As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of struggling with severe mental health problems while attending college, I understand the importance of accessing mental health resources on campus. Now more than ever, it is crucial for college students to know where to turn and how to get started in seeking help. In this blog post, I'll just outline a few things that I wish I knew during my time in college.
Research what your school has available: Many colleges and universities offer some form of counseling services for students. Take the time to research and familiarize yourself with the mental health resources available on your campus. This may include counseling services, mental health clinics, and student wellness programs. These resources can be a great starting point for managing your mental health, and even provide you some great groups and events to be apart of during your time at the university.
Know what you need:
While on-campus counseling services may be helpful for many students, for those who are dealing with more severe mental health issues such as depression, suicidal thoughts, or other challenges, it will more than likely be necessary to seek additional support. Outside of your school offered services. Don't be afraid to recognize when you need more specialized help and add a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist to your team of tools. It's important to prioritize your mental health and seek the level of support that is best suited to help you.
Don't be afraid to switch:
If you find that the mental health resources provided by your college are not meeting your needs, don't be afraid to explore other options. It could be as simple as not feeling a connection with the counselors on campus, or it may be that your school does not offer sufficient resources. In such cases, don't hesitate to look for alternative programs, groups, clubs, or other resources that may be available in your community or online. A simple Google search can be a helpful starting point if you're feeling lost and don't know where to start.
Break the stigma:
It's important to remember that seeking help for mental health issues is not something to be ashamed of. It takes courage to reach out and ask for support, and it's okay to prioritize your mental well-being. Don't let fear of judgment or embarrassment hold you back from seeking the help you need. Remember that mental health is something that together as a whole people need to talk about more.
Take action: Once you have identified the mental health resources that are available to you and that best meet your needs, take action. Don't procrastinate or let self-doubt hold you back. Take that first step, whether it's making an appointment with a counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist, or reaching out to a support group or online resource. Taking action towards seeking help is the hardest but most important step towards taking control of your mental health.
Seeking help for mental health issues in college is critical for your overall well-being. It's important to research and utilize the mental health resources available on your campus. Remember, you are not alone, and it's okay to ask for help. You deserve to prioritize your mental health and well-being as you navigate college is hard enough without all of the new struggles and problems that we are forced to face in their fucked up world.
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