Navigating mental health in college: A guide

College is a time for growth, change and self-exploration. Some students are eager to start college and embrace the experience. For others, it can feel overwhelming or even scary. Whatever emotions you have about college are completely valid. What matters most is how you approach your college journey. Remember, you're in control.

When I started college, I was a mixture of anxiety and excitement. As I placed my last few boxes into my dorm in Westerlin and waved goodbye to my parents, I remember feeling this overwhelming buzz of anxiety when I realized I was on my own. I have always been looking ahead at the future, but for the first time I was stopped in my tracks and did not know my next step. However, that feeling of uncertainty quickly went away when I discovered Augustana’s mental health resources.

I have been a long-time advocate for mental health so naturally I had a draw to the National Alliance on Mental Illness on Campus (NAMI). It's through this peer support group that I learned one very important truth: I was not alone.

As the years passed and I reached my senior year, I worked endlessly to make sure that students like me could find a place where they feel welcome. Now, as I sit here writing this post, I want to share some pieces of advice that can help you navigate your mental health journey at Augustana. 

Be OK with not having it figured out.

In your first month of college, you'll meet many people, and it may feel overwhelming. You might compare yourself to those who seem to have everything figured out. The truth about those students is that you only see a small glimpse of what is actually going on in their lives. Many wear masks and present only a small portion of what is actually happening in their lives.

From experience, I know that I was one of these students. I had a pre-planned answer when asked about my future, but that plan changed many times during my years at Augustana.

Many factors go into planning your future, and even though your mental health plays a massive role in that plan, it is sometimes overlooked. In my experience, there were many times that my plan was scattered by life as it happened. Although those bumps in the road felt like the end of the world, I now know that it was just a small ripple in an ocean of change.

No matter how well you try to plan your future, life is going to find a way to surprise you. Although that seems scary, you will quickly realize that change is fundamental to finding yourself.

Find a support network.

I found that the one thing that kept me anchored through all the storms was my support network. A support network can be anyone — a friend, roommate, professor, family, or even a club or activity. I built my support network through Augustana’s National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Though opening up felt scary, I found comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone. Meeting students like me reminded me to embrace change instead of fearing it.

However you choose to build your network, remember that a successful support network is one that has your values and your goals in mind. These should be individuals who want to see you grow. You will likely go through a lot of trial and error finding your network, but once you do, you'll know it.

Advocate for yourself.

This can take the form of many different paths. When you advocate for yourself, you are setting expectations for how you need to be treated to thrive and grow. You can advocate for yourself in many ways — whether it’s big actions like distancing yourself from those who don’t support your values and dreams or smaller steps like prioritizing self-care and taking time for yourself.

Remember that you should be at the center of it all. If something isn’t helping you grow, it’s OK to let it go, even if it doesn’t please others. You’re in control.

As you prepare for what’s next, embrace all your emotions — they’re yours. You hold the key to your future and are capable of amazing things. Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you, put yourself first and embrace change.

If you ever need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our amazing campus supporters. As president of NAMI, I will always save you a seat in peer support.

Best of luck — you’ve got this!

Stay updated by following NAMI on Instagram: @augie_nami

We believe strongly in your ability to choose what is right for you right now, so we have provided you with a menu of mental health options that will fit your lifestyle: Student Counseling Services