Unfortunately, college students are experiencing more stress and mental health concerns than ever before. Over 30% of college freshman say they feel overwhelmed and about half of college students report symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exposure to alcohol and other substances is also common during college, and 40% of students report that they binge drink, which can be a precursor to addiction. Up to 20% of students report having an eating disorder, and risk for suicide is also a concern as it is the second leading cause of death on college campuses.
 
The good news is there’s help. To cope with the demands of college, it is helpful to turn to a trusted classmate, friend, or family member for support. It’s also important to maintain healthy habits such as exercising, eating well, limiting caffeine intake, and getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night. To reduce stress, students should consider setting realistic weekly goals, practicing time management skills, and planning leisure activities. With the demands of school, work, and social pressure, some symptoms of mental illness are common, however, it is important to monitor these symptoms and note if they get worse. If you are experiencing mental health problems, you are encouraged to seek help as soon as possible. Counseling is available at MSU to help students manage stress and other symptoms of mental illness.

-Erica Rouleau-Mitchell, M.S.
PhD Candidate, Couple & Family Therapy

CFT Clinic Coordinator