Transitioning from high school to college is a big deal. College means more freedom, new opportunities, and the beginning of true autonomy and independence.
Classes will be tougher than they were in high school, and your parents may not be around to keep you focused and disciplined. You might find yourself in a new living situation with people you’ve never met before. Many students may need to work part-time in order to help fund their schooling and living expenses.
There is absolutely no shame in feeling overwhelmed by these new responsibilities and pressures. In fact, it would be a little strange not to feel daunted by experiencing life as an adult for the first time – even if it all seems challenging in a good way. Change is hard, and all change (good and bad) can present challenges to your mental health.
Mental health issues are on the rise in college students, especially in the past year or two, with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, political unrest, and increasing awareness and discourse of systemic racism and inequality. (1)
Fifty percent of students in the Fall of 2020 screened positive for depression and/or anxiety, and 83% of students said that their mental health had a negative impact on their academic studies. (1)