7 Things to Include in Your Mental Health Checklist Before Heading to College

If there is any time in life when you should guard your mental health it’s this time or t moment when you find out your “A” level results and that you passed, signaling the start of university. The most risky and life-altering period of life necessitates more instruction than ever because everyone at that time believes they are invincible. We won’t discuss how people act as though they are cats with many lives, assuming they can endure the absurd requirements of mental readjustment. My advice to my younger siblings and sisters is to follow this since it will set the tone for your life after graduation; otherwise, you risk becoming one of the many dropouts or those who receive their certificates diplomas in absentia.

Everyone wants their child to succeed, but college life can be too demanding from all sides. I thus urge parents to encourage their children to seek assistance, not because they are in need, but rather because it will help them acclimatize and prevent them from being startled. “ What can people do, in other words, to safeguard their mental health? Experts advise parents and teenagers to start making plans now to prepare for and maintain mental health during the significant move to college. Contact the counseling center as soon as possible. Before you get to campus, think about contacting the counseling service at the college.

“College students’ rates of anxiety and depression were tracked as part of the Healthy Minds research. There was a 135 percent rise in sadness and a 110 percent rise in anxiety among students between 2013 and 2021. Additionally, according to a 2022 Fortune study on college mental health, one-third of students had experienced…” These are all significant statistical data points that, if managed improperly, could build up to something for you or your child.

It is a wise and proactive move for students and their families to create a mental health checklist before leaving for college. It can assist in making sure that students have access to the tools they require to maintain their mental health and wellbeing throughout the significant adjustment to college life. When creating your mental health checklist, take into account the following points.

1. Connect with the Counseling Center Early On

Connecting with the school counseling service as soon as you can is one of the best things you can do to safeguard your mental health while attending college. Numerous institutions provide their students with free or affordable mental health services, such as individual and group therapy, support groups, and crisis intervention. Early on, by building a relationship with the counseling center, you may make sure you’ll know where to go in the future if you need assistance or support.

2. Consider Off-Campus Resources as Well

Although students may find on-campus counseling services to be very helpful, not everyone may find them to be the greatest fit. Some students might feel more at ease going to a therapist or mental health expert off campus. In order to know where to go if you require assistance that the on-campus counseling center cannot provide, it is a good idea to study local mental health services before leaving for college.

3. Build a Support Network

In order to keep your mental health in check while in college, you need to have a solid support system. This network can consist of close friends, relatives, mentors, teachers, and other influential people in your life. Making these connections early on in your college career will provide you individuals to turn to when you require assistance or support.

4. Take Care of Your Physical Health

Your physical and mental well-being are strongly related. You can feel better psychologically and emotionally by taking care of your body. This entails obtaining enough rest, maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising frequently, and abstaining from drugs and alcohol.

5. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is crucial for preserving excellent mental health. This can involve practices like yoga, journaling, spending time in nature, and engaging in enjoyable hobbies. To handle stress and keep your life balanced, it’s crucial to schedule self-care activities on a regular basis.

6. Learn to Manage Stress

With scholastic constraints, social obligations, and the general adjustment to a new stage of life, college can be a difficult time. You can maintain your mental health and prevent burnout by learning healthy stress management techniques. Deep breathing, progressive muscular relaxation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are a few examples of such methods.

7. Know When to Seek Help

Finally, if you are having problems with your mental health, it’s crucial to know when to get help. Feeling depressed or hopeless, losing interest in formerly enjoyable activities, feeling worried or angry, having difficulties sleeping, or seeing changes in your appetite or energy levels are typical indicators that you may need treatment. It’s critical to seek assistance as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.

In conclusion, making a mental health checklist before leaving for college is a crucial step in preserving your mental health and wellbeing. You can prepare yourself for a successful and rewarding college experience by speaking with the counseling center, looking into off-campus resources, developing a support system, taking care of your physical health, engaging in self-care, learning to manage stress, and being aware of when to seek assistance.