If you find the pace of college life stressful, you’re not alone. The pressure to keep up can take a toll on your well-being, especially if you’re already living with a mental health condition. Academic and social demands can make these conditions worse. Sometimes, they can also bring new issues to the surface.
Research from the National Education Association shows that most college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health condition. Almost a third of students experience depressive symptoms, while almost half experience significant anxiety. This experience of anxiety is especially common in young women. Treatment is essential in such cases, but not everyone receives the level of care they need.
Needing professional support for your mental health is common, with options available to meet every level of care. If you’re struggling, exploring your treatment options can make a huge difference in your daily life and overall happiness.
Call 888-491-3722 Today.
Our Admissions Counselors Are Here to Help You.
What to Do When Your Coping Skills Aren’t Working
Healthy coping skills are the first line of defense against mental health challenges. These skills, which can include self-care or relaxation techniques, can help reduce everyday stress. They can also be powerful tools to address mild mental health symptoms.
Sometimes, when symptoms are more severe, these coping skills aren’t enough to fully manage the problem. This often indicates a need for a shift in strategy. This can include new coping techniques, but it may also signal the need for a professional treatment plan.
Mental Health America offers some strategies for when your current coping skills aren’t working. These include:
- Remaining open to coping skills that may not have immediately worked in the past, such as practicing gratitude or meditating
- Practicing self-compassion and acceptance
- Adopting a variety of coping skills, including ones you can use at any point
- Allowing yourself to express your emotions rather than trying to hide or suppress them
- Acknowledging your limits and seeking or accepting help
If your current coping skills are coming up short, consider speaking with a medical professional. Your primary care provider can perform an initial screening and refer you to a mental health specialist.
What to Do When Weekly Therapy Doesn’t Feel Like Enough
Some college students struggling with their mental health attend weekly therapy sessions. For many, this weekly session can be very helpful. Others may have symptoms that exceed what a single weekly appointment can address. If you are attending weekly sessions and still struggling, it may be time to adjust your plan.
The first step is usually to share these concerns directly with your therapist. They may suggest meeting more often or trying a different therapeutic approach. The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers an overview of the different types of psychotherapy, which can help you understand your options before talking with a provider. Your provider may also discuss the possibility of medication with you. If you’re already taking medication, it may be time to consider an adjustment in dosage or a different medication.
Some individuals need more structure or a higher level of care than standard outpatient therapy offers. Intensive outpatient programs can provide structured treatment several days a week, often for a few hours each day. Partial hospitalization programs offer full-day treatment several days a week. In both cases, you continue living at home. These programs can be a good fit for students who need more than weekly sessions, but do not require overnight hospital stays.
Should I Take a Mental Health Leave From College?
Some college students may need a break from their studies to address their mental health at a higher level of care. This is known as a leave of absence. Taking a leave is a major decision that can impact your academic and financial aid status. For this reason, intermediate steps that let you keep studying while seeking help may be more appropriate. Mental Health America (MHA) notes that these can include seeking accommodations from professors, dropping some classes, or becoming a part-time student.
If you’re still considering a leave of absence, MHA lists some key signs that one may be necessary. These include:
- If your mental health is disrupting your ability to participate in academic and campus life, even with support and accommodations
- If you feel you are in crisis
- If you believe the stress and pressure of college is seriously disrupting your ability to focus on recovery
- If you feel you need an increased level of care beyond your current regimen
Mental Health America further outlines some essential steps to take if you have decided to request a leave of absence.
Returning to College After a Mental Health Crisis: Planning Ahead
Returning to school after a mental health crisis can feel overwhelming for many students. The University of North Carolina notes that students can face missed coursework, academic pressure, new social dynamics, and a readjustment to routine all at once. Knowing what to expect and planning ahead can make the transition more manageable.
One key point in readjusting is not to overwhelm yourself or compare yourself to others. The Jed Foundation notes that nearly one in four college students take more than four years to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. As long as your financial aid status permits, they recommend beginning with a lighter course load rather than jumping into a full-time schedule. If you do pursue a full-time schedule, they recommend balancing difficult courses with more approachable ones.
The Jed Foundation also stresses the importance of planning. Working with your treatment team ahead of time can help ensure you have a strategy in place. This can remove a significant amount of stress, from tackling university requirements to discussing your leave of absence with peers.
Finally, be sure to consider any accommodation you may need. The Jed Foundation suggests working with your campus’s disability services office or similar department. Staff can help you address any challenges surrounding your condition and ensure you have the support you need to succeed.
How to Find Mental Health Support After College Counseling Sessions Run Out
Many students who use college counseling services meet a limit on the sessions they can attend. If you are nearing that limit, it’s worth raising the topic with your counselor. Counseling staff can often help connect you with providers in the community and prepare for that process. If your symptoms are intense enough that you may need more than weekly therapy, you can use these same resources to look for an appropriate outpatient program.
Before your last session, it can be helpful to gather information on your treatment plan and goals to share with a new provider. You may also consider booking your first appointment with the new provider before your campus sessions end. These small steps can save you time and energy down the line.
Find Support for Your Mental Health at Luna Recovery for Women
If you are struggling with your mental health, help is available. Your campus counseling center, student health service, primary care provider, or therapist can help you understand what you’re experiencing and determine what support may be appropriate.
If you are looking for an outpatient treatment program or considering a leave of absence for more intensive assistance, we are here to help. Luna Recovery for Women is proud to offer women-centered mental health and addiction treatment that empowers women to heal in a compassionate, supportive, and understanding environment.
To learn more about treatment options, and our Brookline, MA location catered to college students, please contact Luna Recovery for Women at (888) 491-3722 today.