By Dr. Deborah Tull and Dr. Jay Feldman- NAMI
Did you know that colleges and universities are more aware
of college students’ mental health needs now than ever before? Thanks to current
research findings, they are doing a much better job understanding
the link between mental health and academic success.
Research informs colleges (and all of us) that mental health
needs are almost directly related to measures of academic success. A 2015 survey found
that students who reported psychological distress also reported receiving lower
grades on exams or important projects; receiving lower grades in courses;
receiving an “incomplete” or dropping courses altogether; or experiencing a
significant disruption in thesis, dissertation, research or practicum work.
Thus: Students should place a priority on maintaining their
mental health while in college. This can be challenging while also becoming a
successful student. So, how can you manage this balance? Here are some tips:
Engage In A
Self-Assessment Process
Getting to know yourself is foundational to your success.
Being self-aware will not only help you identify your strengths and weaknesses,
but it can also help you identify which learning strategies and mental health
coping strategies are most effective for you. Your college’s counseling center
might have resources and individuals to help you perform a fuller, more
in-depth assessment, if you’d like help.
Develop A Support
Network
Form a group of friends. Having people you can count on to
talk to and spend time with can make a huge difference on your college
experience. If you’re going through a hard time and don’t feel comfortable
talking to your friends about it, seek help professional help. Your school
likely has a counseling center for that purpose. And it’s essential to
keep all your doctor and therapy appointments. It’s also important to have
support academically if you need it. Go to your school’s tutoring center and
remember: College faculty and staff are there to help you. Don’t be afraid to
ask questions or request extra help if you need it.
Get Organized
Being organized reduces
stress and improves performance. At the beginning of each semester,
set up a student success notebook with all your course syllabi, needed books,
assignments and tests highlighted. If you get organized at the beginning of the
semester, it will help you to always have important information at your
fingertips. There will be little chance of losing key information and becoming
overwhelmed with confusion about what you should be doing.
Take Care Of
Your Physical Health
Eat regular meals (this is especially true before you go to
class or take a test!), exercise and get plenty of sleep. Some activities
like meditation
and yoga will also help with stress. Speak with your counselor or
therapist about when to take any medication you may be on to best support
learning and healthy sleep.
Master Time
Management
Class activities, tests and quizzes, homework and social
commitments—even the everyday pressures of life—can lead to time management
overload. And when time management skills are pushed to their limits, stress
levels can rise to unhealthy levels. Procrastination creates major,
unnecessary stress. So: Be on time to class. Turn in assignments on time. Set
up a study schedule and stick to it. And make sure you balance your work
schedule with time for leisure.
As you head off to college, embrace a success-oriented
mindset with the goal of shaping your life and making a difference in the world
around you. Have confidence in your ability to succeed. Remember to always
value yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and respect and avoid being overly
self-critical. Let others know if you need help. Develop an understanding of
the resources you need and the resources available to you.
You will gain self-esteem, empowerment and motivation to
keep going with each success. It doesn’t matter if those successes are big or
small—you will find that your successes will help you define your path.
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