Six tips on how to stay mentally healthy in college

Written by: Katie Bragg, staff writer

DAYTON, Tenn — Becoming a college student can change your life in many positive ways, but it also comes with massive amounts of stress. Recent studies show that mental health struggles due to stress are becoming a significant issue in colleges and universities.

According to a study conducted by the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors, 95 percent of counseling directors surveyed say that students with serious psychological disorders are a growing concern on their college campuses.

According to the CDC, suicide is the third leading cause of death in young adults and is also an increasing problem among college students.

Maintaining good mental health is just as important in college as it is in the real world. Excessive homework, obligations to family and friends, extracurricular responsibilities and relationship problems make it difficult to stay mentally healthy. Here are six tips to make it easier:

  1. Drink plenty of water, keep a balanced diet, and find time to exercise. Physical fitness is beneficial to the mind as well as the body.
  2. Make sure you have healthy relationships. Your friends or significant other should not mentally drain you. Surround yourself only with people who help you and motivate you.
  3. College schedules can be overwhelming, and this is why it is important to take some quiet time for yourself. Go hammocking, take a walk outside, or rest in your room.
  4. Study hard and aim for As, but don’t overwork yourself! Try as hard as you can to not work past midnight. With the many responsibilities that college life has to offer, time management is very important.
  5. Sleep may be hard to fit in, but it is absolutely necessary for good health. Without it, you will not be able to effectively retain information or participate in athletic events or practices. Lack of sleep contributes to both physical and mental illnesses.
  6. If you think you have a mental health disorder or are having suicidal thoughts, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone. Contact trustworthy friends or begin counseling. Even if you don’t have a mental health disorder, counseling is a great option for effectively dealing with stress and everyday college struggles. 

Mental health disorders and suicide have always been concerns on college campuses, but the recent years have shown a significant increase in these problems. We should not overlook them when there are steps we can take to prevent and combat them. If you know a college student who is struggling, reach out to them or simply let them know you are there for them. Always be kind! You never know when it will make a difference in someone’s life. 

Katie Bragg is a freshman at Bryan College with a major in communication, media, and culture and a minor in worship arts. In high school, Katie participated in various activities such as gymnastics, 4-H clubs, and the worship team at her church. She has always enjoyed writing and hopes to pursue a career in the media.