Most college students can tell you that campus life is stressful, and it can be especially challenging when you’re dealing with a mental illness. Not only do you have to keep track of assignments and classes, but you also have to keep your mental health in check. Here are some important things to know as a college student with mental illness.
Get Professional Help
Mental illnesses can be treated. In order to have a good college experience, you need to seek professional help. This doesn’t need to be done only when things are going especially poorly. Seek out on-campus counseling and schedule regular appointments. BetterMynd explains that you might be astounded by how much of a positive difference it makes to share your thoughts with someone you can trust. You can learn to better recognize thought loops that lead you into a negative mindset. When you’re feeling stressed, you can learn how to distance yourself from your feelings in a healthy way and reach solutions more easily.
Try Online School
College can exacerbate mental illnesses, such as anxiety disorders. If a traditional college environment isn’t suited to your needs, you might consider enrolling in an online school. Maryville University explains that when you attend school online, you can go at your own pace, you don’t have to worry about social interaction, and you can get one-on-one interactions with your professor. The quality of these institutions is quite high as they need to meet accreditation standards. If you are self-sufficient and able to keep track of things, an online school could be right for you. Look for online schools that have degree programs that will help you reach your professional goals.
Practice Self-Care
Paying attention to self-care is a must for succeeding in college when you have a mental illness. Develop Good Habits explains, college is a stressful time, and students with mental illnesses can become withdrawn or turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping. While there will be challenges along the way, you should be your own best friend and root for yourself to get through college and have other great experiences in school.
Having a mental illness doesn’t mean that you’ll be unable to succeed in college. It just means that there’s something you need to keep in mind as you work toward earning your degree. As long as you have the necessary determination and aren’t afraid to ask for help, you can find the college success you’re looking for.
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