that was 6 years ago. I was 8 when I moved, now I'm 13 turning 14 in a month. Everything is still the same. But, now I'm generally a quiet person -- but very observative. My mind is filled of knowledge about everything and everyone. I gave the answers to my why's that no one did. That came at a cost. I've become a stress magnet, developed depression, anxiety and OCD. I don't have much of a personality or nor can I play a sport as my parents are not willing to spend any money on that, they know I won't succeed. I once came first in cross country and my mother said I only won because I was skinny and yet my doctor said that was normal for my age. So, I tried to focus on my studies. A freshman now in high school, with 4 AP classes. That's it and yet I'm failing. I do TRY and I try hard but it's like everyone someone in my family will put me down for anything that I may do. I don't have a study space and have to do my work the dining table, I think you know what occurs there. Two younger siblings including my very capable 11 year old brother that doesn't even do homework, nor any physical activities, just sitting in his room with a desk, computer and roblox. Yet, they can't spare to give him a few extra chores when I have to study. Seriously, I could go on. But, I'm done. Done to the point where I'm willing to thoughtlessly put a knife through my chest. And wow, even right now?! My family is just okay with being as loud as possible in the mornings, not caring if I get any sleep. Yet if visitors come over, we can't even open our mouth. If we complain, get ready for an irrelevant lecture.
stellibelli hey there, idk if you're on reddit but check out the r/raisedbynarcissists subreddit. It's a great support group for those with narcissistic, abusive parents. I'm sorry you've gone through all that, and I hope you find solace in not being alone. You are worthy of happiness.
I definitely recommend checking out some online resources or calling a counselling line if you can. If there's a counsellor at your school, schedule an appointment, seriously. It was so scary the first time I did it and then it was super normal and chill and it helped A TON. Best of luck, hang in there. People care about you.
Be patient make your own money and move...
Also seek the path of truth with the Religion...
You are in New Zealand, right? In RUclips searchbar type 'Mark Hemans', watch some videos on his channel, Jesus Christ can do a mirracle for You too. Mark lives there.
Thank you John for sharing your story and experiences. Personally, I don’t have anxiety but I do have times when I worry about my school or relationships with others. I agree with you that mental health should be not labeled as a stigma or viewed negatively. It’s a completely normal part of the human experience. The most important thing is how one chooses to respond to it. Thank you again John.
You are truly inspiring, John. I am glad you found a solution for your anxiety. Nowadays, many people around the world struggle with similar disorders (and don't know how to deal with them). Hearing how you dealt with them inspires many of us to face and fight our problems with positivity and hope.
Thanks for making this video. My name is Bárbara and I'm from Chile and I think it's the first time I see someone showing how difficult it can be to have anxiety problems, especially in college. When I was 10 years old I had my first panic attack, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which I have until today. Now I am 21 years old, I have been suffering from panic attacks and anxiety for 11 years. Being a university student is very difficult, deal with all these situations and to be good. I am very happy to know that there are people like you who are facing this and who are not afraid of saying it. I think it's the first time I talk about my problem openly, thank you for generating support for people like me and like you. Have a nice and happy life. (:
Hey John I just wanted to thank you for these videos, I too have a lot of problems with anxiety and it caused me to drop out of highschool when I was a freshman (huge mistake, running from your problems is only a temporary solution). Your videos serve as a great inspiration while I get back in to studying at college. Stay safe and thank you.
I am 24 years old and I struggle with depression because I feel like every one of my friends or acquaintances is doing better than me in any aspect of life and hearing you talk about it is a relief, it really is, because I sometimes do not know that it's all just inside my head. and that Im the hero of my own story. Thank you John, Im a little better just watching the video.
Wow. This described a lot of things that I never addressed and chose to ignore. I to have "sick days", days where I just ask my mom to stay home, a lot of them, and that's because of my struggles with anxiety. This video has truly opened my eyes, and drawn my attention to my mental health.
So much truth here. Wise words. I graduated with a degree in CS May of 2017. Man, I wish your videos like this were around when I was still in college. It was a struggle for the second half of my degree. My grandmother passed away in November 2016 and she was helping me through college by giving me a place to live. Losing her right as finals arrived was the hardest thing I've ever done. Not only did I pass those finals, but I passed all my classes the next semester and graduated to make her proud. Since I graduated, I have suffered greatly from both anxiety and depression in different amounts at different times. My life seems like a roller coaster sometimes, but I'm doing well for myself. Your videos are an inspiration and I think you are just a fantastic individual. Keep up the good work. -W
I am so very proud for you in discussing mental health issues. You are very brave. Be well and stay positive.
I applaud you for your ability to be open and honest regarding your personal struggles with anxiety.
