College is a challenge for everyone, but if you suffer from a mental illness, it tends to be much more strenuous and difficult. Everything from depression to anxiety can affect the way a person functions on an everyday basis, and when it comes to the demanding environment of college, sufferers may find themselves overwhelmed.
I previously dropped out of college because of my mental illness, so I know what it’s like to struggle to the point where it feels like there’s no choice but to drop out. But instead of surrendering, I recovered and worked my way back into college and now I am back and better than ever. From the crushing lows of depression that left me in bed for days at a time, to the soaring highs of hypomania that left me taking on project after project, I know what it’s like to struggle and to feel alone on such a large campus.
I wholeheartedly believe that with a mixture of therapy and medication, it is entirely possible to be a functioning college student with a mental illness. Rooted from personal experiences and advice given to me by my therapist, here are my 8 tips I’ve compiled:
1. Request accommodations through disability services.
If you’re struggling to keep up with classwork, homework and testing, signing up for disability services may be a decent option. Everything from separate testing locations, to having a note taker, to extended testing periods, there are plenty of opportunities available to help you succeed.
2. Go to therapy!
There’s no better advice than simply going to therapy. Talking to a therapist is a very healthy step towards recovery and it’s also a healthy way to let off some steam or to find someone to confide in. Most college campuses offer counseling sessions, free of charge, so make sure to take advantage of it as much as possible.
3. Pick a “happy place” on campus and go to it as often as possible.
Finding a safe and secure place to relax is important, especially if you have a mental illness. Your dorm may not be the quietest or most ideal place to unwind, so consider finding a more secluded area on campus where you can listen to music, read, and do whatever else to help you relax. Having a safe place is important because it offers a feeling of solace and safety, especially on bad days.
3. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Take it easy your first semester.
When you first come to college, you may find yourself tempted to join several clubs and take on many different extracurricular. However, it’s important to not set yourself up for stress. Just take it easy your first semester! Stress can trigger feelings of anxiety, depression, mania, and irritability, so be careful about how large of a workload you take on.
4. Consider taking medication.
Medication is a band-aid when it comes to mental illness. It won’t completely solve your problems, but it’ll definitely be a helpful tool for staying on track in college. It takes trial and error when trying different medications, so be patient when finding the medication to suit you. Everything from antidepressants for depression and anxiety, to antipsychotics for bipolar and borderline personality disorder, there are plenty of options to choose from to help your condition.
5. Get plenty of sleep.
Getting plenty of sleep in college is important, especially if you have a mental illness. Sleep deprivation has been shown to increase feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety. Sleeping between seven to eight hours a night is ideal, but depending on your workload, you may be getting only five to six hours of sleep a night. To solve this problem, consider using time management to get your work done efficiently, leaving enough time for a good night’s rest.
6. Try meditation.
Meditation has been shown to rewire parts of the brain when practiced daily. It takes a considerable amount of practice, but with enough effort, you’ll begin to see benefits. Everything from a calmer, quieter mind, to a more focused and patient attitude, there are several key points that can be reached.
7. Stay Strong.
The most important tip for college students with mental illness is to stay strong. Learn how to fight for yourself and not to be dependent on others. Learn how to be fearless of your capabilities and courage, and accept the things you cannot change. Staying strong isn’t just about perseverance. It’s also about acceptance, tranquility, self-worth, and determination. Let your struggles be the fuel to empower you and learn to let go of those feelings of anguish and pain.
