Clemson Body and Soul, a student-led organization dedicated to promoting mental, emotional and physical wellness, hosted a discussion on Jan. 23 on anxiety inspired by the podcast “Mental Health Goes to School” by special educator Jo-Ann Berry and psychiatrist Candida Fink.
Clemson Body and Soul’s mission is to empower members to embrace their most authentic selves through activities like self-care and mental health education. In addition to regular meetings, the group organizes events to raise awareness about eating disorders and body acceptance, as club president Ava Mancini explained.
Last week’s discussion focused on strategies for managing anxiety and overcoming challenges like academic stress, all while celebrating progress and recovery. The club discussed many points made in Berry and Fink’s podcast.
Inspired by “Inside Out 2,” the “Mental Health Goes to School” podcast explored how anxiety manifests in adolescents, and discussed strategies for managing it. Using the movie’s character Anxiety, they highlight the movie’s relevance to anxious experiences, particularly when linked to academic pressures.
Throughout the discussion of the podcast, members of the club discussed how anxiety is a natural part of adolescence but can become overwhelming when left unchecked. They highlighted that the film provides great language to understand and discuss emotions, which has proven helpful for therapists and educators. Anxiety often stems from uncertainty and the unknown, leading to overthinking, as portrayed in the movie. The club collectively agreed that this can be faced with academic challenges such as testing anxiety.
Branching off from that point, the club discussed practical strategies to manage anxiety, such as movement breaks and sensory changes. Movement, even small changes like standing up or turning around, can help reset the brain. They stressed the importance of putting anxiety into context, encouraging others to assess whether their worries have long-term consequences. “Minimize the boundaries to get what you need to help you. Have things near you that will help you in times of severe anxiety. Try little things that can maybe distract the mind from anxious moments,” secretary Ashley Maharaj said.
Lastly, the club discussed celebrating small victories to bring joy back into daily life. By rewarding progress, whether it be with a favorite snack or activity, students can counter anxiety’s tendency to take over. They emphasized that anxiety shouldn’t overshadow joy, but work side by side with it.