As a psychologist I appreciate your video. You are right on target talking about the problem. I have worked with many adolescents with the same problem. Whether you realize it or not by keeping your life full of activity you actually will lower the incidents of anxiety. Keep going. I think your videos are inspiring to others
Thank you so much for this video! I'm a French student in a Canadian university, and leaving home to study made me set up huge expectations. I was already struggling with anxiety and it just got worse when I realised I didn't have great grades like I used to, that sometimes it was hard to just talk to other people and things like that... It took me all of my first year of university to realise that the grades are not the most important part of university. It's all about discovering who you are and who you want to be, trying new things, seeing what you're interested in... I sure as hell don't have a 4.0 but I'm determined to have a full university experience, by walking towards a better gpa but also more human experiences. I really love your videos, keep going and good luck at Harvard! :)
I can see your videos being in the trending tab in the future. Keep it up!
thanks a lot man :) i can’t even imagine how thankful i’ll be in like 10 years, talking to my childern about a random youtube guy who helped me thru all the crap in my life😊
This is an amazing video. The world is trying to move forward with mental health by introducing it into discussion at schools with workshops. It is a growing issue. Great work with an amazing video!!!!!
Thank you for this video. It feels comforting knowing that another student at a top-tier college like Harvard has also taken mental health days and dealt with anxiety. I thought I was just being lazy, as others have always told me. But in reality my anxiety felt like it was consuming me. It’s debilitating, especially when left untreated.
I love this video!! Mental health is such an important thing that is not talked about enough. I believe that people who push through and work through mental health are just as strong! I struggle with anorexia. It took me a long time to admit that. And now, I am working with some other students at my school to start a mental health club! Thank you for making this video 💞 it is very needed for a lot of us!
Need your growth vlogs and tea making intros❤️❤️❤️please
Awesome video John. You're a very likable guy and your candor makes you more approachable than you normally would be, considering your accomplishments. I hope your future stays bright.
Thank you so much to share your stories.
I really appreciate it.
I can feel you are telling your things honestly.
That probably helps me to take time to think about how to handle, and cure my mental disease.
I remember being in middle school through high school and having severe panic attacks. I was depressed and I couldn’t get out of bed most days. I ate lunch in the restroom because I couldn’t stand the thought of being in a cafeteria full of people. I couldn’t stand walking the halls during passing periods, waiting for the bus , waiting for school to start. I was physically unable to do this without panicking . Sadly I grew up in an area and around a family that believed I was just being dramatic or I wanted to skip school. It got so bad that I stayed at home for weeks and every morning resulted in huge fights with my parents. Often times it would get physical and still I just laid on my bed motionless. Soon after I left home for weeks because I was just mentally done with everything. I was given truancy, had court, had several fines to pay and eventually I dropped out. It’s honestly sad how a lot of cultures and communities dismiss mental illness as if it’s just something to get over. My early years were basically ruined because my family and school did not care. Now as an adult I’ve been able to get help for my anxiety, ocd, depression, and adhd... yea I couldn’t believe I had so much wrong with me.
Well done, John! Thank you for sharing your story, with all of us! Continued success, both with the struggle, and with school!
Thank you for making this video, such a good listen. Your way of connecting with your audience is truly amazing!
John, I also suffered from anxiety and stress. But nowadays I have started to run. Running makes me reducd stress and keep me motivated.
You're really inspiring !!! its like my dad is speaking to me , I mean in a good way ,like how much you've Learnt and developed yourself ... this is what social media should be used for ...
I am realizing that I blame a lot of my shortcomings on my anxiety, and that in turn, has, you guessed it - made me more anxious. It would have been so nice if I could have made that realization 6 months ago when I started putting a ridiculous amount of pressure on myself. It stinks that we have to wait until we make these realizations. That's why therapy is so great. More than anything else, the therapist can listen, and tell you what you can do about your situation. The therapist is trained to make those realizations that take us so long to make without a professional helping us.
My anxiety makes me procrastinate. I wonder how you manage to be so productive and successful at Harvard despite your condition.
wow,this struck me in a whole another level.Thanks,someoneI admire making this video and putting into words what I feel,thanksso much
I’ve lived with anxiety the majority of my life and most of the time I’m completely fine, but the idea of choosing and applying to colleges makes it harder. But, it makes me feel better knowing that someone who has such a similar story to mine is so so well in college. Thanks for reminding me that I’m not alone.
I’ve heard this so many times and it needs to be heard by others. Keep doing what u doing man 💪👍
Hey John, I have been struggling with anxiety for all my life too, I some ways similar to you. We are indeed not alone.
You’re doing such a meaningful vlog. So proud of you, bro.
