The rate of students reporting being newly diagnosed with depression increased from 10
percent in 2000 to 13 percent in 2015. College women were diagnosed with depression at
almost twice the rate of college men.– The American College Health Association
ACHA.org
McLean Hospital published a fantastic Student Guide to Mental Health in 2017. In it, they outline that hundreds of students seek mental health care each year. Although high school students spend significant time preparing for the transition into college life and the workforce, it’s a challenging transition to take on without experiencing some doubt and trepidation. Independent living, concern over grades, navigating new social fabrics and the rising costs of tuition, housing, food and energy all add to the burden.
With this in mind, it’s important to brace for the reality that college can be an exciting and challenging time in your life. While you’re pursuing your education and personal growth, it’s vital to take care of your mental health.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the mental health resources and treatment options available on college campuses in Massachusetts’s .
- Recognizing the Importance of Mental Health:
- Understanding the significance of mental well-being.
- Common mental health challenges faced by college students including social anxiety, catastrophizing, depression and overwhelm.
- Campus Counseling Centers:
- Overview of campus counseling services.
- How to make an appointment.
- Confidentiality and privacy.
- Types of Campus Mental Health Services:
- Individual counseling.
- Group therapy and support groups.
- Crisis intervention services.
- Student Health Services:
- How to access medical care for mental health concerns.
- Medication management and psychiatric services.
- Online Resources and Teletherapy:
- Virtual counseling options.
- Apps and websites for mental health support.
- Teletherapy benefits and considerations.
- Student Organizations and Peer Support:
- Active student groups promoting mental health awareness.
- Peer mentorship programs.
- Initiatives to reduce stigma.
- Academic Accommodations:
- Navigating mental health challenges in your coursework.
- Requesting academic accommodations.
- Communicating with professors.
- Campus Wellness Programs:
- Wellness workshops and events.
- Fitness and stress-reduction programs.
- Nutrition and sleep resources.
- Financial Considerations:
- Understanding insurance coverage for mental health treatment.
- Low-cost or free mental health services on campus.
- Financial assistance options.
- Self-Care and Prevention:
- Importance of self-care routines.
- Stress management strategies.
- Preventing burnout and exhaustion.
- Building a Support Network:
- Connecting with friends and peers.
- Talking to family about mental health.
- Seeking support from professors and advisors.
- Stigma Reduction:
- Challenging mental health stigma on campus.
- Promoting open and honest conversations.
- Participating in mental health awareness campaigns.
Your college campus is a valuable resource for mental health support and treatment. Don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it, and take advantage of the many services and resources available to you.
If you’re a student in MA struggling with mental health seek appropriate care. Emerge Ketamine would be happy to discuss your needs – please contact us for a consultation.
If your personal health situation has escalated to emergency levels contact authorities immediately.
McLean Hospital provides robust hospitalization services for those needing acute psychiatric care. Please review their guide including interactive journal here.