Going to college can be an exciting time for all ages. It’s an opportunity to gain new knowledge and experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. Maintaining good mental and physical health are important to a successful college experience. Students and institutions can work together to ensure a safe and healthy college experience for all.
College life can be stressful at times for many students and families. Students face new challenges, like adjusting to changes in living arrangements, meeting academic expectations, and building new friendships. Addressing mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. To make mental health a priority, students can:
- Manage stress by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep (7 or more hours per night), connecting socially, and taking time for relaxation and self-care.
- Seek help from a medical or mental health professionalif depressed or experiencing distress. Many colleges have counseling centers or university health centers that offer free or low-cost mental health services and referrals.
- Dial 988 or use the Lifeline Chat to reach a 24−hour crisis center if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, going through a hard time, or needs someone to talk to. 988 provides free‚ confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Colleges and universities can work to prevent suicide by using a comprehensive approach that promotes connectedness, improves access to mental health services on and off campus, and identifies and assists students who may be at risk for suicide.
