Dealing with anxiety has made me consider a gap year before jumping into college life. What types of gap year programs are best for someone looking to work on mental health and self-care?
There are several gap year programs out there that focus on personal development and self-care, which might be beneficial for individuals dealing with mental health concerns such as anxiety. Remember, it's crucial to choose a program that will cater to your mental health needs and churn out a positive outcome.
Outdoor Leadership Courses, such as those provided by organizations like the Outward Bound or National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), can be a great choice. They use outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, and kayaking to foster personal growth, leadership, and risk management skills. Many participants have reported improvements in their mental health, self-esteem, and resilience after participating in these programs.
Volunteer and Service-oriented programs, such as AmeriCorps or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), can be incredibly rewarding and directly impact your mental health. Helping others can boost your self-esteem, provide a sense of purpose and, for some, alleviate feelings of anxiety.
Remember, while these programs can help you develop strategies to manage your anxiety, they're not a substitute for professional help. If you're dealing with severe anxiety, consider getting professional support and guidance. This could be from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. Make sure to choose a program where you will still be able to access any mental health supports you need, and inform the program coordinators about your anxiety so they can provide appropriate support as well.
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