I am so glad to hear a harvard student also skipped school like I did due to anxiety. Now I'm a member of a top 10 public university, but I've always felt so ashamed that I missed 10-15 days a semester in high school due to my anxiety about school. I didn't know of anyone who missed as many days as me in my AP classes. And I wondered if other people noticed my absenses...
That is very personal by his I mean by the way you deal with it. Everyone deals with it different everyone has a different tolerance to it some people can and will just push through it like myself but others need a break like you did make sure to find what works for you but definitely don’t ignore it.
I’ve never expected this! Like you’re such an awesome guy! Last school Year was the first year I had this.. there were Some days that I was like a zombie.. I felt like crying al day .. it’s tough
I feel ya bro
I hope that you'll keep fighting and do not give up ❤️
I have a friend who struggles with anxiety but is pulling through, this video should chear him up 👍🏿
You're a good friend.
Ethan Fisher-Perez :| I don't know about dat 😂
Cheat him up?
Samira Imran oh
I'm more than 10 years older than you, and watching your videos I realize that age has nothing to do with maturity. I learn a lot from you, thank you. Í'm sure you can manage the exploding attention towards your person/channel smoothly, too!
Greets from Germany
Currently 3 weeks at home for being „sick“. It‘s so easy to feel alone with these problems, so thank much for this video.
When I feel anxious, I think of the tunnel soldiers and the vulnerable people all around the globe,Then I remember that there is a Creator, who loves us, thus the anxiety goes away
Absolutely loved this perspective! You’ve earned yourself a new subscriber 💕
This video appeals so much to me, thanks for sharing your experience !
This video deserves more views, really important info
Some people just dont know about mental health problem, they dont have the knowledged. often get mistreated by them and make our mental health more worst than it already is. Easier to said do this and that, and then when we cant we get judged and belittle. Love your video John keep it up!
Hope you're doing much better ❤
Thanks for posting this. I’m not a student but a 53 yr old father of one and appreciate your honesty.
👏SPREAD👏THE👏WORD👏
Thankkkkk youuuuu!! I'm a Chinese student and I went through difficult times back in high school, one of the best high schools in China. I almost thought of commiting suicide but I just didn't dare to do it. I mean this world really has a serious problem. We all think that successful students they are mentally invincible, they aren't weak. They can push through anything. Otherwise, they are just a failure. I didn't have the courage to show I was struggling instead I put forced smiles on my face every single day at school, but sometimes u just can't hide.
I really hope this problem with the world would get better in the future.
I love your videos and you seem to have such a nice personality! I'm 17 now and I have been struggling with depressive episodes since I was ten. The last months were so hard for me, on some days life just didn't make sense to me at all. Luckily I'm doing better now and I'm just so happy about it. I wish you good luck for your future, you'll be very successfull one day! And sorry for grammar mistakes, I'm from Germany 😅
Honestly, that helped me so much. Thank you!
cisco курсове, графичен дизайн бакалавър, разработване на мобилни приложения курс, ruclips.net/video/OJlSHi2STq0/видео.html
timeless video thank you so much
That's so beautiful speech !!! So real and helpful....!
Just THANK YOU so much for this video john ❤❤❤❤❤
Good to know that I am not alone
You speak a lot of truth in this video.. thank you for that!
Love this
I struggled badly in my first year of law school, but fought through and got over it in the summer break, but since uni has started I get worse and even start to struggle with social anxiety, panic before exams and depression again. Additionally, I'm an athlete. I just wanna breath and take some time off, but my fear of being a loser or being worse than others makes me furious, I don't know what to prioritize.
the ending gave me goosebumps in my scalp!
I can relate, I`m a software engineering student (at Arizona State University not Harvard XD) and I struggle with being a recovering heroin addict - which stemmed from anxiety and depression that I let get out of hand. It`s nice to see someone who has mental health issues doing so well. It`s inspiring! (positiveWordCount +=1; )
Also, on a side note, the cadence of your voice with your pauses and general rhythm feel almost identical to 3blue1brown. And how you start a sentence off with see... (this little bit can feel like you`re patronizing your audience just a bit) Just some food for thought! Overall great video and great channel!
When I entered the university, I suffered anxiety through the first semester. That was because I had to maintain high scores in order to keep my scholarship. At the end of the semester, I looked for help and I took pills for 6 months. After that, fortunately, I recovered. The lesson I learned after that is if you are feeling bad or you are suffering some kind of stress you must go to a psychologist or talk with you're parents, they might help you to overcome that situation.
Thanks so much for sharing.
i'm totally agree when you said you are prioritizing your mental health over everything. i hope this idea is acceptable :"
Awesome vid bro!!!!
Thank you!
Thank you for posting this.
Hi John !
I like your message that people should talk about their issues, acknowledging them is a good first step towards better health.
