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Mental Health for College Students

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is your psychological, emotional, and social well-being1. It affects the way you feel, act, and think1. It can also help determine the way you handle stress, interact with others, and make choices1.

Factors that contribute to mental health2:

  • Genes or brain chemistry
  • Life experiences (trauma or abuse)
  • Family history

Warning signs associated with mental health2:

  • Eating and/or sleeping too much or too little
  • Low or no energy
  • Not participating in usual activities
  • Pulling away from friends and family
  • Feeling numb/no feeling
  • Thinking or harming yourself
  • Inability to perform daily tasks
  • Drinking, smoking, or using drugs more than usual
  • Serious mood swings
  • Hearing voices
  • Feeling helpless/hopeless
  • Feeling confused, angry, or upset

How common are mental health problems/ illnesses3?

  • More than 50% of people will have a mental health problems at some point in their life
  • 1 out of 5 Americans will have a mental health problem within a year
  • 1 out of 25 Americans suffer from a serious mental health illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression)

 

Mental Health and College:

Transitioning into the college lifestyle can be an exciting time and a big challenge. Handling school work and a social life while taking time for yourself can be very difficult in the first year. It can take practice to find a health balance. It is important to take time to focus on your own social, mental, physical, and spiritual health. Remember to keeping doing the activities you love and spending time with the people you care about.

*When dealing with a mental health problem it is important to remember that you are not the only one going through it.*

Where to receive help:

Most college campuses have many resources that students can go too to receive help. This includes; counseling, therapy, and much more. When you first notice the warning signs associated with mental health problems it is important to find help right away. If you feel uncomfortable asking for help from a stranger talk to a trusted friend, family member, or adult.

 

Ways to maintain healthy/positive mental health2:

  • Get professional help (if needed)
  • Stay positive
  • Help others
  • Develop coping skills

**Check your colleges website to get a full list of mental health resources available to you.**

 

 

References:

  1. Mental Health – Home Page – CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm. Accessed February 16, 2020.
  2. What Is Mental Health? What Is Mental Health? | MentalHealth.gov. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health. Accessed February 16, 2020.
  3. Learn About Mental Health – Mental Health – CDC. Centers for Disease Control and https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm. Accessed February 16, 2020.

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