mental health

Carson Daly Reveals His Anxiety and Helping Others with Mental Illness

Mike Stark

The Today Show host wants to help in the battle of breaking the stigma associated with mental illness and partnered with Project Healthy Minds.

Carson Daly is one of the most successful hosts on Television and Radio from MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL) to his radio show in Los Angeles, late-night Talk Show “Last Call with Carson Daly” and now co-host on the Today Show.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Earlier this month, the successful host opened up about his struggles with mental health.

He decided to open up when he interviewed NBA player Kevin Love who shared a personal story about having panic attacks during a basketball game. Daly recalled the same experience while hosting MTV’s TRL.

Photo Credit: Screenshot of Carson Daly Interviewing NBA Star Kevin Love on The Today Show

In an interview with People Magazine, Daly shared “I’ve suffered for over 20 years with, at times, debilitating anxiety and panic, and never knew it. I never knew how to define it.” He continues “After finally opening up to friends, one of them had a history of anxiety, and looked at me and was like, ‘You have anxiety.” 

He then educate himself about his anxiety by enrolling in a cognitive therapy course and learned how to manage his anxiety.

Carson shared that “It felt so good to get that diagnosis…Being diagnosed and then talking about it just feels good.”

Daly’s focus now is helping others struggling with mental illness and partnered with Project Healthy Minds, a millennial-driven non-profit startup focused on tackling the mental health crisis. Making it easier and faster for individuals to discover help and programs that expand access to care.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Carson concluded the interview by sharing “It doesn’t have to be anxiety. It can be depression, it could be PTSD or any number of things. I want to hold their hand and go, ‘It’s okay to not be okay’.”

Remember that, it is okay not to be okay. If you are someone you know is struggling the following resources are available.

Written By: Mike Stark | @MikeStarkCA

What Do I Do with a Rest and Recovery Day?

Mike Stark

SDSU has implemented “Rest and Recovery Days” but what does that even mean?

How do we actually rest and recover knowing we have something due the next day? No worries, we are going to break all of this down.

What are the rest and recovery days?

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, SDSU has implemented five rest and recovery days throughout the semester to make up for canceling Spring Break, lame, I know.

These “Rest and Recovery Days” are meant for students and staff to have the day off and not worry about any school work. Small chance that happens.

Screenshot of San Diego Sunset Surfer from Michael Aleo on Unsplash

So what do I do with a rest and recovery day?

I know it’s tough to go anywhere right now with the coronavirus pandemic because some things are still closed or you do not feel comfortable going out yet or maybe financials are tight right now. Here are some suggestions.

If you have your work life creeping in on your personal life and want to get that under control start there.

I know it isn’t much of a rest/recovery but if this is something you have been wanting to get under control, do it. This makes it an activity you want to do and this day is about you.

Maybe catching up on your professional life is not your style and actually want to do something that is relaxing or makes you feel accomplished. I got you.

Complete the one task you’ve been postponing repeatedly.

Screenshot of Todolist from Emma Matthews on Unsplash

Do you keep hitting postpone on your todo app for an item that needs to get done? Cleaning the closet, organizing your shoes, cleaning your room, deleting old files off your computer?

Take your rest/recovery day to get it done, make sure it is not school or work-related though, that can wait.

While these items may not sound fun todo, hence why you’ve been putting it off, I promise you will feel much better after you get it done.

Secure Your Digital Life

Secure iPhone from neONBRAND on Unsplash

I am a huge advocate for a secure digital life online. Privacy is a human right and not a privilege.

We should not have to give up our privacy in order to use products and if we then we should not be using digital products, so here are some products I use to remain secure on the web.

Catch up on Shows or Movies

Secure iPhone from neONBRAND on Unsplash

Noting beats sitting on the couch and catching up on some of your favorite tv shows or movies.

Maybe you want to start something new? This would be a perfect time. If you are in need of ideas, check out my article on some of my TV quarantine picks.

Try a new TikTok recipe

Screenshot of Salmon and Quinoa Dish from Ella Olsson Unsplash

One thing I love about TikTok is all the food recipes they offer. There is literally a never-ending scroll of fun and easy TikTok recipes like the Feta Pasta or my favorite, air fryer recipes.

