Dealing with Mental Health in College

1. Dealing with Mental Health
in College
By: Amanda Leibman and Amanda Moellendorf

2. Mental Health
Is defined as a state of well-being in which every
person realizes his or her own potential, and can
cope with the normal stresses of life. Who can
work productively and effectively, and is able to
make a contribution to her or his community
also can be defined as a person’s condition with
regard to their psychological and emotional
well-being.

3. Top 5 Mental Health Issues in
College Students
1. Impulsiveness
2. Depression
3. Anxiety
4. Eating Disorders
5. Suicide

4. Impulsiveness
Everybody experiences peer pressure especially in
college. For example you know you have to study for
your big exam that is tomorrow morning but all your
friends pressure you into coming out with them and
having a few drinks causing you to do the wrong thing
and failing the exam.

5. Depression
The “honeymoon” phase wears off and you start to get
homesick causing you to be sad all the time. 44% of
college students report having depression on top of
the pressure of receiving good grades and keeping
your parents proud can always have a strain on you.

6. Anxiety
This is the top mental issue in college students. There
are so many stressors around you while in college.
You may get anxiety from taking tests, doing
homework, and any academic responsibilities. Also,
social anxiety may occur when starting at college.
Your comfort zone that you have may established in
High School is gone now and you are expected to
participate in other social situations now.

7. Eating Disorders
Over 90% of teenagers have admitted that they try to
control their weight with dieting. Everyone is aware of
the “ freshman fifteen” this is when the eating
disorder usually starts. Common eating disorders that
are seen in college teenagers is binge eating, anorexia
and bulimia.

8. Suicide
All the previous mental health issue above may cause
suicidal thoughts or actions. Suicide is one of the top
causes of deaths in teenagers. You are not alone
though. Many of your college peers are having similar
thoughts about suicide because you aren’t quite sure
yet on how to handle all the emotions and it can be
overwhelming due to the stressors of college life.

9. How to Prioritize Mental
Health as a College Student
● Understand your limits
● Don’t wait to ask for help
● Come up with other healthier alternatives to deal
with stress
● Make sure you’re getting enough sleep
● Make time for yourself
● Surround yourself with people who will accept you
● Focus on your strong points and positivity
● Get treatment

10. How to Support Someone
with a Mental Health Illness
Educate yourself
Seek resources
Have realistic expectations
Be supportive
Let them have control
Encourage them to talk to someone
Convey hope

11. Tips to Feel Better Mentally
in College
Value yourself.
Take care of your body.
Surround yourself with good people.
Learn how to deal with stress.
Set realistic goals.
Avoid alcohol and other drugs.
Get help when you need it.
Exercise.
Spend time outside.
Listen to music.

12. Resources
Student services/groups
Recommended apps
Clinics
Hospitals
Counseling
Workshops
Wellness Coaching

13. Mental Health Statistics in
College Students
● 75% of students who suffer from depression do not seek help
for their mental health problems.
● 44% of American college students report having symptoms of
depression.
● 40% of students fail to seek help.
● 80% feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities they have as a
student.
● 50% have struggled from anxiety, which resulted in them
struggling in school.
● 50% of students rated their mental health below average or
poor.

14. Conclusion
Mental Health is very serious all around the world. It is
good to watch out for yourself, check in with your
friends, follow the tips, and use your resources to get
the help you need. Make sure to take time for yourself
and don’t forget to breathe.

15. Links to Photos
● photo credit: simmons.kevin4208 <a
href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/132826082@N06/32765504523">
Mental Health</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a
href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>
● photo credit: Hey Paul Studios <a
href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45257015@N03/14043010568">Br
ain Anatomy Hoop Art. Hand Embroidered Wall Decor</a> via <a
href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a
href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>