Dear College Student, You Deserve to Be Happy

"Dear College Student,

You deserve to be happy. College should have times of joy. But I know the road to happiness is filled with many obstacles. My research group recently published an article that demonstrates a doubling of depression combined with anxiety from 2013 to 2019, with 1 in 4 college students experiencing symptoms of both depression and anxiety. If you are experiencing depression and/or anxiety, you are not alone.

With all the stress and mental health challenges on campus, how can you make college an enjoyable experience? Here are some ideas.

1. You deserve to enjoy the learning experience.

You feel like you must choose the major that will lead you to the right graduate school or job. There is no wrong path. Find a major you enjoy; you will perform much better. Your job may or may not be related to your major, but the critical thinking and communication skills you learn in college will allow you to work in many different areas. While choosing a major you enjoy, start thinking about jobs post-graduation in your junior year, and work with the campus career resource center to gain volunteer, internship, and work experiences that will enhance your future employment.

Sleep is often what gets neglected when students have too much on their plate, but keep in mind that adequate sleep improves physical health and academic performance. You will be working many years after graduation, and acquiring good self-care skills that include adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise will make you happier and more successful.

2. You deserve to have good friends who treat you well.

Clubs, intramural sports, and volunteer work can be a great way to start. Friends are people who help you feel good about yourself and with whom you can be yourself. College is a learning experience; don’t feel badly if some friendships don’t work out. The friends you do make in college are likely to be lifelong. And remember, strong social support is associated with a stronger GPA.

3. You deserve to find intimate partners who treat you with love and respect.

However, if you are not ready for a dating relationship, it’s fine to focus on friendships. There is no rush. If you do have a relationship in college, it may last or come to a natural end. These breakups can be difficult. Seek out support from your friends and loved ones.

4. You deserve to get mental health treatment in a timely manner.

My research shows that college students who experience depression or anxiety are increasingly utilizing therapy and/or medication treatments. However, there are still many college students who face challenges in accessing care. Let a friend or a family member know that you are experiencing depression or anxiety so they can help you push past obstacles in obtaining treatment.

Call your campus counseling center if you need help. Many counseling centers offer urgent appointments.If you need to talk with someone more urgently about thoughts of self-harm, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Keep reaching out; I promise that there are people who want to help.

Dear College Student, you deserve to be happy. I wish you times of joy and growth. If you face academic, social, or mental health challenges, never give up. Ask for help from campus support services, family, or friends. Before long, you will be steadily journeying toward your people, place, and purpose."

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

Are you happy right now?

#College #Depression #Anxiety #Happiness #MentalHealth