For a lot of people, starting college can be the biggest and most overwhelming transition so far in their life. It’s filled with unknowns, doubts, and about 150 pages of reading per week. In times of such drastic change, it becomes difficult to make time for yourself and your mind. Here are some ways to stay on top of your mental health while starting a new semester:
Go In With a Plan
If you utilized resources such as therapy or medications at home, don’t hesitate to continue your plan of treatment into the school year. If you have struggled with mental health before, it’s likely that you will continue to do so when thrust into a brand new environment, so make sure to prepare for this ahead of time and know what you can do when things get hard. Sit down with your parents or people who care about you and discuss what you will need to put you in the best mental state possible to kick off the new semester.
Try Not to Get Caught Up in Social Media
We’ve all had moments when scrolling through Snapchat stories of everyone going out and having a blast makes us want to throw our phones across the room. For me, this happened during Welcome Week. I wondered how I was the only one feeling homesick when everyone else seemed to be having the time of their life. It finally hit me that everyone was struggling to some degree. When someone floods their feed with photos of them having the “best” time, it’s likely because they are trying to prove this to themselves. When using social media, try to be aware that most of the posts you see are just there to put up a facade and don’t always represent how someone truly feels.
Sleep, Sleep, Sleep!
I had no idea how much my body relied on sleep until I started to doze off in my lectures. It turns out that doctors weren’t kidding when they said young adults need at least 8 hours of rest every night. Although it’s clear that sleep deprivation can lead to sickness (in my case, the freshmen plague), many people don’t realize how deteriorating a lack of sleep can be on your mental health as well. A recent study in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry proved that a poor sleep schedule can cause “repetitive negative thinking,” a pattern in which people are trapped in a mental state that forces them to only see the worst out of situations. Since this issue can be the root of various mental illnesses, it’s extremely important to carve out time for those 8 hours in order to help remain in a more positive head-space.
Take Time for Yourself
It wasn’t until about day five of Welcome Week that I was truly by myself for more than a few minutes. I had spent so much time trying to build relationships and socialize that I had left no time for just me. Since then, I’ve tried to spend at least a couple hours every day to be alone beyond just studying or watching Netflix. This time can be spent journaling, meditating, exercising, or whatever leaves you feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever the day brings.
Utilize Resources on Campus
Certain methods of care don’t work the same for everyone, but there are a variety of options that make it easy to find one that’s best for you. AU’s Counseling Center offers up to six free therapy sessions until they will refer you to an off-campus psychologist. If you need immediate help, remember you can always visit the Counseling Center’s Urgent Care Drop-In Hours. Beyond individual care, the Counseling Center also offers group therapy, workshops, consultations, and a variety of online mental health resources. While counseling isn’t everyone’s first choice, consider finding someone you trust on campus, such as a roommate or RA, who will be there to listen and offer support. Lastly, remember that your family or friends from home are always just one FaceTime away and will always be there for you unconditionally.