Whether starting school this fall or heading back to campus for a new semester, college students are bound to encounter a time of excitement and change. While transitioning from summer break to starting school brings a great sense of independence, it also comes with an elevated sense of responsibility. Alongside these exciting changes in college, many students may face new mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, or loneliness.
According to a 2023 Healthy Minds survey, the majority of college students (more than 60 percent) meet the criteria for at least one mental health condition. This notes a nearly 50 percent increase since a decade prior in 2013. The formative years of college can be quite challenging for new students as they face a demanding course schedule, work requirements, extracurriculars, social relationships, and financial responsibilities, all for the first time. A Gallup study of Higher Education in 2023 surveyed college students, noting that 4 in 10 students considered withdrawing from college that week with “emotional stress” and “personal mental health” as the top reasons.
While coping with all of this pressure can be overwhelming, college also presents a new opportunity to learn and grow. To help support success in college, remember to prioritize mental health and the resources offered on campus. Focus on finding a balance between achievement and personal demands by embracing a self-care routine and healthy habits. Some key elements include:
- Getting adequate sleep
- Maintaining healthy nutrition
- Securing time for hobbies/social interaction
- Regular exercise
- Drinking enough water daily
Make sure to locate the academic, health, and mental health support services available on campus. For additional resources or professional insight, Oaks offers caring, compassionate programs for children, teens and families living with a mental illness. Our programs throughout New Jersey give individuals the opportunity to make healthy choices, stabilize symptoms of illness and eventually reach their full potential. To learn more or schedule an appointment, take the first step and call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377.
