Adjusting to college life

Adjusting to college

Starting college or returning to campus can be exciting but also stressful.
A previous post discusses strategies for a successful transition to college.
A recent article by the JED foundation suggests the following strategies (1):
Take Care of Yourself (1)
• Find a lounge or café if you like a cozy place to hang out.
• If you know that a morning workout helps you manage stress, find out how early the gym opens.
• Between classes or activities, try to leave yourself enough time to enjoy a moment of respite before jumping into the next thing. It could be just sitting on a bench in the quad and taking some good, deep breaths.
• Carve out some time every week to talk to someone you trust and can be open with.
• Establish small rituals for yourself in the mornings and evenings that help you reset, such as writing in a journal, taking stock of your schedule and tasks, listening to music, or taking a walk outside.
Get Connected (1)
• One of the most powerful ways to take care of your mental health is to form meaningful connections at school. Examples, including keeping in touch with friends, making new friends, student organizations, recreational leagues, volunteer organizations, affinity groups, etc.
Find your community at college (1)
• Most schools have comprehensive lists of clubs and organizations on their website that you can look at even before you get to campus.
• Talk to staff in the Student Life or Student Activities office. They can often help you find social activities as well as information about internships, leadership roles, work-study programs, and more.
Look at the Big Picture of Mental Health (1)
• While speaking with a mental health professional can be extremely valuable when you are really struggling, it is important to also remember things you can do to promote your mental health—like getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, engaging with others, mindfulness practices, etc.

Other thoughts:

By R. Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA OSU-CCS Psychiatrist

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Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented. Permission to use/cite this article: contact patel.2350@osu.edu

Reference: 1. https://jedfoundation.org/resource/going-to-campus-mindfully/

Coping with Homesickness

By R. Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA OSU-CCS Psychiatrist

For college students, leaving home and going to college brings a lot of new and exciting opportunities, along with challenges.  This transition can also be stressful, and a time when college students might feel home sick, especially during the first few weeks of starting school.

The JED foundation, offers some helpful  strategies to deal with feelings of homesickness:

  • Bring something to college that gives you comfort and/or reminds you of home, such as pictures of friends and family or your favorite set of sheets.
  • Get involved with campus organizations and activities. As these connections strengthen, feeling of loneliness will ease.
  • Make a plan to stay connected with your existing support network. This contact can be in the form of phone/video calling, texting, and other ways of communicating with loved ones from home; including seeing them in person.
  • Try to find a balance between keeping in touch with friends and family with time spent getting to know your new surroundings and new people.  After the first few days or weeks it might be good to try to cut back on this a bit and to focus more on campus life and school.
  • Don’t isolate: sign up for activities, meet people on your hall, find study groups for your classes, get involved in a religious group, or attend a club that you normally wouldn’t attend.
  • Homesickness usually goes away after a few weeks, but if it doesn’t there are other resources available for you on campus to help you work through a difficult transition period.

In addition, it may be helpful to plan some time to visit friends/family a few weeks ahead and periodically during the semester.  This may also give you something positive to look forward to.

What are some helpful campus resources?

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By R. Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA OSU-CCS Psychiatrist

 Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.

Multi-modal options for mental health support

By R. Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA OSU-CCS Psychiatrist

College students can experience a broad variety of mental health concerns impacted by a variety of factors.

As a result, it is important for students to keep in mind that there are a variety of solutions and supports available.

While individual counseling, group counseling, psychiatry at our agency are good options, it is important for students to consider all of the resources available to them based on their situation/need, timeliness, and availability.

What if I need immediate assistance or if I am in crisis?

If you are in crisis, go here: https://ccs.osu.edu/about-us-and-our-services/need-immediate-assistance/

  • The link above includes info on Crisis text and call options.

What if I need to talk to someone after hours?

Go here: https://ccs.osu.edu/after-hours-services/

What are some other options for mental health support on campus? 

  • OSU SMART LAB. Uses biofeedback to help you identify sources of stress, problem solve ways to reduce stress, and practice relaxation techniques with our biofeedback software
  • Community Provider Database through OSU Counseling and consultation Service.  You can screen and find providers based problem area, specialty, insurance accepted, distance from campus.
  • Call the number on your insurance card, and they can refer you to a mental health provider in network in your area.
  • OSU Wellness coaching:
    • They aim to help you create the life you want to live, both now and in the future by help you create strategies that leverage your strengths to create and achieve meaningful goals.
  • Nutrition coaching They help you optimize your well-being by creating strategies and addressing barriers to holistic wellness.
  • Relationship education. Strategies on how to practice healthy relationships and prevent sexual violence
  • Alcohol and other drug prevention services. Uses a multi-modal approach to help you address these concerns.

What about self help resources?

What if I am not sure of what I need for mental health support?

  • Consider scheduling a phone screening service through OSU Student Life Counseling and Consultation Service. This phone appointment with our providers can help you figure out services that may be best for your needs, either with us or with one of our partner offices on or off campus.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.