WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

College is a time of new beginnings. One of the most exciting aspects about going to college is the endless number of choices students have. Being away from home and having independence both motivates and excites students.

Unfortunately, the bounty of decisions and opportunities can lead to schedule overkill and an overabundance of stress. Between classes, homework, a part-time job, friends, relationships, clubs and organizations, stress has easy access into students’ lives. Too often, stress goes unmanaged and turns into a life-altering problem for college students. In the worst case, stress leads to suicide. More likely, though, it results in substance abuse, eating disorders or depression. There are ways to beat stress: improving diet, increasing exercise and setting aside time for yourself everyday aids in handling stress.

According to the Mental Health America, 10 percent of college students have been diagnosed with depression. The National Institute of Mental Health released the following list of common symptoms of depression: sadness, anxiety, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances, appetite and weight change, feelings of hopelessness, guilt, thoughts of suicide, difficulty concentrating, making decisions or remembering, and irritability or excessive crying. Of course, everyone has some of these symptoms at certain points in life; that is normal. But, one should become concerned if he or she is feeling five or more of the aforementioned symptoms for longer than two weeks.

The good news is, depression is very treatable. No one should ever feel as though they are buried by their feelings. Students have exceptional resources at their fingertips in the health services centers on campus. Counselors are available to talk to students about any of the problems they are having. In addition, Richard Boyum, of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Counseling Services has the following suggestions for reducing stress levels and enhancing the college experience:

1. Stick with the basics-eat right, exercise and get enough sleep.
2. Eliminate the use of alcohol as a drug.
3. Keep your space and consequently your mind organized.
4. Go to class.
5. Keep up with course work (the rule of thumb is two hours of study per one hour in class).
6. Get involved with campus activities.
7. Maintain communication with your family.
8. Take advantage of campus resources and choose a career path.
9. Form healthy relationships.
10. Talk to someone about your problems (family member, friend, college counselor).
11. Get to know your professors.

References:
Boyum, R. (2002). Thirteen quick tips to enhance your college experience. Campus Blues Homepage. Retrieved from the World Wide Web March 4, 2003: http://www.campusblues.com/tips.asp.
College student and depression pilot initiative. (2003). Mental Health America.  Retrieved from the World Wide Web March 4, 2003: http://www.nmha.org/camh/college/index.cfm.
What do these students have in common? (2003). National Institute of Mental Health.  Available online and through the Mental Health Association of Wisconsin.


Additional Resources:

• Active Minds on Campus - "Active Minds is the nation's only grassroots organization dedicated to the mental health of college students. The organization serves as the young adult voice in mental health advocacy on campuses nationwide."
• Half of Us - Created through a collaboration with mtvU and The Jed Foundation, Half of Us is an interactive online public education Web site that provides college-aged youth with information about the prevalence of mental health issues on college campuses and connects students to the appropriate resources to get help.
• ULIfeline - A program of the Jed Foundation, ULifeline is an anonymous, confidential, online resource center where college students can search for information regarding mental health and suicide prevention. Their Web site has enhanced student features, and a new component called Counseling Central, built exclusively for college mental health and student affairs professionals.
• Campus Blues - "CampusBlues.com is designed to facilitate student awareness and use of school resources. CampusBlues.com is a subsidiary of ReconnectingU.com" 
• Jed Foundation (a nonprofit dedicated to reducing suicide in young adults) 
• National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
• American College Counseling Association
• The Counseling Center Village
• Student Counseling Virtual Pamphlet Collection
• What a Difference a Friend Makes  (learn how you can help support someone with a mental illness; SAMHSA)
• Governor's Task Force on Campus Safety
• Revolution Health Online Mental Health Fair

In the News
"A new survey finds that college students' perception of whether mental health treatment carries stigma was unlikely to influence their own decision to use mental health services. Stigma may not be as big a barrier to help seeking by college students as previously thought, according to a study published in the April Psychiatric Services." Read more about this study at:  Perceived Stigma and Mental Health Care Seeking

SAMHSA And Ad Council Debut National Mental Health Anti-Stigma Campaign On College Campuses - the campaign is "is designed to decrease the negative attitudes that surround mental illness by encouraging these young adults to support friends with mental health problems."  Read more about it at Medical News Today.