Chapter 2 (Psychological Health)

Chapter 2 went in depth regarding all types of psychological health including specific disorders, symptoms, and tips to help. I feel as this chapter will be one of the most important in the entire book as psychological health is extremely important but often over looked. First off, I thought the two pages regarding spiritual health was quite interesting as I always considered spiritual health a religion thing. Before reading this, I considered myself to not be associated with spiritual health as I am not super active in religion. I quickly learned religion does not sum up spiritual health but rather it regards ones internal/ personnel search for meaning and answers about life. Knowing this now, I would consider myself fairly spiritual healthy as I find myself frequently contemplating life and the true meaning in a good way. The second thing that opened my eyes was the short passage on depression in college students. 15.4 percent of all college students have reported that depression has had a negative impact on their academics. At first this shocked me because that’s a large percentage of students feeling depressed, but the more I thought about it, it made sense. I am not depressed but certainly experience some anxiety and stress from college. Students move away from home to live with someone random, and are bombarded with school work during a tough transitional period. College is looked at as a great place full of fun and partying, but for many its the exact opposite. I like how there are counselors to seek out, but colleges should understand that a huge percentage of their students are struggling and should make a change internally. The last thing that captured my attention was the suicide section. Suicide is such a hard and sensitive topic since its regarding someone ending their own life, so i found it interesting with some of the strategies to do when you suspect someone is contemplating it. If I had a friend who was in that position, I would do anything to help, but wouldn’t know where to start and wouldn’t want to harm them more. Although some of the prevention tips seem uncomfortable such as asking directly if they have a plan, it will hopefully lead to them seeking help. It makes sense for the strategy that states not to tell them they cant do it, as it could make them do it to prove people wrong.

My health aspect of cutting fat/ building lean muscle through clean eating and exercise has been going swimmingly! I am someone who loves routine but has trouble starting one, but I feel as if i am moving to that stage of being locked into it! The nutrition aspect would be the most crucial i would say as I’ve always been active in sports but used to still pack on pounds. I haven’t noticed much progress looks wise but i have noticed a difference in how I feel. Eating clean has made me feel so much better physically and mentally. I am not bloated or waking up with that stomach ache from eating too much the night before. Mentally, I feel as if it has made me more motivated and confident since I know the fuel going into me is beneficial not hurtful. However, I am experiencing some difficulty regarding variety of foods. I am already getting sick of things that are a staple in my diet including grilled chicken, steak, eggs, turkey chili, and chicken sausage. I am committed to eating clean but its hard not knowing what to eat. To anyone reading this, I would love and appreciate some suggestions for healthy meals to make! I just got some protein powder so I can use that as a filler if I have nothing to eat and also post workouts. Late nights are also tough sometimes as I have cravings for a sweet, so I bought some “KIND” bars and have been having those when I feel a craving come on.

The exercise aspect has also been going well as i went to the gym 5 of the 7 days of the week. My cycle revolves around 3 major muscles that are chest, back, and shoulders while incorporating biceps/triceps and core into them depending on the day. Yes I know, I need to work on legs more, :/. A few years back, I injured my hamstring squatting so I have been reluctant to start squatting again.I also always feel like i work my legs a lot since I run and play sports often. Strength wise, I am slowly building muscle but am nowhere near where I would like to be. As always, consistency will be key in seeing results. A struggle I do have though is deciding when to attend the gym. I have been going after dinner time around 730 and it feels great afterward, however I don’t love having to wait all day. I went after my class at 2 yesterday and it did feel great to be done and entire night free to spend with friends. The only downfall is the gym here at BSU is usually jammed at this time. Lastly, I began to do chin ups between sets while at the gym. Right now I can do about 5 in a row and would like to do 10 in a row come March.