Managing Mental Health in College

Managing Mental Health in College

What should be considered the best years are anything but for some? Managing mental health in college is of growing concern with a surge in common disorders.

Keyword(s): mental health in college

Roughly one in three college freshmen struggle with mental health. 

Sure, college is often called "the best years" of your life. But, that doesn't mean it's without challenges.

After all, when entering college, you're undergoing huge changes in your life. Many college students have to leave their home, friends, and family behind. 

Therefore, if you're suffering from anxiety or depression in college, remember, you're not the only one. 

There are also many things you can do to manage your mental health in college. Read below to discover what you can do!

1. Eat a Healthy Diet 

Nearly 60 percent of college students could suffer from malnutrition, according to one study from 2014.

This is partly due to the high costs of healthy foods. It's easy to always fall back on cheap fast food and junk food.

However, you need to get creative and financially savvy about how you spend your budget on groceries.  

Research has proven a strong connection between poor diets and high mental health disorders in young people. 

It's essential to make sure you're consuming a healthy and balanced diet to keep your body and mind on the right track.

2. Healthy Sleeping Patterns

College students are largely characterized as lazy and work shy by the media. Baby boomers imagine today's students sleeping in until noon most days.

But, in actual fact, college students are sleep deprived. The average college student sleeps for around 6-7 hours per night.

This is slightly less than the recommended amount of 7-9 hours.

However, even for the college students who are sleeping more than 9 hours, this could also cause damage to your mental health.

You can optimize your sleeping with regular bedtimes and wake-ups times. Also, make sure you get around 8 hours per night. 

3. Spend Time in Nature 

Are you regularly stuck in the library studying all day? This could damage your mental health. 

Your exam results could be harmed anyway if you're not in the right frame of mind. So, take a break from studying to go out into nature now and then.

Researchers have found that spending time walking in the woods or chilling in the park can fight off stress and depression. 

4. Don't Ask Too Much From Yourself

The top three reasons for mental health problems in college students are the pressure to succeed, academic performance and post-graduate plans.

It's totally understandable that you want to do well at college. After all, you're here to develop yourself academically.

However, this shouldn't threaten your mental health at the same time. It's important to remind yourself to slow down sometimes.

Academic achievements aren't everything. Just do your best and don't compromise your mental health.

5. Practice Mindfulness 

The mindfulness industry has grown dramatically over the past decade. Nearly 10 percent of people practice mindful meditation regularly. 

But, it really works. 

There is strong evidence that mindful meditation can help you to deal with depression and anxiety. You may be able to get access to classes at your college.

If meditation isn't your thing, you can also practice mindfulness through everything from a stroll in the park to yoga.  

6. Make Friends at College 

Many people make friends for life during their college years. 

Friends are an essential part of the college experience. But, they're also integral to ensure you maintain a healthy mindset.

We know that social relationships are at the core of a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself.

By joining an honor society, you can immediately get access to a whole bunch of like-minded college students. 

7. Physical Activity and Exercise

Around half of college students are inactive. This has been shown to take a toll on your mental health and overall happiness during your college years.

Make sure you stay physically active while keeping up with your studies. Take the opportunity to join a sports team at college. This is also a great way to make friends.

You just need to become an athlete at college. Just make sure you're regularly exercising for around 30-minutes a few times per week. 

8. Seek Help

College campuses have significantly increased investments in mental health services for students.

This allows you to get professional help free of charge while you're at college. This could include everything from therapy to counseling support.

However, seeking help could also be talking to your friends and family about your mental health problems. Remember, you're not alone in this struggle to get your head straight.

9. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol have long been a feature of college life. Many colleges and universities take a hard line on drugs and alcohol.

But, it's important to remember the mental health damage taking drugs and alcohol can cause. It's important to avoid drugs and alcohol to fight depression and anxiety.

Even though it's tempting to think that drugs and alcohol is the solution, the short term relief is not worth it. 

10. Make Time for Yourself 

It's common for college students to live by the rule of thumb: work, social and sleep—pick two.

It's important to make sure you get to enjoy the benefits of studying, making friends and getting a good night's sleep.

However, this simple division ignores the importance of making time for yourself as well. What's your hobby?

You may want to spend time playing a musical instrument or learning a new language. You need to make sure you find some time in your day for you.

Mental Health in College

If you ever experience problems with your mental health in college, you should return to our guide on how to manage it.

There is no simple solution to depression and anxiety. However, with these tips in mind, you're better prepared for the challenges ahead. 

Do you want to learn more about the Honor Society? You can explore the membership benefits here.