By Josie Mojica

College life can be an exciting time filled with new experiences, challenges, and growth opportunities. It also comes with its fair share of challenges though. Amidst the academic pressures, social demands, and personal growth, one thing that often gets overlooked is one’s well-being.

What some may not know, is that most mental health disorders tend to heighten during the young adult years. Signs and symptoms may show up in childhood and then when met with the challenges of college life and new stressors, they may magnify in their appearance. This can leave students feeling confused, scared, and vulnerable to different risk factors. Some risk factors may be isolation and substance abuse, amongst others. Awareness, early identification, and access to mental health resources can support greater long-term well-being for students. Here are three reasons why taking care of your mental health as a college student is crucial.

Academic Success

Last-minute cramming, pulling all-nighters, and countless hours of looking over material… I’ve been there! Relying on coffee, energy drinks, and 20-minute naps between class breaks... Yup! I get it. Trying to stay afloat amid academic pressures may be by far the most challenging for a college student. It’s important to remember that your mental health impacts your ability to perform academically. High-stress levels, anxiety, and burnout can hinder your concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. By putting first your mental health, you're making a way for better focus, improved cognitive, and higher academic success.

Healthy Relationships & Connections

College is a prime time for building relationships and connections that can last a lifetime. Meaningful connections with friends, teachers, and mentors can provide positive social support for students as they go through the highs and lows. Also, maintaining relationships with family support can be pivotal during this time. The lack of strong social support can negatively impact students by creating feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction. This can be an important time when students learn good or bad ways to cope with their stressors. This is why it is good to have healthy outlets for maintaining relationships and connections. The start of the new school year is a great time to consider what your school has to offer through campus or local organizations and ministries. Although it can be scary to reach out to new people, this is crucial for healthy connections and support throughout college.

Long-Term Well-being

The habits and practices you establish in college can have a lasting impact on your well-being and future success. As a student, it can be difficult to see past instant gratifications, short-term pleasures, or survival mode. This is a great time to create and focus on daily habits and rhythms that support your overall well-being. By prioritizing your mental health, you're laying the groundwork for a lifetime of good mental hygiene. It not only contributes to your happiness but also enhances your ability to thrive in your future career and relationships.

Conclusion

Prioritizing your mental health as a college student is crucial for your academic success, relationships, and your long-term well-being. It often can be overlooked due to school pressures and social demands. Remember, you can learn tools and form greater self-awareness to help you through the highs and lows!

INTERESTED IN GETTING STARTED WITH A THERAPIST IN TAMPA, FL?

Balancing academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal growth as a college student can lead to stress, anxiety, fear, and at times have a negative impact on physical, mental, and spiritual health. Our therapist Josie Mojica can offer support from our North Tampa, FL office located in the Northdale, FL 336 and our South Tampa, FL office. To start prioritizing your mental health, follow these simple steps: 

Contact Christian Counseling of Tampa or call us at 813-254-3200

Schedule to meet with one of our counselors at our North or South office.

Start learning how to prioritize and manage your mental health.

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING OF TAMPA 

Our Tampa, FL-based therapy practice offers a wide range of services to meet your specific needs.

We understand the many ways your mental health may be impacted in life. As a result, our team is happy to also offer play therapy, anxiety treatment, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, counseling for teens and young adults, and therapy for depression. We use a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, EFT, grief therapy, and more! Feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today.