10 Mental Health Resources Every College Freshman Should Have | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Mental Health Kit Every College Freshman Should Have Ready For Their First Semester

This year is going to test you in one way or another, your mental health needs to be your top priority.

3246
The Mental Health Kit Every College Freshman Should Have Ready For Their First Semester

College freshmen feel a wide spectrum of emotions. They're excited and nervous, ready to meet new friends and pass their classes, and hopefully make "the best years of their life" start on a high note. That being said, your freshmen year of college can easily become overwhelming, as finals week quickly approaches and that party you were looking forward to ends with your roommate getting the cute guy's number instead of you.

Being overwhelmed during your freshman year of college is totally normal, but it's never a reason to stop prioritizing your mental health. For some, freshmen year includes massive change, struggles with anxiety and depression, and a really horrible sleeping schedule.

In order to best set yourself up for success, there are a few things you'll want to have in your mental health kit before syllabus week starts.

1. Planner

Part of setting yourself up for NOT being overwhelmed is knowing what's going on. Getting a simple planner to keep your homework, events, and responsibilities in will keep you organized and hopefully stress-free.

2. Journal

You'll want to give yourself an outlet to get all those emotions out. Journaling can keep you grounded, help you feel refreshed, and be a great addition to your morning or your evening routine.

3. Weighted blanket

Whether you're doing homework or trying to catch a quick nap, a weighted blanket can bring a certain sense of peace to your body. You need one, trust me.

4. The number to your university's counseling center

This should be included in any freshmen welcome packets you've received, as well as your university's website. Save this number in your phone (as well as any other important numbers, like your RA and campus safety).

5. A stress ball

These little helpers easily fit into your backpack and are the perfect way to release some tension as you walk to class. It's scientifically proven — give em a squeeze.

6. Adult coloring book

This simple activity helps you stay productive and de-stress as you're watching Netflix, taking a break, or simply winding down before you go to bed.

7. A great sleep routine

College dorms have never been the ideal environment for a good night's sleep. Make sure you have anything necessary to help you sleep at night — earplugs, an eye mask, a sound therapy lamp, etc. If you're well-rested, your body will find it easier to balance your emotions.

8. Headspace

Headspace is a meditation app that walks you through different time frames of meditation for different intentions. It's an excellent, easy way to incorporate this grounding practice into your routine, no matter how many classes you have to run off to!

9. A fun, physical hobby

Your mental health is directly connected to your physical health. Yes, that Netflix binge sounds like a ton of fun, but take a quick walk or do some yoga before you land on the couch. You'll feel better in more ways than one!

10. The knowledge that it's not just you

You are not the only person on your campus who is dealing with mental illnesses. Seek out the help you need, either in a group therapy setting or an individual option. Your university may even have certain clubs dedicated to mental health awareness. You are never alone in this!

As an Amazon partner, Odyssey may earn a portion of qualifying sales.

Report this Content
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

315265
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Yoga love

A long over due thank you note to my greatest passion.

28400
A person in a yoga pose surrounded by a supportive community of fellow yogis with a look of peace and gratitude on their face the image should convey the sense of strength mindfulness and appreciation that the writer feels towards yoga
StableDiffusion

Dearest Yoga,

You deserve a great thank you.

Keep Reading...Show less
Arts Entertainment

Epic Creation Myths: Norse Origins Unveiled

What happened in the beginning, and how the heavens were set in motion.

9158
The Norse Creation Myth

Now, I have the everlasting joy of explaining the Norse creation myth. To be honest, it can be a bit kooky, so talking about it is always fun. The entire cosmos is included in this creation myth, not just the earth but the sun and the moon as well. This will be a short retelling, a summary of the creation myth, somewhat like I did with Hermod's ride to Hel.

Keep Reading...Show less
Old school ghetto blaster sat on the floor
8tracks radio

We all scroll through the radio stations in the car every once in a while, whether its because we lost signal to our favorite one or we are just bored with the same ol' songs every day. You know when you're going through and you hear a song where you're just like "I forgot this existed!" and before you know it, you're singing every word? Yeah, me too. Like, 95% of the time. If you're like me and LOVE some good throwback music, here's a list of songs from every genre that have gotten lost in time, but never truly forgotten.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

27 Hidden Joys

Appreciation for some of life's most discredited pleasures.

38330
Best Things in Life

Life is full of many wonderful pleasures that many of us, like myself, often forget about. And it's important to recognize that even on bad days, good things still happen. Focusing on these positive aspects of our day-to-day lives can really change a person's perspective. So in thinking about the little things that make so many of us happy, I've here's a list of some of the best things that often go unrecognized and deserve more appreciation:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments