College students represent the most significant demographic grappling with stress. Universities providing more mental health support is the key to aiding this prevalent issue.
According to Research.com, four out of five students advocate for improved mental health support and resources on their campus, with 50% identifying mental health as their primary stressor. The university has multiple services on campus to help relieve the stress that comes with being in college.
The Center for Health and Wellness
The university’s Center for Health and Wellness has 24/7 support resources available for all students. Unlimited, free counseling sessions for academic stress or more personal life problems are available to aid in stress management. The center has short term counseling sessions, single sessions and group consultations.
Within the Center for Health and Wellness, the university also gives students access to The Ohio State University’s health care resources such as same-day care and urgent care facilities for more physical health problems.
Hide from the cold
With the recent drop in temperature, students may be feeling worse not being able to walk around campus for long without getting too cold. Thankfully, there are many spots on campus for students to stow away from the winter weather.
Blackmore Library is open 24/7 and provides students a warm and spacious environment to study, do homework, or relax with a group of friends. Additionally, the Center for Health and Wellness is located behind Blackmore Library.
Two of the dining options available on campus, One Main and CapGrounds, both offer warm drinks to heat yourself up between classes.
Reducing screen time
A main source of stress and anxiety comes from phones and the use of social media platforms. Students can become disillusioned without much in-person contact with others. Social media can also negatively affect student sleep schedules and grades.
However, social media can also be a stress reliever. Connecting with people that normally would be unavailable can help aiding students’ mood, as well as the opportunity to engage in creative endeavors and express their individuality.
Limiting excessive screen time on social media and promoting more healthy digital behavior can help reduce the effect it has on students’ mental health and help them improve other aspects of their lives.
Visiting home
Homesickness can also be a big stressor for students. A weekend spent at home, if possible, can massively help in management of student mental health. Frequent communication to family and friends from before college often makes students happier while trying to navigate the craziness that is the college experience.
Take a break
Sometimes a day off is all that someone needs to mentally reset and maintain healthy levels of stress. Without missing any classes or neglecting necessary homework, relaxing without worrying any of the stressors of daily life can be majorly helpful.
On campus and off, there are plenty of ways to help regulate stress levels in such a complicated and overwhelming time in students’ lives. Prioritization of mental health is a substantial factor in maintaining healthy mindsets, especially for college students.
