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Overcoming Mental Health Struggles Through Running: Embracing the Journey of Patience and Persistence

  • Writer: Rowena Poole | Mental Health Advocate | Guest Writer
    Rowena Poole | Mental Health Advocate | Guest Writer
  • Apr 8

Your mind and your body are connected. They are what make you... you! With this knowledge, it makes sense that they can affect each other. Poor mental decisions may affect you physically. Great physical decisions can help boost your mood. Physical exercise not only keeps your body in shape, but it can also help keep your mind in check too.

Overcoming Mental Health Struggles Through Running: Embracing the Journey of Patience and Persistence

By the time I was a sophomore in college, I had been struggling with anxiety and depression for nearly six years. At this point in my life, my depression only spiked once in a blue moon. But it was still there, at a baseline level, every single day. The main struggle I had was trying to find small joys in everyday life. I found myself crestfallen most days, with no real reason. I decided to give running a try. Getting lost in a run helps clear my mind. I can simply drain out the world. All the worries could melt—even if only while moving.


The Struggles With Running


I never considered myself super athletic. I still don’t. But I had been told in my youth that I have an excellent runner’s stride. There was a gym on campus with several treadmills. With my childlike hope, I stepped onto the treadmill, and I ran for the first time in a while. I ran out of breath very quickly, but I knew everybody needed to build up their miles. I tried to stay as hopeful and determined as I could for a long time. But for some reason, something would always go wrong in my body. I seldom ran out of breath anymore. That was something I could deal with. Instead, I was greeted with cramps or nausea. On lucky days, I could run a mile, but it was not something I could do consistently. I felt like a failure—like I couldn’t even do one of the most basic things humans are built for. I tried different tactics and pulled advice from several health professionals. I would fuel up before a run, I would not eat, I would use the bathroom before, I would stretch... but there was nothing that made a constant difference. So did I give up? Of course, I did! Several different times.


Frustration and Defeat


This thing, running, this very simple activity, was supposed to help my mental health. Yet somehow, it only ever made me upset. I was frustrated with myself and angry at my body. I was doing it a favor, yet it never gave me the endorphins I yearned for. I tried again with a new hope for a different result. But the cramps and nausea would be waiting for me like an alligator with its mouth open. I wanted so badly to make it work. I wanted to smack that alligator clean across the face. But how exactly does one even go about that? An alligator is not a creature you can provoke, and getting rid of bodily annoyances is not an easy feat with a simple answer. I felt completely defeated. I was defeated by my own body—for doing something good for it no less! How dare it betray me like this? How dare it fall apart and crumble instead of bearing a slight discomfort for a greater good? So I gave up again. I had an on-again-off-again relationship with running for several years. I wanted so badly to make it work. I wanted to be a runner- to call myself a runner. The fantasy of the title kept the hobby loosely in my grasp.


The Breakthrough


The important thing here is that I never gave up entirely. I never looked at a treadmill with disgust—only desire and a tad bit of jealousy. One day I had finished a strength training workout. I had a nice long stretch. I checked the time. There were still about twenty minutes until I had to be home to get ready for work. I shrugged and decided to give it a whirl. I stepped onto the treadmill and gradually increased my speed. I kept it at five miles per hour—a nice and steady pace. Slow, but quick enough for me to jog. Breathe through your nose, I remembered. I ran a mile. I could not believe the jubilation that was running through my body.


I was cautious going forward. Taking note of everything I had done, I did it again on my next gym day: weights, stretch, nice and easy run. I stayed on the treadmill to keep track of my pace and ensure I wasn’t going too quickly. I find that for me, running on an empty stomach is best. Breathing through your nose helps preserve your breath. I ran another mile. Then I was at three. Motivation kicked in, as it often does following action. I wanted to challenge myself further. Soon enough, I was able to run on solid ground.


My body had finally gotten used to running. All I had to do was start over and slow down. The mental benefits of running? I find myself chipper on the days that I run. I’m smiling now while I’m moving instead of internally scolding myself for not being enough.


Embracing the Journey


It’s never easy to start something new. It’s totally frustrating when you keep trying, and nothing works. But I have learned that it is all about building. Start slow, build tolerance, and never compare your personal progress to anyone else’s. Your journey is yours. The most helpful tool you can take with you is self-compassion. Be patient, stay determined, understand your body, and be kind to it. The mind and body are connected. Listen to what they tell you. New journeys can be long and arduous. When things get tough, remember why you started and keep the end in sight. Keep moving forward; even if you must crawl, continue to move. Don’t ever be afraid to start from the beginning. Trying a new approach is still progress. Every step, even baby steps, brings you forward.


💬 Ready to start your own healing journey?


Book a session with one of our compassionate therapists at Moody Melon Counseling. We’re here when you’re ready. 🍉



Carlie Malott

Rowena Poole

Mental Health Advocate | Guest Writer of Moody Melon Magazine

I am a multimedia storyteller with a passion for supporting mental well-being. With a background in animation and creative writing, I use my skills to share meaningful messages that promote understanding and positive change.

