When Work, School and Mental Health Collide: Finding Balance in the Chaos

Brooklyn Besz | Writer

Life doesn't always go your way and it doesn't slow down when you're struggling. Bills are due, assignments racking up, and you can't just put work on hold just because you're fighting a silent battle inside your head. Managing to balance school and work is difficult enough when you have mental struggles. It feels like trying to dig out with a broken shovel.

I know what it's like to wake up early with no motivation to go to class, that you probably paid for. Feeling groggy from the night before despite getting the eight hours of sleep recommended. Then, proceeding to work a long six to eight hour shift after the classes you took the time to learn. 

Mental health doesn't simply stop and care that tuition payments are due, that you have to work doubles the next three days in a row, or that you won't have time to do schoolwork when you prefer to .

It lingers behind the scenes, hidden from light. It makes the smallest tasks feel like a heavy weight on you. When you feel like you're falling behind, it is easy to lose track of who you are. 

But balancing it all doesn’t have to be perfect. It is about the small achievements, waking up a little earlier than you normally do to go to the gym, to do something to benefit you, even turning in an assignment when it was due the night before. The small victories matter. 

If you're carrying the same struggles, know that you aren't weak, but you're strong despite these circumstances. One day at a time, one step at a time, and you will be just alright.