An aspect of being a college student that is rarely spoken about openly is the bouts of struggling with one’s mental health. All students can relate to the highs and lows of being in college. We may openly celebrate our high points such as a new job or ending a semester with great grades. However, not everyone has the resources or accessibility to the tools needed to work through and grow from the low points. From depression, grief, test anxiety to imposter syndrome, the list of mental health battles students face goes on.

In the spring of 2020, many students abruptly had to switch to virtual learning to continue their semester. Shortly after this switch, I identified in myself that I was experiencing worsened test anxiety. I was studying from home, and unable to do my usual routine to campus that would allow me to get into a focused setting. It made finals exams, an already stressful circumstance, even worse and the stress of not knowing how I will get through the year was even more daunting. After seeing the number of students petitioning for the Credit/No Credit grading option in the fall, I knew I was not the only one. Many spoke out on experiences with mental health struggles over the past year specifically, and how much of a relief that grading option would be for them to continue towards graduation in such a challenging time.

For some, being an undergraduate student means coming of age and gaining independence for the first time, for others, it means juggling work, a family and school full time. No matter what stage of your life you decide to pursue an undergraduate degree, it is not easy but there should be a solution for this common problem. While the younger generations have been lifting the stigmas around mental health, there is more to be done to increase the access to help for students. Therapy is not affordable, and many students do not know how or where to even start on finding one. Guided meditation apps are helpful, however, many do not confront the issues specifically students face. Students need somewhere they can feel included in a community, supported, guided and seen. When they are anxious about finals, a job interview or anxiety around graduation, they deserve to have a guide on working through it even if they can’t afford a session with a therapist.

My proposed solution is called Whoosah. Whoosah is an online community that provides guided meditations, short 5-15 minutes stretches, and timelines to work on specific mental health goals such as conquering a fear of public speaking or achieving focus, specifically altered for students. My ideal solution would provide resources on how students can find an affordable or free mental health professional, screened for attention deficit disorders and alternative ways to reach out to friends and family for help. An app centred on students will provide the relatable tools for them to feel in touch with their mental health throughout their college career, develop through the struggles that may arise, and result in establishing mental health as a priority in their lifestyle.