The Mental Well Community Connections: Jackson R.

Tell us a little about yourself—your background, where you are now, and anything that feels important to who you are today.

I am a current senior in undergrad at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and graduating next month. After I graduate, I will be going to law school at the University of Baltimore in the fall. I have played division 1 lacrosse here at school as well.

What does a “good day” look like for you in this season of life?

I would say a "good day" would consist of exercising, being productive, and spending quality time with my family and/or friends.

What’s something small that has been bringing you joy lately, and why does it matter to you?

Something small that has been bringing me joy lately has been when it is warm enough in the afternoons to walk outside without a sweatshirt. I truly love the warm weather and feel like we are finally getting into the best months of the year which gives me true happiness.

What is something you’re passionate about when it comes to mental health, and what shaped that perspective?

I would say that something I am passionate about when it comes to mental health is checking in on my friends. What has shaped this perspective is that I realize a lot of my friends do not speak up when they are struggling. When you ask someone how they are doing, you invite them to tell you what is wrong, and usually friends will share these things with one another.

Can you share a challenge you’ve faced and what it taught you about yourself?

One challenge I faced is when my lacrosse team lost every single game in one season. We were literally the worst team in the entire country. People left, I thought about it myself, but I stuck through it. The next season, we did much better and were able to win many games. This showed me that when I am resilient, good things can happen. This also taught me that patience is an important trait for all people to practice.

How do you take care of your mental health in your day-to-day life? What has been most helpful?

In my daily life, I take care of my mental health by making sure I give myself some sort of relax time every single day. This may mean watching a movie, reading a book, even just relaxing on my phone. As a very busy person, I have found that a little bit of relax time each day helps my mental health.

What helps you get through difficult moments?

I believe that the people close to me help me get through difficult moments. I can turn to many people in my life for advice. Also, I think that in difficult moments, you can wilt or win. I try to push my mindset always towards getting through something rather than the contrary.

When do you feel most like yourself?

I feel most like myself when I am with my friends. Whether this means out and about, in the locker room, on the field, anywhere, I feel the most like myself with my friends. I feel comfortable around them and I enjoy some sort of camaraderie that we share.

What does “community” mean to you, and where do you find it in your life?

Community to me means the groups of people you surround yourself with on a daily basis. I would say I have my lacrosse community, but I also have a school community. I find community at school, in my sport, at the gym, anywhere where people come together.

What’s something you wish more people understood about mental health?

I wish people understood the importance of checking in on people. I also think it is an easy thing to do that not a lot of people do in our society.

What is one habit, routine, or mindset that has made a positive difference in your life?

One habit that has made a positive difference in my life is waking up early. I wake up around 5am every morning which helps ensure that I get everything I need to get done in the day and relieves me of this stress.

What are you currently working toward or hoping for in the next year or two?

I am currently working toward succeeding in law school next semester.

If someone reading this is struggling right now, what would you want them to hear?

I would want them to hear that the people closest to you in life are there for you and want to help you. I know that I feel this for my friends and if you need someone to talk to, I am here.

Just for fun—what’s your favorite way to spend a free afternoon?

My favorite way to spend an afternoon is either by exercising or enjoying some sun outdoors.