Student years are often pictured as joyful and fun but can also be very stressful. Many students complain about anxiety and depression, and it’s good when students seek professional help.

While a student may cope with stress fairly well, they might still procrastinate and consider buying a research paper or taking long breaks between assignments. However, when a person is suffering and academic performance is seriously affected by a student’s mental state, it’s time to use specialized resources.

On-Campus Mental Health Resources

While the problem isn’t new, campuses should have resources to help students with their psychological difficulties.

• Student counseling centers

Such centers are staffed by licensed mental health professionals such as psychologists, counselors, and social workers. They offer individual and group therapy sessions at low or no cost to students. It’s pretty important, as students are often limited in their finances. The centers provide confidential, short-term counseling for a variety of issues.

• Support groups

Group therapy is well-known for its effectiveness in the context of different mental health issues. In a group, a person gets moral support and feels that they are not alone with such a problem. Student-led or facilitated groups provide peer support on specific mental health topics such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, LGBTQ+ support, grief/loss, or others.

• Peer-to-peer programs

Using such a program, a person can get help from a student trained to provide emotional support, referrals, and resources to their peers. Such programs can include peer mentoring, crisis support, or outreach initiatives. It can be used as a separate help or supplement professional mental health services.

• Mental health workshops and events

In contrast to previous options, these can be more circumstantial but still useful. They can include mental health awareness, self-care, and wellness educational sessions. Events can be interactive activities like yoga, meditation, art therapy, etc. Such options can be useful to promote proactive mental health practices for students and help them avoid mental health challenges.

Online and Community-Based Resources

Of course, students aren’t limited in searching for help with their on-campus resources. Even though the campus and educational facilities can try their best, students might still need more serious and professional help than their school can provide. In such a case, it’s helpful to consider the following options.

• Mental health hotlines and crisis support

National and local crisis hotlines offer immediate support and intervention when you need urgent mental health help. Text or chat options can be available in addition to phone lines if you prefer typing. If you need emergency help, you will likely need some long-term treatment to avoid such crises in the future. Luckily, hotlines can connect you with ongoing treatment if needed.

• Therapy and counseling services

Off-campus licensed therapists, counselors, and psychologists can be used by students and on-campus ones. Such professionals accept insurance or offer sliding-scale fees for affordability because the question of price is among the most acute issues in the context of mental help. However, getting such help is essential for those who have mental health conditions.

• Self-help apps and online tools

Progress makes our lives easier and can help us support our mental health. Mobile apps for meditation, mood tracking, and cognitive-behavioral exercises are available for free or on a payment basis. They can help to turn the habit of scrolling social media into having time to care about your health. In addition, you can use interactive websites with mental health resources, assessments, and education.

• Support communities and forums

Online communities such as Subreddits, Discord servers, Facebook groups, and other platforms can be useful for students who want to feel less alone. Of course, using them cannot replace professional help. However, they can help a student to feel a little better. People from these communities can support a new member, help to accept mental health treatment as a necessary step, and even assist with finding professionals or resources to use.

The mental health of students is a critical aspect of their overall well-being and academic success. The variety of resources available, both on-campus and online, demonstrates the growing recognition of this importance. From counseling centers and support groups to mobile apps and online communities, students have multiple avenues to seek help and support.

It’s crucial for students to recognize when they need assistance and to take advantage of these resources without hesitation. By prioritizing mental health and utilizing available support systems, students can better navigate the challenges of academic life and build a foundation for long-term well-being.