Practical Advice for College Students Seeking Mental Wellness
College life can be a rollercoaster ride, filled with new experiences and challenges that can affect students' mental health. According to recent studies, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts are at an all-time high among college students.
A survey of 100,000 students from over 100 U.S. college campuses revealed that 36% of students experience anxiety, 41% exhibit symptoms of depression, 14% contemplate suicide, and 29% engage in non-suicidal self-injury. These numbers highlight the urgent need for proactive mental health care during these formative years.
Prioritizing mental well-being is vital for a fulfilling and meaningful college experience. Here are some practical tips to help college students navigate this critical period:
1. Prioritize Self-Care
College life can come with heavy pressure and new social circles, which often leads to neglecting personal needs. This can lead to burnout and negatively impact social and academic success. To counteract this, college students should prioritize self-care:
- Take short breaks between study sessions
- Allocate time each week for doing things they enjoy
- Practice deep breathing when feeling anxious
- Create and maintain a healthy sleep schedule
- Engage in regular exercise, even if it's just a casual walk around campus
2. Stay Connected with Friends and Family
Although college is a chance for new friendships, maintaining old connections can provide stability. It can offer comfort during stressful times, reminding students they're not alone in this journey.
- Plan weekly calls with parents or other family members
- Send messages or make calls to old high school friends regularly
- Reach out when feeling isolated or lonely
- Set time aside to reconnect with friends during holidays
3. Manage Stress with Time Management
Time management can be a challenge, but it's essential for managing stress and avoiding burnout. Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and social life can be difficult, but a solid plan can help.
- Break tasks into manageable steps
- Create a weekly schedule with dedicated time blocks, if needed
- Utilize tools like planners, calendars, or sticky notes to keep track of deadlines and prioritize tasks
- Learn when to focus on academics and when it's appropriate to relax and spend time with friends
4. Seek Help When Needed
Recognizing when help is needed and knowing how to ask for it is not a sign of weakness—it shows strength and resilience. Don't shy away from seeking support if the demands of college life become overwhelming.
Many universities offer free or low-cost short-term counseling sessions for students. Online therapy platforms are also available as a flexible and convenient option. National resources, like NAMI, Active Minds, The Jed Foundation, and Crisis Text Line, provide additional support for college students.
5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Focusing on physical health can positively impact mental well-being. Eating balanced meals, getting regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep are essential for maintaining mental sharpness and coping with stress.
6. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, gratitude, and affirmations, have been proven effective in alleviating anxiety and depression. They help calm the mind and reduce stress during high-pressure periods.
7. Balance Academics and Social Life
Finding the right balance between academics and social life is crucial for maintaining mental well-being in college. Set boundaries for leisure time, don't feel guilty about enjoying yourself, engage in activities you enjoy, join clubs, and play sports to strike a healthy balance.
8. Build a Positive Mindset
Positive thinking can help navigate challenges and make the most of college life. Set realistic expectations, practice self-compassion, celebrate small victories, and consider seeking a therapist if finding a positive outlook feels difficult.
9. Limit Social Media Use
Research indicates that excessive social media use can worsen mental health issues among college students. Monitor screen time, limit engagement, unfollow accounts that negatively affect mood, and take breaks during study sessions or exams.
10. Engage in Extracurricular Activities
College provides an opportunity to explore new interests, meet new people, and grow personally. Join clubs, volunteer, play sports, or participate in campus events to add structure to your days and embrace new experiences.
Embrace a holistic wellness approach for a successful college journey. Integrating mental health self-care tips into your routine can help you navigate college life effectively. If you feel you need more help, online therapy services provide tailored guidance and support. Don't face this journey alone—resources like online therapy are dedicated to helping you succeed in college and beyond.
- In light of the mental health challenges that college students face, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, it is essential to seek proactive solutions through science-backed methods like online therapy.
- The practice of mental health self-care, which includes techniques like stress management, self-care, and mindfulness, can be instrumental in maintaining mental health during college life.
- Prior research has demonstrated that combining a healthy lifestyle with mental health self-care can have a positive impact on both mental and physical well-being, particularly in the context of college students.
- In an era where anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among college students are at an all-time high, it is crucial to advocate for mental health awareness, resources, and support—be it through universities, online therapy platforms, or mental health organizations such as NAMI, Active Minds, The Jed Foundation, and Crisis Text Line.