Do Nothing

Screenshot of Coffee Cup Bedside by David Mao on Unsplash

I am serious on this one. The ultimate form of recharging your batteries is staying in bed and doing nothing but catching up on sleep.

We are in the home stretch of the semester and you have worked so hard, especially with the semester being on zoom. Take the day and catch up on some much-needed rest.

I did this last weekend and ended up sleeping 15 hours. Something I have never done before, but my body needed the rest. I pulled a lot of late nights right before midterms and did not sleep well.

Hit me up on Twitter or Instagram and let me know what you end up doing with your rest and recovery day.

Cover Photo: Screenshot of Rest from Sincerely Media on unsplash

Written By: Mike Stark | @MikeStarkCA

Feeling Stuck? 5 Ways to get Yourself Up Again

Mike Stark

2020 has been insane. Between coronavirus, quarantine, the election, virtual school, and the regular everyday stressors, we may get stuck. It’s ok, though; we’re in the middle of a pandemic. The important thing is getting yourself back up when you’re feeling stuck. Here are 5 activities to lift your spirits

1.  Journaling: I know what you’re thinking; what’s the point? In the abbreviated words of my rocker listening/motorcycling therapist, journaling is a mindfulness activity that is good for you. It gets everything out of your head and on paper, causing your mind to slow down, something that happens when you are anxious or stressed. You do not need a fancy journal or an expensive app to do this activity. You can use the notes app on your phone and then lock the note or go old school with some pen and paper around the house and then shred or keep your entry in a binder.


Photo Credit: Screenshot of Individual journaling from NAMI.

2. Sweat-It-Out: I cannot describe how good I feel after taking an outdoor Orange Theory Class. When you are stressed out, the last thing you want to do is go for a run or take an at-home fitness class but trust me when I say afterward; you will feel much better you did because those endorphins will lift your spirits.

3. Blast your Favorite Playlist: Create a playlist of your favorite songs, and when you are feeling down, blast that playlist in your house and feel free to dance around shaking off those blues.

4. Socialize: Socialize, but not on social media. Connect with a friend or family member via facetime or zoom. By nature, we are social creatures, so when we connect with people, we love this improves our mood. Even if you are struggling, reach out to a friend and let them know what’s up but don’t overwhelm them. Let them know why you are struggling and see if talking it out helps. If not, you can always seek help from a campus therapist (619-594-5220) who can guide you in the right direction of getting you the help you need.


Photo Credit: Screenshot of Zoom Meeting from Zoom.Us Blog

5. Get your dose of Vitamin D: Getting out to get some Vitamin D has proved to improve mood, be sure to keep your physical distance and wear a mask, but head to the beach, bay, or your favorite park and lay down soaking up the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen.

What tips will you be trying, or songs have you added to your self-care playlist? Let me know by hitting me up on socials @MikeStarkCA on Twitter and Instagram.

Written By: Mike Stark

Stirring the Pot: Stayin’ Studious Without Losing a Screw

Olivia Flores

Trying to survive in college is stressful in and of itself; add exams, lack of sleep, and anxiety to the mix and you’re in for a rough time. Here are some helpful tips to stay sane yet studious.

Typically, I like to do investigative pieces — this is a bit of a deviation from my normal style but I found it quite fitting as we’re finishing off midterms and on the cusp of finals season. Yep, the exams and deadlines are here and we’re all in a frenzy of stress, anxiety, and a lack of sleep (which we all know we desperately need). The eyebags are forming, and so is the long, expensive list of Venti Starbucks Nitro Cold Brews, Monsters, and Guayaki Yerba Mates. But to be honest, I just hope you’re all doing okay. Or at least surviving. Anyways, I just thought I’d share some ways to not go completely batshit crazy from all the damn stress you’re probably facing right now. (And trust me, I’m  quite knowledgeable on the subject, as I’m a literal human ball of worry.)

ORGANIZE!