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Healing Through Motherhood: Jennifer’s Journey to Overcoming Childhood Trauma

  • Writer: Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
    Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
  • Mar 23

Note: This content is fictional and created with the intention to inspire, uplift, and support you on your mental health journey. If it feels discouraging, please feel free to disregard it—your well-being is always the priority.

Healing Through Motherhood: Jennifer’s Journey to Overcoming Childhood Trauma

Becoming a mother is often seen as a beautiful, transformative experience—one that brings joy, love, and new beginnings. For Jennifer, however, it became an unexpected path to healing, one that she never anticipated would help her recover from the trauma of her past. Her journey to motherhood was marked not only by the usual challenges of first-time parenting but also by the deep emotional work of confronting and overcoming childhood wounds that had shaped her identity.


Jennifer's childhood was far from ideal. Growing up in a home marked by emotional neglect and inconsistent affection, she often felt invisible and unimportant. Simple acts of affection, like being hugged or praised, were rare, and as a result, Jennifer grew up believing she wasn’t worthy of love or care. These feelings followed her well into adulthood, affecting her relationships and self-esteem. For example, she would often question her partner's love or push people away when they showed affection, afraid to be hurt. For years, Jennifer avoided confronting her past, pushing the pain down as best as she could. However, when she became pregnant with her first child, something shifted. The promise of new life, of nurturing and protecting a child, brought up buried emotions and forced Jennifer to face the shadows of her childhood.


Facing Her Fears: The Struggle to Heal


As Jennifer navigated the early stages of motherhood, she found herself in a battle between the love she felt for her child and the overwhelming fear that she might unknowingly pass on the same emotional scars that haunted her. One night, as she rocked her newborn daughter to sleep, Jennifer realized she was repeating patterns from her own childhood—becoming overly anxious about her baby’s safety, hovering too closely, and finding it hard to trust others to help. But instead of pushing those feelings aside, she leaned into them. She sought therapy, joined support groups for new mothers, and began to understand how her unresolved trauma was influencing her parenting. She realized that when her baby cried, she felt her own emotional wounds reopen—her fears of abandonment, of being unloved, resurfaced. With each therapy session, she started to work through these triggers, and slowly, she learned to offer her baby the love and attention she had longed for in her own childhood.


With each milestone her baby hit—first smile, first laugh, first steps—Jennifer began to heal. She took time each day to hold her child and remind herself that she was capable of providing unconditional love. In nurturing her child, she learned how to nurture herself. Jennifer started to create small rituals with her daughter, like reading bedtime stories or holding her in her arms without judgment, allowing her to connect to the nurturing energy she never received as a child. These seemingly simple acts helped her rewrite her story and see that healing could take place in the most unexpected of places.


Intentional Communication: Teaching Unconditional Love


One of the most profound steps Jennifer took on her healing journey was intentionally communicating with her daughter in a way that countered the emotional neglect she had experienced growing up. She made a conscious effort to remind her daughter, even in the midst of frustration or chaos, that her love was unwavering.


When her baby made a mess in the house, Jennifer would lovingly say, "I love you no matter what you do. It's okay to make a mess, it's okay to be imperfect, you are always loved."


When her daughter refused to sleep, Jennifer would whisper, "I love you even if you're tired and cranky, and I love you whether or not you want to go to sleep. You are my world, always."


This constant, unconditional affirmation became a cornerstone of Jennifer’s parenting. She would repeat these words during moments of challenge—when her daughter was picky about what to eat, when the house was chaotic with toys scattered everywhere, or when sleep was elusive. Jennifer knew these small but powerful statements would plant seeds of emotional security in her child. In doing so, Jennifer not only offered the love she had always craved but also broke the cycle of emotional neglect, showing her daughter that love is not dependent on behavior or meeting expectations. It is constant, unconditional, and ever-present.


The Healing Power of Motherhood


Jennifer’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love. She is now able to hold space for her trauma while also celebrating the joy of motherhood. Through her vulnerability and willingness to face her painful history, Jennifer has come to understand that healing is not linear—it’s messy, complicated, and often unexpected. One small moment, like her daughter looking into her eyes and reaching for her hand, reminded Jennifer that she could provide the love she never received. She now understands that recovery is possible with patience, self-compassion, and the courage to break old cycles.


An Eye-Opening Question


Have you ever wondered if your journey toward healing might be intertwined with a life-changing event like parenthood? Could becoming a mother help you break free from your past and rewrite your future?


💬 Ready to start your own healing journey?


