Mental Health Resources: A Guide for Students

If you are having a difficult time in college, you aren’t alone. Academic stress combined with life changes like moving away from home can sometimes be harder to deal with than you might have expected. If you have struggled with mental health issues in the past, all of this stress and change can worsen your symptoms. Even if you haven’t had any problems with your mental health before, studies show that most mental health disorders have their first onset during young adulthood.

Fortunately, if you are struggling with mental health issues, some resources can help. Reach out to your friends or loved ones, talk to a doctor or take advantage of your school’s mental health services. Many schools have counseling centers available on campus for students. If you are in a mental health crisis, there are several helplines available for immediate assistance.

Some of the most common mental health issues faced by college students today include:

• Frequent anxiety or panic attacks that move beyond the normal occasional stresses of everyday college life;
• Depression that is lingering and you can’t seem to “snap out of it;”
• Eating disorders which may help you feel like you are gaining control of an out-of-control situation;
• Substance abuse that is more chronic or habitual than simply “partying” or “experimenting;”
• Suicidal thoughts that are persistent and require immediate help.

We’ve packed a lot of information into one place, but that can also seem overwhelming at first glance. If you are concerned that you may be experiencing issues that require immediate attention or other interventions, learning more about possible conditions is a great first start, so congratulations for searching for answers!

Below you will find a full outline of the information available in this guide. Use this as a way to pinpoint the details most relevant to your situation. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please read our resources here first.

Anxiety
What Are Some Signs of Anxiety?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Phobias
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
What Are Some Risk Factors for Anxiety?
What Treatment Options Are Available for Anxiety?
Additional Resources for Anxiety

Depression
What Are Some Signs of Depression?
Bipolar Disorder
What Are Some Risk Factors for Depression?
What Treatment Options Are Available for Depression?
Additional Resources for Depression

Eating Disorders
What Are Some Symptoms of Eating Disorders?
Anorexia
Bulimia and Binge-Eating Disorder
What Are Some Risk Factors For Eating Disorders?
What Treatment Options Are Available For Eating Disorders?
Additional Resources for Eating Disorders

Addiction and Substance Abuse
What Are Some Signs Of Addiction and Substance Abuse?
What Are Some Risk Factors For Addiction And Substance Abuse?
What Treatment Options Are Available For Addiction And Substance Abuse?
Additional Resources for Addictions and Substance Abuse

In college, it is quite common to feel stressed and anxious from time to time. You may feel anxious before a test or presentation or stressed from your course load. Occasional anxiety is just a part of life. However, if you are starting to find that your anxiety is becoming more frequent and interfering with your daily life, you should consider seeking some help.

If you have an anxiety disorder, you may spend an unnecessary amount of time worrying about everyday things. This could affect your performance in school or work and cause problems in your relationships. But seeking help from someone qualified can help you learn to keep your anxiety in check.

There are several different types of anxiety disorders including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

In general, anxiety is characterized by worrying excessively about everyday things. The symptoms of specific anxiety disorders can vary, although there is some overlap. Anxiety can cause not only mental and emotional stress but also physical symptoms. You may also experience an anxiety disorder along with other mood disorders, like depression.

Like many mental health issues, the exact cause of anxiety varies from person to person. Some people are naturally more anxious and prone to anxiety disorders due to their personality or genetics. Another factor may be experiencing something traumatic or stressful.

Sometimes, an underlying health condition, other mental health issues or substance abuse can lead to anxiety. College can be a stressful time for many students, and if you already suffer from anxiety the buildup of stress may be a trigger for you.

If you feel like you are spending too much time worrying and it is affecting your quality of life or school work, it may be time to seek some outside help.

Treatment for anxiety can include:

• Therapy or counseling. A counselor can talk with you and teach you techniques to deal with your anxiety symptoms.
• Your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants to help lessen symptoms of anxiety.
• Self-care. Your doctor or counselor may make suggestions for getting adequate sleep, exercise and nutrition, as well as other mindfulness and relaxation strategies.

