Combat mental health with reading

By Lydia Schafer, SchaferL@Findlay.edu

University of Findlay students can immerse themselves in fiction reading to combat mental health while navigating life as a college student.  

University of Findlay counselors say there are a variety of ways to cope and manage stress. One of those is as simple as opening a book. 

Maddison Zimmerman is a clinical mental health counselor at the University of Findlay Office of Counseling Services. She is responsible for carrying out student therapeutic sessions and providing guidance.  

“The most common mental health concerns seen in students include a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, grief and adjusting to the changes that occur when attending college,” Zimmerman said. 

Reading is included in the tools the University of Findlay Counseling Services teaches college students to handle the transition and maintenance of college life. 

“These skills include fact checking, deep breathing, utilizing social support, going for walks, reading and more,” Zimmerman said. “Clients are encouraged to try out different skills to see what works best for them, in order to be sure their specific needs are met.”   

Zimmerman often recommends reading as one of the tools to transition into college life. 

“I often suggest reading as a coping skill,” Zimmerman said. “It allows individuals to explore new worlds and stories, which in turn helps regulate their current emotions, slow down anxious thoughts and offers a distraction to allow them to transfer from an emotional mindset to a wise mindset.” 

Melanie Dusseau is an associate professor of English at the University of Findlay. 

“Reading for pleasure can help us escape from a world often filled with stress and anxiety,” Dusseau said in an email interview. “Kicking back with a novel is a wonderful form of self-care for the imagination.” 

Paige Longmore is a senior pre-veterinarian student at UF and a lover of fiction books. 

“It’s like having a reward system to be able to read after a long day,” Longmore said. “Your body is tired and for those who have racing minds at night, you can make your mind focus on something else.” 

While most students will scroll before falling asleep, Dusseau believes reading before bed produces more restful sleep. 

“Reading is a great replacement for mindless time suckers like social media,” Dusseau said. 

According to Dusseau, not only does reading provide a way to de-stress, it also can strengthen academic skills. 

“Reading fiction increases ‘deep’ reading skills, which can help you be a better thinker, writer, and communicator in all academic disciplines,” Dusseau said. 

While Dusseau said that only about 10 percent of college students are regular readers, any college student can still become a reader.  

“Genre fiction from the worlds of fantasy, science fiction, romance, mystery, horror, and post-apocalyptic offer a little something for every taste and style,” Dusseau said. “Not sure where to start? Join UF’s book club: Books Beyond the Arch.” 

In addition, students can access books in the Shafer Library or local bookstores. 

“Two in NW Ohio that I recommend are Gathering Volumes in Perrysburg, OH and Finch & Fern Book Co. in Sylvania, OH,” said Dusseau.  

For Longmore, her exploration and love of reading began back in high school. 

“I would find random books to read or I would ask friends for recommendations who also liked to read,” said Longmore. “Back in high school during my study hall, I would sit and read.” 

With Longmore’s current college life and busy schedule, she normally reads most in the summer or on winter break for about an hour in the evenings.  

“(The best way to read is) in bed with blankets, a cold room, and a candle going,” Longmore said.