College is an exciting time, but it can also be difficult since many students struggle with mental health issues. With obligations such as homework, deadlines, and studying, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. It is a good idea to understand the common mental health challenges facing many students today.
Resources for College Students
If you recognize yourself in any of these conditions, it is a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider. One way college students can get care is through telehealth. It is often easier to have an online appointment with a provider instead of making time in your schedule to go to an appointment. When you are feeling stressed or anxious, talking with a counselor can help you deal with your feelings and find ways to cope. You are not alone in your feelings since many other students feel the same way. You can review a guide on how Gen Z college students are more stressed now than ever.
Anxiety Disorders
Everyone feels nervous from time to time, but if you have ongoing, lasting feelings of panic, tension, and worry, it can interfere with your daily life. And when this happens, anxiety is now a medical condition. Sometimes, this condition can be confused with too much worry or everyday stress. Depending on the way your body responds to specific chemicals, you could have panic attacks, which might be mistaken for other problems.
Everyone’s symptoms can differ, so just because a friend had certain symptoms does not mean yours will be the same way. Of course, just because you feel anxious every now and then does not mean you have a mental illness. Still, if these feelings persist or they show themselves as obsessive behavior, you might want to get help, such as counseling.
Eating Disorders
There are a variety of conditions that can be classified as eating disorders. The symptoms include irregularities in your eating habits, and a preoccupation with your body. People with eating disorders might take part in binge eating and purging and/or food deprivation. Depending on the exact condition, the symptoms of an eating disorder can vary. They can also depend on the person’s mental state. Still, there are a few red flags you should be aware of, including:
- Irregular heartbeats
- Distorted body image
- Excessive exercise
- Skipping meals, even when you are hungry
- Feeling the need to purge after eating
Addiction
Students often misuse drugs and alcohol, which can lead to many issues. Addiction is a mental health issue, and it is a pattern of psychological or physical dependence on substances. You might experience strong cravings for the substance and indulge in them often. Using drugs and alcohol during college does not mean you will become addicted to them. Still, it is possible to notice the side effects if you use them often enough. You might notice paranoia or an increased tolerance for these substances. While it is possible to indulge in alcohol responsibly, provided you are over the legal drinking age, it is critical to monitor yourself for any behavior changes while doing so.