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) has a mission to prevent, treat and cure anxiety and depression through education, practice and research. Their website includes resources for understanding anxiety and depression and tools for finding treatment options and therapists.
• Anxiety Resource Center (ARC) aims to educate the public and professionals about anxiety disorders, reduce stigma around anxiety disorders and offer support for those affected by anxiety. Their website has resources and online support groups.
• Active Minds is a mental health organization focusing on supporting and educating young adults in mental health awareness. Their website offers information and resources related to mental health geared specifically toward college students, and they have chapters at over 100 college campuses across the United States.
• Beyond OCD is aimed not only toward those who are affected by OCD but other anxiety disorders as well. Their website has informational resources related to OCD and co-existing disorders, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness offers information and support for any kind of mental illness, not just anxiety. Their mission is to help individuals and families affected by mental illness improve their lives.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a general mental health organization with information, research and news related to mental health. They also have resources for finding treatment for mental health issues.
• Social Anxiety Association (SAA) seeks to promote understanding and treatment of social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia. Their website has some helpful information on social anxiety disorder and cognitive behavioral therapy for treatment.
• ULifeline is a mental health website that aims specifically to support college students. Their website has educational resources and resources for finding help, whether it be for yourself or a friend.

The transition to college can be difficult, and many college students struggle with depression. Depression, also called major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness for two weeks or more. If you have moved away from home for the first time, you may miss your friends and family. Many college students have a difficult time adjusting to their new classes and the increased workload. While all of this is normal, if you are experiencing a persistent depressed mood, it could be depression.

While there are many ups and downs throughout life, you may be experiencing depression if you are having a hard time getting out of your depressed moods and can’t seem to just “snap out” of it. Depression is a fairly common mood disorder, so if you are experiencing it you are not alone. However, this could affect your schoolwork and relationships, and it is important to know when and how to get help.

If you are struggling with depression, you may have:

• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder

There are several emotional and physical signs of depression to look out for if you think you or someone you know may be experiencing depression, including persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy. If your sadness dissipates after a few days, it may not be depression. But, if these symptoms last for two weeks or more and interfere with your daily activities, you should seek help from family, friends or counseling services that your school offers.

Along with sadness and a loss of interest in activities, there are a variety of emotional symptoms caused by depression. Feeling anxious or irritable can be a sign of depression, including angry outbursts that may seem over the top to someone else. Persistent feelings of guilt or worthlessness and dwelling on your failures may be a sign of depression as well. Frequent thoughts of death and suicide are a sign of depression. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek professional help right away.

Depression can manifest in physical symptoms as well including:

• Weight loss or gain
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling unusually tired
• Aches and pains

It is common for depression to begin in early adulthood, which puts college students potentially at risk. There are biological and genetic components to depression as well as environmental factors.

Biological factors that can cause depression include inherited traits, brain chemistry, and hormones. If you have a family or personal history of mental illness, you may have an increased risk of developing depression. Personality traits and lifestyle factors can contribute to depression as well, particularly having low self-esteem or lacking support. Additionally, sometimes experiencing a stressful or traumatic event can trigger depression.

Taking care of yourself and reaching out to friends and family during difficult times, including transitioning to college, can help prevent depression. If you do think you are suffering from depression, treatment can include:

• There are a variety of antidepressants available for major depressive disorder. Your doctor can work with you to figure out which medication is right for you.
• Therapy or counseling. A counselor can talk with you and teach you techniques to deal with your depression and cope with life’s challenges. They can work with you to determine lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your depression and help find solutions that work for you.
• Self-care. Your doctor or counselor may make suggestions for getting adequate sleep, exercise and nutrition, as well as other mindfulness and relaxation strategies to lessen symptoms of depression. It’s important to avoid alcohol and drug use as this tends to worsen symptoms of depression in the long run.

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) has a mission to prevent, treat and cure anxiety and depression through education, practice and research. Their website includes resources for understanding anxiety and depression and tools for finding treatment options and therapists.
• Active Minds is a mental health organization focusing on supporting and educating young adults in mental health awareness. Their website offers information and resources related to mental health geared specifically toward college students, and they have chapters at over 100 college campuses across the United States.
• The Jed Foundation (JED) offers mental health support services for teens and young adults. They recognize the particular challenges of transitioning to adulthood and aim to support and empower college students during this time.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness offers information and support for any kind of mental illness, not just depression. Their mission is to help individuals and families affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a general mental health organization with information, research and news related to mental health. They also have resources for finding treatment for mental health issues.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress. Their phone number is (800) 273-8255. They can also assist if you have a friend or loved one in a mental health crisis.
• The Trevor Project is a national crisis intervention and suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. Their website offers educational resources and support, and they also have a 24/7 phone service called the TrevorLifeline for those in emotional crisis. If you are in a crisis, you can call (866) 488-7386 for support.
• ULifeline is a mental health website that aims specifically to support college students. Their website has educational resources and resources for finding help, whether it be for yourself or a friend.

