Deciding to enroll in graduate school is a big deal. It will help you to better your future career, but it can also take a toll on your mental well-being. The stress of balancing school, work, family, and personal self-care can be overwhelming for many students, which according to the American Psychological Association has caused an uptick in self-medication and stays in student hospitals.
Unfortunately, many college campuses don’t have health officials available at all times of the day or have the resources to help students deal with these particular problems. This is problematic when the National College Health Association reports that one-third of U.S. college students are suffering from depression or overwhelming anxiety. Probably the most concerning statistic is that 30 percent of students who are seeking mental health aid have contemplated or attempted suicide in their past.
When college students regularly struggle with these mental issues, they are more likely to drop out. Counseling can help you learn how to balance all the areas of your life and deal with stress in a much healthier way. This will help you to become physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually well, which will then allow you to stay on top of your classes and learn at peak capacity.
Any of the following symptoms could indicate you are currently dealing with a mental health concern and should reach out to a counselor or other mental health professional:
- Irritability
- Sleeplessness
- Panic Attacks
- Alcohol or Drug Dependency
- Inability to Complete Daily Tasks
- Feelings of Worthlessness
- Suicidal Thoughts
In the meantime, if you feel you are struggling with grad school or are constantly stress and burned out, try lightening your load. Limiting your schedule will allow you to get more sleep and develop a daily exercise routine, both of which are incredibly important to mental well-being. You should also try to do something fun at least once a week to relieve any anxiety you might be experiencing. It’s also in your best interest to begin seeing a therapist to learn further ways you can manage all areas of your life without putting your mental health at risk.
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