How to Study for College When You Are Struggling with Your Mental Health

Studying for a college degree can be an enjoyable, rewarding pursuit. However, if you’re struggling with your mental health, the challenges and responsibilities that come with college life can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you find the right support and make the most of your academic journey when you’re struggling with your mental health.

Consider your needs

The impact of mental health issues on your college studies depends on your unique circumstances, the challenges you face, and the resources available to you for support. It’s important to note that you can still seek support if you’re dealing with a disruptive life event, such as a recent breakup, even if you haven’t been formally diagnosed with a mental health condition. All personal struggles are equally valid and deserving of support.

Consider your unique situation, challenges, and potential needs to identify areas where you may benefit from additional support from a mental health professional or college resources. For example, you may feel you need extra time to complete coursework or an exam or might benefit from attending classes remotely. It can be helpful to come up with some ideas, but don’t push yourself if you’re finding it tough to think about – there are many professionals who can help you make those decisions.

Mental health disorders often coexist with other conditions or disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. Ensuring all your health and other needs are met can make college life more comfortable and reduce stressful feelings. Consider sharing details about any co-occurring conditions with your college health or counseling office so they can best support you.

Seek support

While most colleges will be able to accommodate your needs, some may need supporting documentation of your mental health issues to provide the level of support you require. It’s best to connect with a mental health professional, such as a qualified counselor or psychologist, to obtain supporting documents.

Aside from providing the required documentation, a professional can talk you through your difficulties and provide therapy or counseling sessions if you need them. Therapy can be short or long-term. Many students find it helpful to attend sessions throughout their college education.

Not everybody can afford private therapy. Students, in particular, may struggle to meet the cost of weekly sessions. Fortunately, there are other ways to get support, such as through a local community health center, free clinic, or your college. Most schools have on-site student counselors who will understand your unique challenges as a student.

Schedule time for self-care

While your study schedule may be busy, making time for self-care is vital. Try to allocate at least an hour each day to a relaxing activity, such as reading or taking a gentle walk. Mindfulness meditation and yoga can be excellent choices for reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

Remember that any activity you enjoy can be a form of self-care, such as taking a nap if you need it, snacking on your favorite food, or catching up with a friend. If you opt to treat yourself to an indulgent snack, just make sure you incorporate lots of healthy foods into your diet, too. A balanced diet can be crucial for boosting your happy hormones and keeping your mental health in check.

Speak to someone you trust

No matter how distressed you feel, it’s important to remember that there are people and organizations out there who can support you with your mental health. If you’re unsure where to begin, simply sharing your struggles with somebody you trust can be really helpful. A friend or family member may be able to help you find the right support for you to thrive in college.

Don’t forget that while college can be demanding, you should never have to suffer in silence if you’re struggling. Your time at college should feel as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, which is achievable with the right level of support.

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About the Author: Anna Miller has both personal and professional experience of common mental health conditions and is passionate about sharing her knowledge in her daily work as a student advisor.

Photo by Zen Chung: https://www.pexels.com/photo/college-student-taking-notes-5538616/

The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.