Mental health Hat
Attending university creates additional mental pressure for students since they need to manage their school work and finances, differentiate between various cultures, and also maintain a social life. Knowing the right place to get help can alter the situation significantly.
Counseling Services at the University
Almost every college in the United States provides its students with free or subsidized mental health services.
Such services may include:
Individual sessions of psychotherapy.
Supportive group therapies, for instance, overcoming homesickness and stress.
Workshops on self-management, mental fortitude, and time management.
Tip: Counseling can provide additional support for "students with experiencing academic distress." Private counseling sessions will not get reported to the school.
Hotlines and Help for Crises
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached at 988. It is free, and available at all hours.
Crisis Text Line: To speak with a trained crisis councilor, text HELLO to 741741.
The Trevor Project can be reached at 1-866-488-7386 or by texting START to 678678.
Many of the larger Universities also have a separate line which is accessible 24 hours a day and provides additional support.
These can be found on the websites of their respective counselling services.
Help for students from abroad.
Support groups or peer mentoring scheme are a staple of international student offices.
Some colleges and universities assign “buddies” or mentors to help new international students acclimatize to life in another country which can sometimes be stressful.
Cultural clubs or groups can assist in easing the feeling of isolation while creating valuable connections.
Daily Mental Health Tips
Having a daily schedule that includes sleep, regular meals, and physical exercise can help in maintaining a balanced mood.
Join clubs, volunteering opportunities or studying groups to help with the feeling of loneliness.
Free resources online such as YouTube videos and meditation applications like Headspace and Calm can be useful in daily stress management.
For your own well-being, academic help should be sought early on instead of waiting to the last minute to avoid feeling frantic and overwhelmed.
Worrying Reminder
Having difficulties is a part of life. Defining ‘weakness’ as not asking for is help is far from the truth; it’s asking for help. You can call 911 or go to your closest ER if you ever find yourself feeling unsafe in the United States.
Crisis hotlines and counseling services at the university provide ample support. Incorporate personal wellness practices along with the support from the community to improve the quality of student life.
