'Get Connected' On Campus

Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 29 Aug 2008 - 7:00 PDT

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Starting college can be both exciting and stressful. You're juggling classes, living on your own for the first time and figuring out what you want out of life. It's no surprise that many freshmen feel overwhelmed. In fact, American College Testing (ACT) estimates that 1 in 4 college students drop out before completing their sophomore year.

One way to fight stress and feel at home in your new surroundings is to connect to other students and the larger campus community. To help the incoming Class of 2012, Mental Health America has put together a fact-sheet outlining the benefits of getting active-and staying active in your college communities. Here are some suggestions for incoming students:

- Connect to your roommate, dorm mates and Resident Advisor. Make an effort to get to know the person you're living with. Go to meals, get a cup of coffee or explore campus together. Also, take time to get to know the people living on your floor. Say 'hi' when you pass each other in the hall or stop by their rooms. Resident Advisors are trained to know what's happening on campus. They also plan dorm floor events and outings.

- Stay connected to family and friends at home. Leaving your friends and family is a big change. Staying in touch can help you feel close and supported. Instant Messaging, texting, email and social networking sites are great ways to stay connected-but be careful what you post online!

- Connect to the larger campus community. You may want to think about participating in sorority or fraternity recruitment. If that isn't your thing, there are other student clubs on campus that focus on everything from social justice issues to rock-climbing. Don't see a club you like? Start one.

- Connect to your professors and academic advisors. Your professors and academic advisors are there to help you get through tough classes, tough decisions and tough times. They can help you figure out what you want out of your academic experience. If you feel like you might have a rough time in class, make an appointment with your professor during office hours.

- Connect to help. Your health and well-being can affect your freshman year experience - how much you enjoy being there, how well you do in class and how you feel about yourself. Make your health and well-being a priority from the start.

Sometimes stress is unavoidable. Mental Health America urges students to take time out of their busy new lifestyles and consider these symptoms:

- Feeling angry, irritable or easily frustrated
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Change in eating habits
- Problems concentrating
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Trouble sleeping
- Problems with memory
- Feeling burned out from work
- Feeling that you can't overcome difficulties in your life
- Having trouble functioning in classes or job.
If these symptoms persist, they can't go unchecked. Extended feelings of hopelessness and an inability to cope could indicate a more serious condition like depression or anxiety.

In addition to these tips, Mental Health America offers resources on Sexual and Gender Identity issues, Eating Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Substance Abuse, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and other mental health conditions. For more information, visit our website at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/.

Mental Health America is the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation - everyday and in times of crisis.

For more information on local services, visit Mental Health America's online Frequently Asked Questions section at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/faqs, contact a Mental Health America affiliate, or contact Mental Health America.

Mental Health America strongly encourages people in crisis to seek help immediately. A 24-hour crisis center can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 911 should be called for immediate assistance.

Mental Health America