Staying Mentally Healthy During College

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Students often focus mainly on their physical health meaning they tend to ignore their mental health. Through college, unusual stress on a student's mind can occur due to the pressure and responsibility that is created while living away from home. These mental illnesses could have serious effects such as suicide and self- injurious behavior. However, there are also several mild effects that are also important to seek help about.



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According to the chart, more than 35% of students have felt overwhelmed more than nine times over the course of the past school year. Between midterms, volunteer work , part-time jobs, college can be a lot to handle. In most cases, the feeling of being overwhelmed usually begins with tiredness.  In order to break the overwhelment, it is important to plan out your own individual needs and try to accomplish them. Once your needs are fulfilled, your body creates a feeling of higher energy which causes happiness and lowers your overwhelment.

Depression/sadness is another common mental issue that a lot of college students can relate to. Depression affects you by giving you the inability to function through your everyday life.  According to the World Health Organization, depression affects 121 million people but only 25% of those people have access to effective treatments. There are many signs and symptoms of depression which could be treated before it gets worse. Some of these symptoms include: social withdrawal, change in appetite, irritability, increased use of drugs or alcohol, and many other symptoms. If you see these symptoms occurring in a friend, room mate, or classmate, seek help. Do not delay seeking help because symptoms may get worse and serious actions such as suicide may occur.

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There are many ways to stay mentally healthy. Some of the most important ways are staying physically and socially active.Being physically and socially active allows the mind to create positive messages and helps keep your mindset in the right direction.Also another important way is to set goals for yourself. Having these goals for yourself, helps you realize that in life, you have something to achieve. This gives you the drive to stay happy and have positive energy. After you reach your goals, it gives you a reason to celebrate and enjoy the accomplishment you made in your life. 

Here at Adelphi University, we offer free, confidential counseling with a psychiatrist or social work intern that will help you along the way with your mental health issues. Even if you feel you do not have any problems, the Student Counseling Center (SCC) is always here to talk to you. They will help you with your problems from family or relationship issues to problems concentrating in class.  They also provide useful information, workshops, and group counseling for those who are nervous about talking alone. Students can schedule an appointment by visiting the SCC in the University Center Room 310. The SCC is open Monday-Friday during these hours of operation.