And as a psychiatrist on acollegecampus, I find that Im only getting busier this time of year.
Adjusting from summer back to the grind of college life can be hard, to say the least.
I recommend these tips often in my conversations with patients.
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I hope they help you just the same.
Write down and challenge your negative thoughts.
Alotof people think theyre the only ones struggling while everyone else sails through life.
This can make it feel like it’s crucial that you pretend everything is perfect even when its not.
Then ask yourself again how likely it is that your original thought holds water.
Use an emotion wheel to name your feelings.
Not having the words to name your emotions ismore commonthan you might think.
Honestly, this can feel a bit silly at first.
you’re free to also make a habit ofjournalingevery time you use your emotion wheel.
Find concrete ways to remind yourself that your feelings will pass.
Just as your feelings are valid, they are also often temporary.
Here are some concrete ways to remind yourself that this too shall pass:
4.
I know, I know: Youve heard this one before.
But I promise that things really can look and feel different after yousleep.
As someone who went to med school, I completely understand the temptation to pull all-nighters in college.
Given the choice between one more hour of studying and sleep, I would choose sleep every time.
Set phone alarms to take study breaks.
This is somewhat related to the sleeping advice above, but its important enough to deserve special attention.
With that said, its actually really important to incorporate study breaks into your schedule.
Remember that you dont have to have it all figured out.
This can be unhealthy for so many reasons.
In reality, college is all about change and questioning whats right for you.
Be open to experimentation.
Take the ceramics class that has piqued your interest even if you were always into math.
Theres no shame in needing mental health support.
Nothing is wrong with seeking out that extra support.
Most campuses have a student health center that has mental health providers.
(Heres more informationabout finding mental health support in college.)
I promise you that it can be utterly normal to find college overwhelming, difficult, and disorienting.
Reach out to us.
We want to help.
Don’t just wait for a crisis to reach out.
