Gavin Fry
An Introvert's Take on Mental Health at Dartmouth
I have always considered myself an introvert, but I've never really contextualized what that meant for my philosophy on life. Here at Dartmouth, I've quickly realized that being in such a healthy atmosphere allows you to better understand who you are as a person. Personally, I have begun to realize the need for introspection and recognizing your needs as the going gets tough. There are many times, especially during the first few weeks of your college career, that you will feel the need to go out, meet new people, explore, socialize etc. What I have realized is that, while it is so important that you do those things, those activities don't rise above the needs of your mental health. In essence, my introverted tendencies have allowed me to understand what truly makes me happy and recharged here at Darty!
I really take this perspective to heart. Of course, there are so many activities at Dartmouth (check out my last post) that you will want to partake in. That's amazing! For me, I had an amazing time on all of my hikes, fishing trips, golf outings, and club events, but my "social battery" was largely drained afterward. The first step is acknowledging what this mental or physical "drain" is for you and the second is to take steps to counter that through the year. It's a cliché, I know, but it's so true! For instance, after a week of intensive Dartmouth courses, club meetings, study groups, etc., it is so important that you take time for yourself on the weekends or even through the week. That is something that I have only recently realized. You WILL fill obligated to go out and be adventurous and socialize at Dartmouth, fantastic! But it is such a simple thing we take for granted knowing what makes you happy and calm after a long week.
For me, this means a break from all of the socializing through the week and taking a day for myself. Whether this be taking a nap, catching up on my work, going to the gym, they are all activities I do solely with the thoughts in my head and nothing else. It's a way for me to reset my mind and charge up that battery for the next outing I have. Specifically, my campus job at the Shattuck Observatory is a huge part of this. I'm a weather and climate nerd, we'll just get that out there. As a result, I take weather observations at the observatory everyday throughout the week. I don't view this as a job at all. It is a way for me to reconnect with myself and to check up on my mental status. Dartmouth is filled with numerous nooks and crannies to help you find your recharge activity / spot, and you will find it! What the important thing for you to realize is, it is okay to take a break from everything, find what makes you happy and immerse yourself in it every once and a while!
Posts You Might Like
Every student at Dartmouth is placed into a housing community before they arrive on campus. I'm a member of West House, which hosted a student-run pop up restaurant that was absolutely fantastic!
'28s, you have so much to look forward to! As I pen my final blog post as a graduating senior, I want to share what Dartmouth has meant to me and offer some advice for your exciting journey ahead.
Welcome to a Wednesday in my spring term featuring a trip to the Ben and Jerry's Factory in Waterbury, VT!
Every week (and every day) at Dartmouth, are different, but the variety makes life fun!
I have been at Dartmouth for nine terms now, so I had plenty of time to discover some hidden gems of our campus. Let me tell you about a few of them!
One of my favorite hidden gems is the Shattuck Observatory, the oldest scientific building on campus.
As an international student myself, I understand the unique challenges we face moving to a new country. In this blog, I'll share some tailored advice to help you prepare for your new adventure.
Choosing a college is a major decision. It determines not just your activities but also your lifestyle. It is crucial to consider what you want your life to look like when considering where you want to go to college.
Amidst one of my busiest academic terms yet, here's how I navigate my commitments without compromising my well-being.