Resources for Students

What Is Anxiety?

What is Panic?

What is the Fight or Flight Response?

Anxiety Coping Strategies

Challenging Anxious Thoughts

Exploring Cognitive Distortions

Exploring Social Anxiety

Using Thought Logs to Combat Anxiety

Decatastrophizing

What is Depression?

Coping Skills for Depression

Supporting a Friend or Loved One with Depression

Challenging Negative Thoughts

What Is Mindfulness?

How to Practice Mindfulness

Four Mindfulness Exercises

"Leaves on a Stream" exercise

Relaxation Techniques

Grounding Techniques

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Deep Breathing

College is an exciting time, but it’s also a time of greater independence and responsibility. Many students work to help cover the cost of attendance, and some have family responsibilities to manage in addition to their coursework. Trying to manage these demands can be difficult! While college can be emotionally challenging, it’s still possible to enjoy the experience and grow from it!

If you have no experience with mental health challenges

• Even those who have not experienced mental health problems in the past should begin to think ahead and take steps to help ease the emotional challenges of starting a college journey.
• Establish a self-care routine to include getting adequate sleep, maintaining good nutrition and engaging in regular exercise to keep your mind and body in good condition.
• Learn about available support services, where they are located and what they provide. These services are there to help all students and can be a valuable resource to prevent academic or health problems before they start!

If you have a diagnosis or history of mental health challenges

• Having a clear plan for how you will manage your mental health care when you start college can be essential to support your wellness or recovery, ensure your safety and maximize your success. If you already know that you will need regular visits with a therapist or prescribing clinician to maintain your care, discuss this with your current provider. They may be able to continue working with you through a telehealth format or help you find providers and support options in your new community.
• It’s important to remember that mental health symptoms are unpredictable — no one plans to have a crisis, and it can be unpleasant to think about, but the best time to develop a crisis plan is when you are doing well. Talk with your mental health provider about how you will deal with emerging problems or use this tool to create your own crisis plan.

Experiencing a mental health crisis at college

• If you notice that your mental health is negatively impacting your coursework or your daily responsibilities, letting your advisor, the Dean of Students and/or counselors know early on can be helpful. Some mental health issues are temporary and may improve with adjustments to your schedule or care strategies, allowing you to successfully complete the semester.

If you have questions about the mental health resources available at Hood College for undergraduate students, graduate students or faculty and staff, please reach out to wellness@hood.edu.

Content provided by the National Alliance on Mental Health.

Stress vs. Anxiety

Self-Talk

Perfectionism

Resiliency