Yes, like every other college student, I have a difficult time managing my anxiety and depression. From having to face so many new situations, to a whole lot more rejection, to having to make a whole new set of friends, to an endless list of other things we have to face for the first time, it's a challenge. I mean, it isn't a subject area that I had not faced prior to coming to college, but it seems heightened to an unpredicted level.
As it is conveniently mental health month I wanted to share three tips that are most important in coping with stress, anxiety and depression while in college. It is important to know that you are not alone and that there are so many other people that go through this.
1. Surround yourself with positivity.
This is fairly obvious but surrounding yourself with positivity will lead you to be happier. So choose your friends wisely. The egotistic people from high school don’t just disappear in college. People don’t always have the best intentions. If you feel like you are burdening people with your problems, trust me they’re really not your friends. You want to be surrounded by people who you can lean on and turn to for advice.
2. Use the resources available to you.
From the counseling center to making sure your choosing healthier food options at the cafeteria to even just sweating out the stress at the gym there are many options you have. Students pay for most of them with their tuition but never take full advantage of them, especially the counseling center. Most students are unaware of the stress workshops or group therapy sessions that they hold. Nutrition and sleep play an important part in our daily mood and should take more of a priority, especially in college when it can be hard to manage. Some nutritional deficiencies contribute to signs of depression, so taking vitamins is important. Most campus health centers have a nutritionist as well. This leads me into exercise. Not only is a change of scenery good for your state of mind, but when you are cooped up in the same places every day, these places can start to associate with certain emotions. Exercise helps reduce anxiety and stress levels, as well, as help improve sleep.
3. Be more mindful.
This is my most important tip, which is to be more mindful. Be more aware of the present moment. This type of thinking is usually referred to as “mindfulness.” Stop thinking about that assignment that’s due online tonight. Honestly taking a few minutes a day for something you really enjoy doing can help give you a boost. This really helps me get my mind off what is stressing me out. It can really change the way you feel or how you approach challenges.