College life is an exciting time where you will discover new freedoms and opportunities. But making the transition from high school to college isn’t an easy one for everyone. College classes are way harder than high school classes. You also have a lot more responsibilities to manage. Plus the stressful experience of living with roommates and being away from home for the first time. All this can make a major impact on your mental health. Depression is common among college students so you must manage your mental health. It’s one of the main reasons students drop out of college and can be a gateway issue if left untreated.
So regardless if you know that you have a mental illness or find yourself experiencing one for the first time in college. You can always take some actions on your own to strengthen your mental health. To make sure that you succeed in college and know where to find help and support. I’ve provided some tips and resources to help make college an enjoyable experience so you can put your best foot forward.
Maintain Healthy Relationships
Surround yourself with good people. Create healthy strong social connections with people who will be supportive. Look for activities that will allow you to meet new people like clubs, volunteering, or sports.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is very important for your mental health. Don’t stay up too late and try to get to bed at a reasonable time. Try to keep your room dark and quiet at night. This will ensure that your brain can settle down at the end of the day so you will have an easier time falling asleep. Also, try and wake up around the same time everyone morning so that you can build a healthy sleeping routine.
Eat Well
Make sure that you are eating a variety of healthy and nutritious foods regularly. To try to avoid the all you-you-can eat buffets and late-night pizza runs. Make sure that your eating enough so that you can feel and perform your best.
Limit your Alcohol and Caffeine intake
It’s easy to overdo it as a student but excessive use of caffeine and alcohol use is really bad for your physical and mental health. It’s ok to say no at parties and make sure that you are drinking plenty of water.
Time Management
You already have so much going on between homework, test, and meetings. To keep from becoming overwhelmed with all of your schoolwork keep a planner to keep track of assignment due dates, tests, quizzes, and meetings. Take a look at how you’re spending your time and create a schedule to find the right balance for you. Check out my post 8 Ways To Be A Successful Student for some organization tips.
Do Something Fun
Get out and do something fun. Being a college student is very stressful be sure to make time to get out and do something fun to relieve some of that stress. Whether it’s playing a video game, reading a book, or going out with a friend. Make time to get out and do something fun.
Physical Fitness
Exercise is important for your mental outlook and helps with depression. Try and get out for at least two hours a week go for a swim, a jog, or a bike ride. Just make sure you’re taking a break from your studies and staying active.
Reach Out
You are not alone and there are lots of people who can help. Talke to a trusted adult or student services about what’s bothering you. Below is a list of resources available to students who may be struggling with mental illness. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help you don’t have to do it alone.
Mental Health Resouces:
- Critical Mental Health Resources for College Students
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
- SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse)
Related Post: 7 Simple Ways to Reduce the Symptoms of Anxiety
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