College students are in the highest risk age group for developing an eating disorder. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, up to 10 to 20 percent of women in college and four to 10 percent of men in college struggle with eating disorders. With the stress of college and maybe even living on your own for the first time, some college students look to their eating habits to find a sense of control.

Of course, many factors can lead to an eating disorder, and going on a diet doesn’t always lead to a disorder. But developing an eating disorder can have serious consequences for your health and wellbeing if left untreated, potentially even becoming life-threatening.

There are a few different eating disorders, the most common being:

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge-eating disorder

The most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. While these eating disorders have varying characteristics, they all result from persistent, unhealthy eating habits that harm your health. If you have an eating disorder, your mental health can suffer from focusing too much on body image and weight, and you become at risk for serious nutritional deficiencies that can affect your heart and digestive system and lead to other serious diseases.

Causes of eating disorders vary from person to person. Biological factors, like a family history of eating disorders or other mental illnesses, can make you more likely to have an eating disorder. Environmental factors can play a big part in eating disorders as well.

If one of your parents or siblings has had an eating disorder, you are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. Anxiety disorders, including OCD, and a history of depression can also increase your chances of developing an eating disorder. These disorders can affect your self-esteem and cause you to dwell on your body image or weight, which may lead to unhealthy eating habits.

While it is important to watch your diet and eat nutritious foods, restrictive dieting or limiting calorie intake can put you at risk for an eating disorder. What you eat can affect your mind, and limiting calories can lead to mood changes that may increase your chances of having an eating disorder. The stress of college may make you more susceptible to disordered eating as well.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder or suspect that someone you know is, it is extremely important to seek treatment for your health and happiness. Eating disorders do have the potential to become life-threatening, but there are treatment options that can help you.

Treatment for an eating disorder may include:

• Therapy or counseling. As with other mental health issues, talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful for eating disorders. This can help with managing emotions and unhealthy thought patterns. You might also like to consider going to family therapy so your family can help work together with you in the healing process.
• Eating disorders can co-occur with depression, anxiety or OCD, which can contribute to your poor self-esteem and unhealthy eating habits. Your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants to help. If you have a binge-eating disorder, some medications may help your body to know when you are full.
• Nutritional help and a healthy eating plan. Along with your primary doctor and mental health professional, you may work with a dietician to come up with a healthy eating plan. This can help you to focus on eating nutritious foods and taking care of yourself rather than setting restrictions, which often lead to unhealthy eating habits.
• If you are severely malnourished you may need to be checked into a hospital or clinic for care. There are also day clinics available if you need more intensive treatment but do not require full hospitalization.

• Academy for Eating Disorders is an organization focused on research and awareness of eating disorders. While they mainly support health professionals specializing in eating disorders, there are helpful facts and information on treatment available on their website.
• Addiction Center is geared toward anyone struggling with addiction, including behavioral addictions such as eating disorders. They have helpful information on eating disorders, treatment options and support services.
• Eating Disorder Hope is an organization that promotes eating disorder education and awareness. Their website has educational resources, resources for finding treatment and recovery support.
• Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA) is a twelve-step program that offers community support for those recovering from an eating disorder. You can find information on local support groups on their website.
• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) has a helpline as well as support groups and information on treatment options for eating disorders. Additionally, they offer educational resources and a mentorship program.
• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has educational information, resources for finding treatment and other resources specifically for college students. They have a helpline you can call or text, as well as a live chat option.

College is sometimes seen as a time for partying and experimenting, and this too often can lead to serious substance abuse. According to a national Monitoring the Future survey, college students are at a considerably higher risk for alcohol abuse and binge drinking than their peers who don’t attend college. You may drink and use recreational drugs if you are stressed with your classes, missing home or just as a way to socialize. But substance abuse puts you at a higher risk for physical and mental health issues, communicable diseases and suicide.

You may realize that you have crossed the line from recreational drug use to substance abuse if your drinking and drug use is interfering with your daily life. If you are struggling to meet obligations, skipping class or failing to turn in assignments as a result of drug or alcohol use, this could be considered substance abuse. If you feel dependent on drugs or alcohol you may have an addiction that will need treatment.

Unhealthy drug use may affect your performance at school or work and may negatively impact your relationships. You may begin to lack energy and motivation if you are using drugs and alcohol too often. Drugs and alcohol can put your health at risk and cause you to engage in potentially dangerous or harmful activities.

