I recently wrote an article discussing the importance of acknowledging mental health in college. Ignoring mental health issues in other college students can result in many students not seeking the help they need. Another issue occurs when people ignore their own mental health issues. Some students do not feel that their mental health is as important as their physical health. Thus resulting in many situations where they crash and burn or where their mentality becomes harmful to themselves.
The first and best thing to do, is to go to the doctor. If your mental health issue turns out to be something like depression or anxiety, then it might help to get it diagnosed by a doctor. Also, they might prescribe you medicine if the problem is bad enough. As a college student, I have had friends that have gotten their problem diagnosed and it makes a world of a difference. I am not a doctor and cannot offer real medical advice and neither can your friends. Therefore, If you believe you might need serious help, this is your best bet.
The next thing would be to go to counseling, or in other words, a therapist. Sometimes people feel like they do not need to talk to someone about their problems until it is too late. However, the therapist doesn't know you and can't pass judgment on anything you have done or said. What you say to a therapist stays between you and the therapist, unless you become harmful to yourself or others. If you are afraid of what people might think (which you shouldn't be) then you should really try your school's counseling service. Most campuses have a free counseling service for students that is included in the tuition. If you are already paying for it, you might as well use it!
Another great solution is to find an outlet. One of my friends told me that when she gets anxiety she goes on runs through her city, does yoga or meditation, and goes to the nail salon, among other things. These solutions can really help if you are feeling down. All of these things get her out doing something and help her to feel better about herself. Sometimes all it takes is a little "R and R," as well. Stress and mental illness can be brought on by not sleeping, staying out too late, too much caffeine, etc. So you may want to evaluate all of the things you may be doing to cause your poor mental health and work to cut some of that down. Finally, you might need to plan a weekend home. Sometimes only those who know you best can help you when you are feeling stressed or anxiety ridden. Many of these last solutions offer ways to help that you can do at most times of the day. That way you don't always have to wait for an appointment with the doctor or therapist. These are just quick and easy.
All of the solutions I have mentioned should be available to you, it's just a matter of what you feel comfortable with. Once you have taken the initiative to improve your mental health, you are that much closer to being a happier, healthier college student. In the long run, your mental health is way more important than one might think and starting to improve it as soon as possible is the best step to take. It's better late than never and can help you out over time. Learning strategies now to help with things such as stress can help once you start a career or even a family. Overall, college students everywhere should start managing their mental health better!
