This Mental Health Awareness Month, Mental Health Haven in Stuart, FL explains how we can support college students.
College: A New Chapter In Your Life
Many college students may experience difficulty or emotions that are hard to overcome. Homesickness, academic pressure, feeling alone, body image concerns, and parental expectations can all affect one’s mental health. They can make you feel discouraged and apathetic about life.
Although college is supposed to be a time of growth and achievement, the struggles of trying to keep up with life’s demands can be unexpected, frightening, and new. When struggling with mental health, discussing these emotions can even be uncomfortable. We want to let you know that your emotions are valid.
Caring For Yourself During The College Years
Even if you haven’t experienced mental health issues in the past, it’s important to prepare for the emotional demands of college. Self-care is key – get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and eat nutritious meals. It’s also important to make time for hobbies and social activities. Finding a healthy balance and keeping a regular schedule can help you maintain a positive mood. If you need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Most schools will have academic, health, and mental health services available, so make sure you know what’s provided and where to find it.
How Do Mental Health Issues Show Up In College Students?
- Depression/Affective Disorders: Difficulties with schoolwork, loss of interest in college activities, changes in eating and sleeping, and feelings of despair are some of the symptoms that come with depression and affective mood disorders and can be further impacted by college life.
- Anxiety/Panic Disorders: The stressors of college can be even more prominent for those with anxiety and other panic disorders. Feelings of nervousness, dread, and burnout can come from academic responsibilities and busy schedules, contributing to an increased social pressure to succeed and belong.
- ADD/ADHD: Inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and struggles to keep organized impact your college life more than you’d think. Experiencing these impulses can contribute to other problems, such as depression and anxiety, making time management harder than ever.
- Bipolar Disorders: Manic-depressive episodes can greatly contribute to how you experience college, leading to chronic stress, impulsive behaviors, and difficulties with academic life. Most of all, it presents huge challenges for those trying to experience friends and relationships when left unmanaged. Bipolar disorder typically emerges in late adolescence and early adulthood, often coinciding with a young person’s first time leaving their family and support system at home.
- OCD: Obsessive-compulsive disorder can create intrusive thoughts that impact your academic life, causing compulsions that hinder your ability to complete tasks and achieve your goals.
- Early Psychosis: Signs of early psychosis indicate schizophrenia among other psychotic disorders, causing frightening experiences that can leave you feeling alone and abnormal. Finding resources for your condition is crucial, and we can provide the encouragement you need to speak about your experiences and care for your well-being.
- Addiction: College is a time of experiencing new things which can often result in experimentation with drugs and alcohol. Many college students find themselves isolated, and afraid to share their difficulties with friends and family. Mental Health Haven offers a safe, non-judgemental space to work through what is causing you difficulty while away at school.
What To Do When You Experience A Mental Health Crisis At College
If you have a mental health issue that is either new or worsening, it may be necessary to take a break from your studies to focus on getting better. Most colleges and universities have a process in place to take time off in a mental health emergency. It is important to seek help from advisors and counselors as soon as possible if your mental health is beginning to affect your studies, so that you can find ways to adjust your schedule and complete the term. If your condition changes, the college support staff can help you adjust your plan accordingly.
Mental Health Haven In Stuart, FL Is Here To Support You
College can be a difficult experience, but it can also be an opportunity for growth. To ensure your success in college, it is important to prioritize your mental health. Look for on-campus resources, social connections, and ways to engage with your new community.
At Mental Health Haven, we help college students from all over the country by providing psychiatric consultations and individual psychotherapy. Our services are geared towards those with mental health issues, and we provide various resources and counseling to help college students manage common mental health problems. Our online and in-person services are:
- Initial Psychiatric Consultation. For new clients only. This time will be spent evaluating your current symptoms to help develop a personalized treatment plan to improve your overall picture of mental wellbeing.
- Psychiatric Follow-Up Visit. This visit will focus on medication management, psychotherapy, or both depending on your needs. If you have any specific needs please let us know before the meeting.
- Individual Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy has been shown to improve emotions and behaviors and to be linked with positive changes in the brain and body. It is often used in combination with medication.
Mental Health Haven has successfully provided integrative and holistic psychiatry services for many years to Stuart, FL, and the surrounding communities. With a focus on promoting overall mental health, nurse practitioner Chambers can help you find understanding and relief in person or through virtual appointments. Schedule your appointment and find out more by calling or texting 772-302-4352.