Book a session with one of our compassionate therapists at Moody Melon Counseling. We’re here when you’re ready. 🍉



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Depression in College: My Hallmate Maya's Story (and What We Can All Learn)

  • Writer: Carlie Malott | Crisis Counselor | Guest Writer
    Carlie Malott | Crisis Counselor | Guest Writer
  • Mar 7
The Night Owl’s Dilemma: How I Finally Made Peace with Sleep in College

Ever since my hallmate, Maya, started her freshman year at college, I could tell something was up. At first, I thought she was just tired from all the late-night study sessions. But as the weeks went on, she stayed in her bed a lot, skipped meals, and hardly left our dorm. She told me she felt like she was “sinking in quicksand,” and that’s when I realized she was dealing with something way more serious than stress or a bad mood - she was battling depression.


A Peek into Our Dorm Life


Living near Maya made me see the raw side of mental health struggles. She’d stay awake all night, then sleep through most of the day. When she did get up, she’d often say she didn’t feel “worthy” to hang out with others or join group projects. Watching her beat herself up like that broke my heart. I tried to be there for her with little things: bringing her tea, inviting her to watch silly reality TV, or suggesting short walks around campus. Sometimes she’d smile and come along. Other times, she’d just shake her head and say she was too tired.


Why College Feels So Overwhelming


I always wondered why depression can feel so much heavier in college. I’ve heard counselors say it’s because our schedules are crazy, and there’s a ton of pressure to figure out our futures - like, who even knows what they want to do with their life at 19? We also have social media making everything look perfect, which can make real life seem super disappointing. Maya told me she felt like everyone around her was “crushing it” while she was struggling to get through a single day.



On top of that, many students juggle part-time jobs or internships while also taking challenging classes. There’s barely any time to step back and breathe. Dorm rooms become mini-offices, and we end up doing homework on top of laundry or skipping meals to finish group projects.


That hustle culture can totally mess with our heads.


Therapeutic Techniques that Help


I’m not an expert, but after watching Maya explore different therapy options, I’ve learned a few cool methods. I even tried some of these techniques myself because, let’s be real, college can make us all a little anxious.


1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Maya started talking to a campus counselor who introduced her to CBT. It basically teaches you to catch the negative thoughts in your head and replace them with more realistic ones. She said it was like “rewiring a bad signal” in her brain.


2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on coping strategies - especially for super intense emotions. Maya learned skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation, which helped her stay calm when she felt an emotional storm brewing.


3. Guided Imagery and Meditation: Our gym hosted a weekly relaxation circle. We’d lie on yoga mats, close our eyes, and imagine peaceful places - like a beach at sunrise or a quiet forest trail. It sounded cheesy at first, but just 15 minutes of calm made a huge difference in our stress levels.


New Innovations in Therapy


There are also some techy ways people are getting support:


● Teletherapy & Apps: With busy schedules, sometimes it’s impossible to visit an in-person therapist. Maya used an online counseling service through our university. There are also apps with guided breathing exercises, CBT journaling prompts, or mood trackers - pretty cool for managing mental health on the go.


● Campus Wellness Hubs: Our school just launched something called a “Wellness Studio,” where students can try light therapy for seasonal depression or use VR headsets for guided meditation. Maya said sitting in front of a bright light on cloudy days helped boost her mood.


Mental Health in the Workplace (Yes, Even for Internships!)


We also realized that mental health matters beyond campus. A lot of us are doing internships or part-time jobs. Stress doesn’t magically stop when you’re off campus; it can follow you to your workplace. Maya had a meltdown during her internship because she was scared of messing up.


She started talking openly with her supervisor (which felt huge because it’s scary to be vulnerable), and the supervisor was really understanding - letting her take short mental health breaks during the day. This taught me that workplaces are slowly becoming more aware of the importance of mental well-being.


Stories of Healing and Hope


While depression is tough, I’ve seen hope in Maya’s journey. She says she still feels sad sometimes, but she’s learned to spot the warning signs - like wanting to isolate for days - and reach out for help sooner. Our dorm is far from perfect, but we’re learning to watch out for each other. If we see someone missing from the dining hall for too long, we’ll knock on their door or send a friendly text.


Other students shared how group therapy sessions, supportive professors, or even a campus dog therapy event helped them find moments of relief. Everyone’s story is different, but one thing’s the same: nobody has to go through it alone.



A Final Word: You’re Not Alone


If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re drowning in your own thoughts, please remember that there’s always someone ready to listen. Whether it’s a friend, a professor, a therapist, or even a roommate who brings you random cups of tea - people do care.


College is hard, yes, but it’s also a place where you can discover the right support for your mental health.


If Maya can push through the dark days and find a path to feeling stronger, maybe you can, too. Don’t be afraid to reach out, explore new therapeutic techniques, or just ask for a hug when you need it. Your mental well-being matters, and there are so many resources out there waiting to help you find your way.


💬 Ready to start your own healing journey?


Book a session with one of our compassionate therapists at Moody Melon Counseling. We’re here when you’re ready. 🍉


Carlie Malott

Carlie Malott

Crisis Counselor | Guest Writer of Moody Melon Magazine

I’m a junior at Colorado College studying Psychology and Education. Passionate about mental health, I believe normalizing conversations about struggles fosters belonging and hope—values I strive to integrate into all my work.



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