By: Rebecca Castaneda
Behind every polished, designed, and edited video or even a perfectly written script, there’s something we don’t always see- pressure. For students in creative majors, success isn’t just about grades; it’s about talent, originality, and the need for validation. But what happens when creativity meets burnout? Creative majors, from fashion to multimedia to writing, are often told to think outside the box. But the pressure to always perform creatively can take a toll on mental health. That constant pressure can often blur the line between a project and self-worth.
Rebekka Craig, UIW Fashion Major, tells us, “Like making sure you get the right amount of sleep, you eat enough food, you put yourself first before whatever you’re working on. Your project isn’t as important as you. Your sleep is more important than whatever money you’re making. And putting yourself first will help you in the long run.” It’s a simple statement but one many creative students struggle to believe. For many students, stress goes beyond deadlines. Faith Perez, UIW Multimedia Journalism student, shares, “I feel as though even whenever you’re tired the world isn’t stopping. You just kinda have to keep going but it’s also important to take time and to take care of yourself.”
UIW offers many online mental health resources. Students can visit uiw.edu to find mental health support online. But it doesn’t just stop online; UIW’s student engagement center, located on the fourth floor, is the wellness center where students can find help in person. As students remind us, no project is more important than the student creating it.
