PERSONAL WELLNESS
Caring for Your Mental Health During Your Transition to College
Heading off to college is exciting--new experiences, new friends and independence. However, there can also be
to function. Chances are someone in your class feels lonely or overwhelmed too. If sad feelings don’t go away or last
for weeks, you have drastic mood changes, you’re not eating, or you can’t concentrate, this could be a mental health
issue. Mental health conditions are common. Talk with someone you trust about it and mention if you’ve received
mental health care before. If you’re thinking about self-harm, get help right away. You are not alone. Call the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Talk it Out
where to turn if you develop one. Have a conversation about mental health with your parents or a trusted adult. On
campus, check out your counseling options. Talking about your feelings and asking for help are signs of strength, so
don’t be afraid to speak up. If you know someone who may be struggling, talk with them and tell them you support them
in getting the help they need. Check out the free helplines listed on page 19.
Make a Plan
Once you turn 18 your school may not be allowed to share information about your mental health unless there is an
each year. Talk with your family or a trusted adult about completing the forms together before you head to college and
decide what information will be most important to share. For the form and for more on managing your mental health at
school, visit Nami.org/college guide. (Quoted from Starting the Conversation: College and Your Mental Health, 2016.)
Helplines: Reach Out and Talk to Someone
As soon as you start to feel like you are in crisis, you can reach out to a helpline for support. Trauma, depression,
is to help you make healthy decisions and feel safe. You will be asked some questions about your feelings, social
situation, safety, and any thoughts of suicide that you or the person you are calling about might be having. Answering
truthfully will help the crisis counselor connect you to the resources you need. (adapted from Activeminds.org)
18 TRANSITION 101 • CFWV.COM
/college
/Activeminds.org
/CFWV.COM