College. stress. These words seem to go hand in hand these days. For those of us who have jobs on top of being full time students, handling stress can become something like a third job. We go to class during the day, go to work at night, and when we get home we frantically scramble to finish our homework just to start everything over the next day, five days a week. The new … [Read more...]
Your Need-To-Know College Campus Mental Health Resources and Accommodations
I don’t think that there is a single person who doesn’t have at least a little difficulty when it comes to managing certain elements of college life. But when you’re also dealing with a mental health condition, some of the changes and challenges that college brings can feel even more overwhelming. It is important to know that many colleges have accommodations and resources … [Read more...]
What is Therapy and Why Should I Go? An Interview from Three Different Perspectives
I’ve always been interested in learning more about therapy and counseling. What it is, how people feel venting to a professional to help them, and the benefits of it. I believe that, in a way, it coincides with self-care. But it wasn’t until college that I decided I wanted to delve into the world of psychology and therapy. While I studied Communications in college, I took a … [Read more...]
9 Key Points When Finding a Therapist for Your College Kid
“Hey, do you know of any good therapists near campus?” That was the gist of an email I received from my friend Kate, whose child, a freshman, will be attending college with my daughter—on the other coast of the U.S. I wrote back: “You’re in luck, sugar!” attaching a file I’d put together two years ago, when we flew cross-country to deliver our daughter Grace to her new … [Read more...]
College Mental Health: Should I Transfer Closer to Home?
College life is a very big transition for many students. Especially those who are already dealing with other life problems, like a mental health disorder. Trying to learn how to live and navigate on your own can take awhile. For our whole lives, we have lived with our parent's support. Now, in an instant, we are out on our own away from home. We will come across some situations … [Read more...]
3 Steps to Managing the Transition to College
College life is a very big transition for many students. Especially those who are already dealing with other life problems, like a mental health disorder. Trying to learn how to live and navigate on your own can take awhile. For our whole lives, many of us have lived with our parents' support. Now, in an instant, we are out on our own, away from home. We will come across some … [Read more...]
Together, Let’s Clench Anxiety
The sole thing that surrounded my disheveled mind in high school were the bathroom stalls. Crouching in a puzzled state, the palms of my hands pooled with sweat, but for no particular reason at all. The room would spin while my hands tingled, my body attempting to frighten me with the possibility of fainting. My heartbeat grew abnormal; from a rapid pulse to palpitations, in a … [Read more...]
Soiling The Nest – What a Parent Can Expect When Your Teen Goes Off to College
Look Out – Bumpy Road Ahead Congrats to your high school grad! He/she might be ready to head off for college – immediately – even though it’s only June. The feelings begin before graduation, of course. Not only will your teen be ready to go, but you may also be really ready for him/her to leave. It’s commonly referred to as “soiling the nest” and – yes – it's a real … [Read more...]
5 Foolproof Stress-Busting Activities for Finals Week
Stress is a powerful thing and something that often become extremely overwhelming if you let it get out of hand. Since coming to college, I believe that I have started to master some of the best options to try if you are having an especially difficult day or couple of days. Finals week is especially stressful for most. Here are a few options to reduce stress during finals week … [Read more...]
6 Tips to Balancing Your Mental State in College
College is a life-changing period in our lives. It tests our character, mental stability, and our overall self-esteem to get through the toughest of times. With all the commitments, events, academics, and things going on each day, it can be daunting for one to tackle them all. Fortunately, there are solutions and steps to help balance out your mental state. Let’s … [Read more...]
Rejection From Every Direction: How to Manage College Application Anxiety
For any college-bound student the year leading up to the application deadlines is extremely stressful. On top of keeping up with classes, studying for entrance exams, and visiting colleges, students have the agonizing task of creating “the list” of schools to which they want to apply. For our anxious student, this time period caused her an enormous amount of fear, uncertainty, … [Read more...]
From The Desk Of An Anxious Young Adult: Understanding An Anxious Child
Since I learned to walk anxiety has followed me like a shadow. The pitter patter of baby feet could be too loud if I was not careful. I felt terrible when that shaky, wet, feeling of fear and pain twisted my family into promises I had yet to break, failures I had yet to make. I lived in fear of disappointing everyone. With support, understanding, and honesty my family has … [Read more...]
The Hardest Part About Parenting a Teen with Anxiety
I’m not writing to evoke your sympathy. I know that virtually all the contributors in this amazing community are teens. So what do I hope to get from this post? I would love for some parents to step up and start writing about the experiences with the anxiety in their teen’s life. Let’s talk about how to help her/him. Let’s ask the questions where the answers are not so obvious. … [Read more...]
Help for OCD in Teens: AiT Exclusive Interview with Author Alison Dotson
Welcome to another awesome AiT Exclusive Interview, this time with Alison Dotson, author of Being Me with OCD: How I Learned to Obsess Less and Live My Life! Join us as we talk through her book, her personal journey with OCD, and advice share has for young adults struggling with OCD. AiT: You had, of course, experienced OCD yourself. Sharing about OCD isn't exactly easy, … [Read more...]
7 Practical Tips to Manage Your Stress and Anxiety
Life gets stressful! Things start to pile up, you get busy, and sometimes it can get difficult to manage everything going on in your life. As a student, it seems like anxiety and stress are things that just come with the territory. Any yes, that may be partly true, but there are ways to manage this stress and anxiety. I’m going to give you some self-care tips that I try to … [Read more...]