It has been 2 months since school started, and mental health has been a major concern for many students and faculty alike. Across campus stress levels are high for everyone, but especially borders, who are often unable to go off campus.

With interim grades, standardized tests, and college applications on the horizon for many students, it’s not hard to find reasons behind this surge in stress. For the boarders who don’t have a family to go back to, dealing with stress can be especially difficult.

Boarding at LFA is a fun experience, but it also goes hand in hand with feelings of loneliness, homesickness, and cabin fever.

“You do miss family from time to time, you know?” Warner resident Michael Nowak said regarding his family in Poland. “That’s why I like to FaceTime them and check in on how they’re doing.”

Of course, FaceTiming loved ones is one of many ways borders can destress. In fact, there are many things that students staying on campus could take advantage of.

For example, with pandemic restrictions loosening up, borders could take advantage of weekend trips that now allow 14 students per van, giving most people the opportunities to go where they please.

Alternatively, students could also walk around campus, using nature as a way to calm the mind, whilst taking in the aesthetics of autumn in the Midwest.

Of course, there are also many events on campus hosted by dorms, as well as different sporting events to attend.

“Why do you think school schedules, sports games, and acts have breaks or intermissions?” Tameka Carter, Spanish teacher and Warner dorm parent at LFA, asks, “because we all need time to stop, relax, and then regroup.

Students also have many people on campus to talk to. Students should feel comfortable reaching out to the counselors on our campus, Jennifer Madeley and Nirali Dalia, at their offices in upper Reid.

In times of crisis, the LFA community is very supportive. “You are not in this alone so when you feel lost,” Carter says, “remember that your tribe (friends and family) can guide you back to what is most important.”

When it comes to mental health on campus, there are a lot of options that can help deal with high stress levels. As the school year continues, boarders should feel comfortable exploring these options, and give themselves a break from time to time.