What I don't like is that you're telling people with anxiety that they should not push through it. Reasearch in psychology shows that facing fear and acting as if there was no anxiety is actually the best way to reduce it,
On the contrary, running away from things that trigger anxiety, be it school, people, going outside of the house, make us more and more scared. Avoidance is the anxious person's worst enemy. This is what Jordan Peterson talks about when he says people should find the dragon and fight it. There's a reward for the fight.
Also, people suffering from anxiety, depression, etc should absolutely seek professionnal help, talking to friends and family is not going to cut it. There are people who dedicate their lives to treating these issues.
I would suggest you go for a behavioral therapy. If you don't have the money to pay for it, you should find a job and that'll cover it for most of you. It is the most efficient way of getting rid of anxiety.
One of many articles showing efficacy : psycnet.apa.org/record/2008-16943-009
Such a great video. Thank you for sharing.
Thank for sharing this, John.
Life is shitty sometimes. Nothing more normal than feeling depressed. If you try not to justify , deny or fight it, it can be an interesting experience that teaches you more about life than happiness wud. And it will pass. Keep strong. GOD is with you🙂
It's unweasonable.
Open your mind and heart 😎
That's true. My psychologist is helping me a lot.
Thank you. Much needed!
I really enjoyed this video thanks you very much for sharing your experience regarding this topic I think it is very important to create awareness about this topic :)
Thank you
Love your videos, I’m so glad youtube recommended me your videos. Thank you. I’m not a student but I wish I was. Maybe anxiety has something to do with that.
still catching my tears: impressive video.
I was always a super smart but lazy kid growing up. I enjoy all sorts of things except for school work and still managed to make it to a top 10 liberal arts college. I thought I could just smart my way to the top of the class like I did before but it did not work out well. I still got decent grades for my first 2 years but almost failed miserably during first semester of my 3rd year. When I found I could not smart my way to be a top student and I was forced to start work hard, study strategically, and be organized, I realized how bad a student I was. And I suddenly had this panic feeling, breathed so heavily, and all sorts of negative thoughts just jumped into my mind for the first time. I thought I was a complete, utter loser. I stayed up all nights for weeks because my mind won't rest. It was occupied by all sorts of negative feelings that made me feel worthless. Luckily, I got the opportunity to work in DC and studied in UK for the 2nd semester of 3rd year and 1st semester of my final year. New environment help me determine to completely change my thoughts and my habits. I met so many people that were willing to help me until this day! I was able to fight off depression and even though I may still sometimes feel a bit down, I know how to get back on my feet and work towards my goals. I just want everyone to know that if you are struggling with anxiety, negative thoughts and depression, talk to people, change your environment, make new habits, and believe in yourself that YOU CAN FIGHT IT OFF!
john you should share this video again, this has only a 5-digit views, more people should listen to this advice.
great video, things do get better once you face rather than ignore things ❤️
thank you
take care of physical health and mental health follows
My anxiety has stopped me from playing soccer at the park down my street. It just feels like everybody’s watching me and I had this immense pressure to be perfect. So I’ve confined myself to my backyard. There’s a small fence behind my fence that I use as a goal. I limited myself on my progress for soccer. That’s my true regret. I’ve stopped myself from running around my neighborhood because I thought everybody would have their eyes on me. I’m taking steps to get that feeling away by joining the track team. During the summer, I’ll run a mile around my neighborhood with only a slight care in the world lol. Hopefully I can progress myself to a healthier state, physically and mentally
I may have problems mentally I wish to clear up one day. Here I am at 3:38AM watching youtube videos, my life withering away. With so much ahead of me and my accomplishments, I don't really feel much of anything most times. I got accepted and will be transferring in as a junior at the University of Florida for Mechanical Engineering. I hope I will find some answers to my well-being there.
Dude, I'm so luck of watching your ideias! Thank you, John!
I've just watched ur video .. its kinda encouraging ... i've been facing anxiety,lonliness and depression all at the same time since two years ... im not sort of socializing person .. i was not sure how to compose myself .. i like ur advice ... i'll like to imply it .. thanks
you know what john, normally the kids who suffer from anxiety is the smartest kid.
Excellent content
I never want to underestimate the importance of mental health, as a person who grew up in Asia, people these days still do no seriously consider mental health issues as actual health problems. They are seen as signs of weaknesses and excuses for lack of effort. I have also experienced some really hard moments in my life, it is those people around me who helped me went through all the difficulties. Therefore, the worst thing a person can do, is to use mental health issues as these excuses, which I see them so often here at America. I do not know if it is because people are more willing to confront them, or it's been taken advantage of. I do no have actual evidence to support my argument, but I do see a trend of abusing these serious problems.
Love it brother
You’re an Awesome person🙏🏽
sending you love, merci pour ta vidéo.