Taking Care of Your Mental Health in College

When people talk about mental health in college, we often hear about self-care tips like face masks and getting enough sleep. These can be very beneficial to our mental health, but many people struggling with mental illness and/or trauma need more than traditional self-care to make it through the day, and it really comes down to listening to what our bodies and minds need. Here are some ideas that have helped me and may help you.

Talk to your professors

Many professors are understanding and should be, and letting them know a little bit about what is going on can go a long way. Some may give you extensions on an essay if you are having an extra hard time the week it is due or will help you get through your assignments. Most of them want us to be happy and healthy and know that we are able to actually learn the material.

Let go of perfection

Perfectionism often goes hand and hand with mental illness. But perfection does not exist. We all have the “best” that we can do, but it is unfair to expect you to do as good at school, at work, etc., while in differing circumstances. Our best changes every day. What is your best today is different from what it was yesterday and what it will be tomorrow. We can only ask ourselves to be our best for that moment, and that might be taking a nap or not studying as much as you would have last semester for a test.

Let yourself ask for or have what you need

This goes along with talking to your professors often. If you feel you need an extension on something or need to miss class, only you can ask for those things. Make sure you identify what you need and what you may not need permission for. If you need to take a nap or watch a sad movie so you can cry, do those things. You are the only one who knows your boundaries and what you really need.

Take time to do things you like

Unfortunately, a lot of people struggling with their mental health barely find the time or effort to do their responsibilities, so finding the time to do something fun can be a struggle. If you make time to do what you enjoy, like going to the local cat cafe, meditation, or getting ice cream with your best friend, you may find yourself more energized to do your responsibilities.

Routine, or lack of routine

This is not for everyone, but personally, I find routine necessary for a healthy mind. Having minimal change day to day can feel safe and without surprises. On the other hand, a routine can make people feel uncomfortable and bored. You have to find what works for you.

Get help, including professional

Getting help can come in many different forms. You can see a therapist, a religious figure, talk to a friend, call your mom, call a hotline, etc. Therapists are great, but unfortunately not available to everyone. The College of Charleston has a counseling center, and its phone number is 843-953-5640. Getting help also doesn’t have to just be talking. People who are struggling can find normal daily activities stressful or difficult, so ask if someone can help you with them. See if your friend or family member would make dinner for you one night or help you clean your room. The people who love us want to help us, but we have to take the step to ask for help.

 

If you need to talk with someone, here are a list of hotlines:

ABORTION

Post Abortion Counseling 1-800-228-0332

National Abortion Federation Hotline 1-800-772-9100

National Office of Post Abortion Trauma 1-800-593-2273

 

ABUSE

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Stop it Now! 1-888-PREVENT

 

ADDICTION

Marijuana Anonymous 1-800-766-6779

Alcohol Treatment Referral Hotline (24 hours) 1-800-252-6465

Families Anonymous 1-800-736-9805

Cocaine Hotline (24 hours) 1-800-262-2463

Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

National Association for Children of Alcoholics 1-888-554-2627

Ecstasy Addiction 1-800-468-6933  

 

CANCER

American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345

National Cancer institute 1-800-422-6237

 

CHRONIC ILLNESS/PAIN

Rest Ministries 1-888-751-REST (7378)

Watchman Fellowship 1-817-277-0023

 

CRISIS #S

United Way Crisis Helpline 1-800-233-HELP

Christian Oriented Hotline 1-877-949-HELP

 

CRISIS PREGNANCY HELPLINE

Crisis Pregnancy Hotline Number 1-800-67-BABY-6

Liberty Godparent Ministry 1-800-368-3336

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE

National Domestic Violence Hotline Spanish 1-800-942-6908

Battered Women and their Children 1-800-603-HELP

RAINN 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

 

EATING DISORDERS

Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention 1-800-931-2237

Eating Disorders Center 1-888-236-1188

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders 1-847-831-3438

Remuda Ranch 1-800-445-1900

 

FAMILY VIOLENCE

Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310

 

GAMBLING

Compulsive Gambling Hotline 1-410-332-0402

 

GRIEF/LOSS

GriefShare 1-800-395-5755

 

HOMELESS/SHELTERS

Homeless 1-800-231-6946

American Family Housing 1-888-600-4357

 

LGBTQIA+

Helpline: 1-800-398-GAYS

Gay and Lesbian National Hotline 1-888-843-4564

Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR  

 

SELF-INJURY

S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT

 

SUICIDE

Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 

1-800-273-TALK (8255) 

Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-827-7571

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• mental health
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