If you are experiencing addiction, you may feel the need to use drugs or alcohol more frequently or in higher amounts. You may experience withdrawal symptoms and feel the need to have a steady supply of the drug. Doing uncharacteristically harmful things to get drugs, like lying, manipulating or stealing, can be a sign of addiction.

If you are struggling with substance abuse or addiction in college, know that you aren’t alone and it isn’t your fault. College students are at a high risk of drug and alcohol abuse, and there are a variety of biological and environmental factors that may lead to addiction.

If you have a family history of drug or alcohol addiction, you may be at a higher risk. Genetics may make you more likely to develop an addiction if you are abusing drugs or alcohol. If you have other mental illnesses like anxiety or depression you also may be more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol.

Certain prescription drugs as well as using drugs at an early age can sometimes lead to substance abuse or addiction. Stress, peer pressure and family problems can lead to unhealthy substance abuse as a way of coping. Certain types of drugs are more addictive than others, including cocaine and opioid painkillers. You are at a higher risk of developing dependence if you abuse these substances.

If you are struggling to cut back on drug or alcohol use, you may have a chemical addiction, which can cause withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, there are many effective treatment options available for substance abuse and addiction including:

• Withdrawal symptoms can last weeks and become a difficult obstacle to overcome when you struggle with addiction. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, you may be prescribed medication that can lessen the symptoms. Additionally, if you have a co-occurring mental illness, like depression or anxiety, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication may help you.
• Therapy or counseling. Cognitive behavioral therapy and other counseling services can help you to change your patterns and behaviors that may lead to drug use. Individual counseling and support groups can be very helpful along with other forms of treatment.
• Residential treatment. If you have been struggling with addiction for a long time, you may want to consider inpatient or residential treatment. This option provides you with 24-hour a day care supported by medical professionals to help you through your recovery.

• Active Minds is a mental health organization focusing on supporting and educating young adults in mental health awareness. Their website offers information and resources related to mental health geared specifically toward college students, and they have chapters at over 100 college campuses across the United States.
• Addiction Center is an organization that offers information on various types of addiction as well as treatment options and support services. Their website includes an option to browse rehabilitation centers by state.
• The Jed Foundation (JED) offers mental health support services for teens and young adults. They recognize the particular challenges of transitioning to adulthood and aim to support and empower college students during this time.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness offers information and support for any kind of mental illness, not just depression. Their mission is to help individuals and families affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is a federal agency that supports research on drug abuse and its consequences. Their website has research, screening tools and information on the prevention and treatment of drug abuse.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a general mental health organization with information, research and news related to mental health. They also have resources for finding treatment for mental health issues.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a government agency that works to reduce the effects of mental illness and substance abuse on communities. Their website has educational resources and provides help for finding treatment.

Whether you are struggling with these mental health issues or something else, if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek help right away. Feeling hopeless, overwhelmed or having low self-esteem can all lead to suicidal thoughts, but there is help.

Talk to your loved ones and seek professional help as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Hopelessness
• Feeling trapped or like a burden to others
• Engaging in self-destructive activities
• Harming yourself

Suicide can be prevented and there are people who want to help you if you are having suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, call 911 or a suicide hotline right away. The number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is (800) 273-8255.

• Active Minds is a mental health organization focusing on supporting and educating young adults in mental health awareness. Their website offers information and resources related to mental health geared specifically toward college students, and they have chapters at over 100 college campuses across the United States.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides support for those who are suffering from suicidal thoughts or who have experienced the loss of a loved one from suicide. Their crisis helpline can be reached at (800) 273-8255.
• The Jed Foundation (JED) offers mental health support services for teens and young adults. They recognize the particular challenges of transitioning to adulthood and aim to support and empower college students during this time.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress. Their phone number is (800) 273-8255. They can also provide assistance if you have a friend or loved one in a mental health crisis.
• The Trevor Project is a national crisis intervention and suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. Their website offers educational resources and support, and they also have a 24/7 phone service called the TrevorLifeline for those in emotional crisis. If you are in a crisis, you can call (866) 488-7386 for support.
• ULifeline is a mental health website that aims specifically to support college students. Their website has educational resources and resources for finding help, whether it be for yourself or a friend.

There are a variety of resources available if you are struggling with your mental health. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you think you may have anxiety, depression, an eating disorder, addiction or suicidal thoughts. Many of these resources are free and you can remain anonymous if you choose. But it’s also important to remember that a mental health disorder is not your fault or something to be ashamed of. College can be a difficult time, and if you are experiencing mental health issues, you don’t have to struggle alone.