I know this isn’t a fresh, new idea, but it’s honestly the best way to assure you don’t feel as if you’re literally drowning in an ocean of papers, projects, and deadlines. And it’s a lot simpler than it seems — you don’t need to buy an expensive planner or be a bullet journaling master to tackle time management. Simply get a piece of paper (or use your phone notes app if you prefer) and just write out everything that’s stressing you out — all the things you have to do, and when they need to be done by. Literally just spill your brains out onto the page.

By releasing everything from your head to a documented place allows your mind to be relieved from all the pressure of remembering these tasks. Then plug them into your calendar! Plan out the week day-by-day and suddenly your tasks will seem much less daunting: as long as they’re spread out into time chunks — cramming is not the move! 

PRIORITIZE YOURSELF!

Assure you’re keeping your best interests in mind when making decisions. If you know you have a fat paper to write in TWO days that you have yet to start, then it’s probably in your best interest to take up your friend’s last-minute, yet extremely enticing offer to go to that party. Let yourself have enough time to complete your task without the pressure of the deadline waving over your head — pulling an all-nighter while chugging two sour apple reigns from the 7-eleven across the street is not the best situation to be in (coming from personal experience!). Not only can this lead to a mental breakdown (guilty), but it means you’re not doing your best work. But I know you’re still going to procrastinate, so to assure your all-night cram/work session won’t completely destroy your health, make sure you’re taking short breaks in which you leave your workspace and take a stretch or stroll. If you’re going to consume high quantities of caffeine, make sure to balance your water intake with the caffeine (not only will hydrating keep your mind sharp, but it will make the caffeine much more effective and long-lasting). Also, assure you’re eating healthy snacks — some of these could include nuts, berries, granola bars, or yogurt. NO TAKIS. PLEASE.

SLEEP!

Sleep is a precious gift. I know us college kids cherish (and I mean CHERISH) our sleep despite sacrificing it constantly. I know all the doctors tell us we need roughly 8 hours of sleep but honestly, I know I’m not getting it and it’s completely MY FAULT. Sleep is extremely crucial if we want our mental health to be in tip-top shape — one way to combat the lack of sleep I know we all have is by taking power naps. No, not four-hour naps that send us into another dimension of time, I’m talking about 15-20 minute naps in between classes. This short bit of sleep can give you the power to push through the day and be productive when you’re feeling like you can’t keep goin’ anymore. But make sure to be self-disciplined: don’t keep hitting snooze, but give yourself an incentive to get up, such as a good ol’ cuppa joe.

BALANCE YOUR TIME!

One of the most important tips I can give you is to just be self-aware of your productivity. If you know you’re overworking yourself, make sure to give yourself time to relax, let loose, and have fun! Reward yourself for your hard work when you know you deserve it. Make plans with friends or just let yourself sit back and veg on the couch! But this goes both ways: if you know you’ve been slacking a bit and you’re stressed from your lack of productivity in the face of a million daunting tasks, don’t be too hard on yourself.

Beating yourself up and calling yourself a failure isn’t going to do you any good. Remind yourself that you are capable of doing great things, pull your bootstraps on, and get your shit done! Take it little by little, assuring you’re not trying to get too much done in a short period of time. Honestly, the hardest part of doing anything is just starting. Type out that title page, start that outline, pull out that textbook, and break out those highlighters. Tell yourself that the task is NOT bigger than you and that you can take it.

Make sure to stay focused though — as I said before: if you know you haven’t been too productive lately, make sure to be intentional about how you’re spending your time. Don’t lay in bed for six hours if you know you have things to do, even if they’re stressing you out. In the end, your lack of productivity will make yourself feel MORE stressed in the end, and can affect the way you view yourself, which has a direct correlation to the quality of your mental health!

LOVE YOURSELF!

I hope some of these tips help you out. But honestly, give yourself a damn break. You’ve got this! You’re doing great. I know all these things are easier said than done, but just make sure you’re taking it all little by little. It’s not the end of the world if you mess up. We all do it – none of us are perfect students – or perfect people at that. Just try your best, plan as much as you can, and make sure you’re doing everything that’s in your best interest. You’ve made it this far, and honestly, that’s a huge achievement in itself! And as I’m sure you don’t hear this enough, I’m proud of you.

Written by: Olivia Flores
Featured Image: Prescence.io