How Can You Stay Sane through College

Colleges can at times be a really overwhelming place. I am not saying this to frighten you but students often face problem when they just begin college.

If you are feeling depressed, anxious, suffering from an eating disorder or any other complex mental concern, let me clarify, you are not alone.

“University was pitched to me as ‘the best years of your life’ and there is definitely an anxiety among young people to live up to that expectation. For those of us who struggle with mental illness at university you can feel constant disappointment for not fitting the student stereotype”, pointed out Aoife Inman, a 2^nd-year student. She added, “Moving away from home and the securities of that environment means that students are often left without a safety blanket if we begin to struggle.”

Here are some of the most common mental health concerns faced by the college students and the ways to cope with them.

Depression

Depression is prevalent among college students around the world. Lack of adequate sleep, improper eating habits and little to no physical activity makes up the best recipe for depression. Moreover, the stress that comes in with academics by default, the pressure to score high, conflict with the roommates if staying in a hostel, financial worries, and failed relation at times force the college students to drop out.

Know the Symptoms

Feeling sad or anxious is common. These emotions tend to pass away. In case, you keep on feeling anxious for days at a stretch and it starts interfering normal life, you are probably suffering from depression.

Here are a few more signs and symptoms

• Low mood

• Persistent loss of interest

• Decreased energy

• Increased tearfulness

• Frustration, even over petty issues

• Restlessness or agitation

• Angry outburst

• Feelings of guilt

• Death or suicidal thoughts

Steps to Undertake

If you think you are suffering from depression, get medical help as soon as possible. Apart from that, you can take up a few more measures.

• Develop a support system of friends, family members, and support professionals

• Establish as well as maintain consistent sleeping habit

• Exercise regularly

• Eat healthy

• Take advantage of technology to remain connected

Eating Disorder

Eating disorder may affect people of varying age groups but they are more prominent among the college students.

If detected at an early stage, it is possible to treat eating disorder but in most instances, they don’t get detected early and lead to a serious medical condition. It is capacitated to damage multiple organs of the body, often causing death.

Know the Symptoms

Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are very common eating disorders. However, there are various other disorders like avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder, body image disorder, binge eating, food phobias, etc. Here are a few warning signs.

• Repetitive or constant eating

• Binge eating

• Sudden development of interest in ‘healthy eating’

• Avoidance of meals

• Intense fear of weight gain

• Feelings of guilt regarding binge eating

• Self-esteem related to body image

Steps to Undertake

Getting professional aid is the best thing you can do if you are suffering from an eating disorder.

You can take up a few measures yourself as well.

• Find yourself a support group

• Give a boost to self-esteem getting involved in rewarding activities

• Avoid dieting or skipping meals

• Know your normal weight

Substance Abuse

Alcohol poses as one of the most commonly abused substances by the college students. However, there is also the abuse of the stimulant prescription drugs that is used by the students for staying awake and study. Substance abuse has been a major concern for the college students contributing to several unfortunate circumstances.

Know the Symptoms

Substance abuse affects people from different walks of life and socio-economic status. It wreaks havoc on mind and body and may lead to death. Abuse of most substances tends to produce several noticeable signs and symptoms.

• Abrupt weight change

• Bloodshot eyes

• Constricted or dilated pupils

• Depression

• Lethargy

• Sudden changes in the personality

• Involvement in criminal activities

• Inability to sleep

• Loss or increase in the appetite

• Poor physical coordination

• Needle marks on different parts of the body

• Irregular heartbeat

Steps to Undertake

Professional help is a must when it comes to treating addiction. But it is not enough to get professional help. You need to help yourself as well if you want to make the change towards the better.

• Remind yourself the reason you need the change for

• Set specific and measurable goals

• Ask support from friends and family members pointing that you are eager to change

• Opt for healthy lifestyle changes

• Be patient

Make sure to take mental health as seriously as possible. If you feel that you are having an issue, don’t shy away of seeking help. Get aid as soon as possible to avail better chances of recovery.

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