How to Take Care of Your Mental Health As a Student

Mental health is an essential part of people's lives. Maintaining student mental health is a challenging task in these busy years. Research shows that 44 percent of students reported symptoms of depression, 37 percent said they felt anxious, and 15 percent said they were considering suicide. Here, you will get more information on mental health among college students.       

What is student mental health?

Student mental health includes a range of psychological, emotional, and social aspects of well-being. Shortly, it is a balance of emotional well-being. More so, it is coping with sadness and pressure and balancing academic writing and leisure. Positive mental health leads to success in learning, social interaction, and realizing one's own goals. Mental health also includes dealing with one's own emotions, learning social skills, taking care of oneself, and getting help when needed. This is a very important part of a student who goes a long way.

Students suffering from mental illness are unable to do such simple things as brushing their teeth or preparing a meal. Completing college papers in such a condition is a difficult task. The following research paper writing service EssayHave can help with it. This online company has considerable experience in writing academic papers. Their writers are famous for their fast writing and can complete urgent papers as needed even today. These are great experts worth paying attention to when a student suffers from such disorders as depression and needs instant help. Don't worry, this service will be able to help you at the right time.

Common mental health issues in college students

Mental health issues in college students can vary and include:

• Study anxiety: A study load, requirements that must be met to be able to participate successfully, and the actual completion of tasks.

• Depression: Insecurity, fast withdrawal of interest from studies and life in general.

• Social isolation: Being lonely and having no support from peers or teachers.

• Problems with self-esteem: Fear of failure and low self-confidence.

• Psychosomatic disorders: Headaches and stomach problems, which may be caused by stress and prolonged tension.

• Substance abuse: Employment of alcohol and drugs as an escape from issues. Buy Ambien Online

• Eating disorders: Disordered eating patterns of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders are common among college students, mostly influenced by the demand for an ideal body image and control in a time of newfound independence.

• Suicidal thoughts: Students who have had depression or apathy for a long time are the ones that it is common.

Top ways to take care of your mental health

Self-care means doing things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health. Look after your mental health can make a huge change. Here are some tips to help you  take care of your mental health as a student:

• Do regular exercise. Walking for 20-30 minutes daily brings so many benefits to your mind and body. A small amount of exercise is better than inaction.

• Eat right at the right time and drink water. Eating a well-balanced diet that provides adequate amounts of water along with other liquid will help you to maintain your energy levels and endurance throughout the day. You should also consume lower quantities of coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks.

• Make sleep a priority. Have a fixed schedule and sufficient sleep. The blue light from device screens can affect sleep. Before you go to sleep, lower the intake of blue light from your mobile or laptop.

• Try a relaxing activity. Try relaxation programs or apps, including meditation, muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, or mental health awareness tips. Schedule regular time for these and other healthy activities you enjoy, such as journaling.

• Set goals and priorities. Prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait. Learn to say no to new tasks if you take on too much. Remember what you accomplished at the end of the day, not what you failed to do.

• Practice gratitude. Remind yourself every day of the things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down in the evening or play them in your mind.

• Focus on the positive. Identify your negative and unhelpful thoughts and challenge them.

• Stay connected. Contact friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

When to seek professional help

Seek professional help if you experience severe or worrisome symptoms that last 2 weeks or more, such as:

• Apathy;

• Depression;

• Difficulty sleeping;

• Changes in appetite;

• Difficulty with concentration;

• Aggression;

• Suicidal thoughts;

Don't wait until your symptoms become unbearable. Raise your issues with your primary care provider, who will, in turn, refer you to a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. If you are not sure where to start, then try the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for help.

Create a mental health plan

Talk with your family and healthcare providers to create a plan that works for you.

Identify the five Ws: who, what, when, where, and why.

Who

• Decide whether you will continue to work with your current providers in person, via Zoom, or over the phone. Your school or insurance company can provide referrals for on-campus mental health providers.

What

• Consider what specific tools you will use (psychotherapy sessions or medication). You can use things as mood trackers and calendars to keep track of your plan.

When

• Decide how often you will see the health care provider. For example, you might see your therapist once or twice a week. You should be consistent.

Where

• Think about transport, make sure you can get to the meeting by public transport. Also, if you take medication, you should find the nearest pharmacy.

Why

• Remind yourself of your goals and why maintaining your mental health is important. Write down and remember positive ways you cope with stress and symptoms.

About meds

• About 33% of college students take prescribed drugs for mental health problems.

• Remember that you should have enough medicine to last until you can see your doctor again.

• Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly. You could feel more okay, but as the drug itself can have side effects, stopping it abruptly can also have side effects.

• If you think that your medication is not working, consult your doctor about possibly adjusting the dosage or medication. Never increase the dose yourself!

• Although prescriptions are not very often used to treat other illnesses, they can also affect your mental health. If you want to know if a new drug has psychological side effects or interacts with the medication you are taking to control a mental disorder, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Concluding remarks

Mental illness is common among students. In order to improve the condition and understand the reasons, you should contact medical providers. With proper treatment, mental illness is treatable. You shouldn't self-medicate, but some lifestyle changes can improve your condition.