With Summer coming to a close, many college-aged students are preparing to head back to school. This time of the year is met with a range of mixed emotions. While some feel excited to get back into a routine, experience new classes, and make new friends; others feel an overwhelming amount of anxiety.
School undoubtedly brings about feelings of pressure and anxiety among young adults. The back-to-school season can be incredibly difficult, especially for individuals in college or heading into college. These feelings are intensified among college-age students as two out of five undergraduate students say they frequently experience emotional stress while attending college. On top of school work, there are so many additional factors that come along with growing up and living on your own for the first time. This period can be difficult for anyone and can be increasingly so if you suffer from mental illness. Trends in the number of young adults reporting depression and anxiety have continued to grow over the years, particularly after the pandemic.
As this time of year comes along we wanted to provide a few helpful tips and resources if you or someone you know is going into the back-to-school season share with them these simple reminders to help preemptively combat stress and anxiety relating to school. First and foremost, physical health and mental health are completely connected. It is important to make sure you are prioritizing your physical and mental health equally. This means getting enough sleep at night, exercising regularly, and fueling your body. Along with taking the necessary steps to take care of your physical health, don’t forget about your mental health. Take time to do something that makes you happy. College can be stressful and it may seem like there is never enough time in the day to get your assignments done let alone take a break but be gentle with yourself. Go on a walk outside, watch an episode of your favorite show, get dinner with friends, call your family or nurture a hobby.
All things in your life are important, not just schoolwork. Remember that if you are struggling there are resources out there. Do not be afraid to ask for help, everyone’s journey looks different. If you are starting college, look into the counseling center and the resources your school offers.
Thank you for addressing such an important topic, especially as the back-to-school season approaches. It's crucial to acknowledge the diverse range of emotions students experience during this time, from excitement to anxiety. Your emphasis on the connection between physical and mental health is spot on. Prioritizing sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition is not only beneficial for academic performance but also for overall well-being. The reminder to take breaks and engage in activities that bring joy is particularly important. College life can be demanding, but understanding that self-care is an integral part of success is a powerful message.
I really enjoyed this blog and I believe it was extremely well written. As someone who is a strong advocate for mental health, I think it is important to discuss anxieties when returning back to school and ways to help.
I completely agree - this year I have made it a point to take care of my self properly. I have been getting better sleep, keeping my room neat, eating well, and exercising. I have found that it has improved my mental health while at school greatly.
I think it's so crucial to highlight the importance of getting enough sleep, especially for college students. With balancing work, school, and rest sleep is fundamental in ensuring we take care of ourselves.
Very insightful!