Quick & Easy Tips to College Health
From students who can relate
College and Mental Health
Mental Health is our psychological, mental, and social well-being.
According to CDC.gov, our mental health affects how we think, feel and act. It helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life.
College
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Whether you are a freshman or a senior, college can be a stressful time. Rewarding, but stressful. There's always a test to study for, homework to do, papers to write, on top of trying to balance friendships, family, jobs, sports and exercise, eating healthy, drinking enough water, and getting 8 hours of sleep.
We all feel anxious or get stressed at times, and that's okay!
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Know the signs and symptoms, and recognize when it's time to ask for help.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes (American Psychological Association, 2018).
Symptoms Include: intrusive thoughts, fear, sweating, increased heart rate, dizziness, panic attacks, restlessness, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, muscle tension.
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Anxiety is a state of uneasiness when we worry or have feelings of apprehension and fear over an anticipated situation
Stress
The body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response.
Stress can be positive (a motivator) or negative (dealing with midterms or finals coming up)
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Symptoms Include: increased heart rate, headaches, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, being easily angered, upset stomach, feeling depressed, and having low energy (American Psychological Association, 2018).
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Stress becomes dangerous when it interferes with your ability to cope and live a normal life over an extended period of time.
Easy Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Exercise
Eat Nutritious Meals
Get Adequate Sleep
Get Social. Call an old friend. Join that club you've been thinking about. Meet new people
Drink Plenty of Water
Listen to Music
Have a Dance Party
Meditate
Spend Time with a Furry Friend
Take a Bath
Laugh! Watch funny YouTube videos
Color in a Coloring Book
Painting, or some other creative outlet
Express Gratitude
Try Cooking a New Recipe
Set goals
Go for a Walk
Write in a Journal
Talk It Out With a Friend, Parent, Counselor, etc.
Smile :)
Resources
For more information, visit one of these sites
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UNLV Student Counseling and Psychological Services
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American Psychological Association
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National Institute for Mental Health
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Center for Disease Control and Prevention