Mental Health College Guide
Mental Health College Guide

We’re Here For You!

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feel at risk of suicide:

Call 988 to speak with someone now

Go to your nearest emergency room

Get a list of mental heaelth and suicide prevention resources HERE

For any other emergenncy, please dial 911

Go to your nearest emergency room

Get a list of mental heaelth and suicide prevention resources HERE

For any other emergenncy, please dial 911

Mental Health

College
Guide

About This Guide

Find out how to use this guide to find exactly the kind of support and information you’re looking for.

Relationships & Self-Care

Find tips on how to adjust to your new living situation, take care of yourself and manage new relationships.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

In this section you can find information on coping with a current diagnosis in a new environment, finding and speaking with health-care providers, and learning about peer groups and other support.

Self-Advocacy, HIPAA, & FERPA

You have rights related to your mental and physical health and academic support in college. Learn what they are and how to advocate for your needs.

Mental Health, Identity, and Race

Bringing your full self to campus can really help you find your place. This section will dive into identity and mental health resources and tips specific to LGBTQ students and students of color.

Staying Safe

This section is packed with resources on navigating difficult situations you may face. You’ll find information about recreational substance use and misuse, what toxicity looks like in relationships, and how to help yourself or your friends avoid or manage dangerous or risky situations.

Resources

Everything you need to know to handle an emergency or mental health crisis.

Our Stories

Brian Thomas

Brian Thomas

24 years old

Stressing out over assignments and exams drove me to isolate myself and not ask for help. If I could do it over, I would tell myself to ask for help and collaborate with others as much as possible to feel less alone and supported during those anxious college years.
Bruny Kenou

Bruny Kenou

24 years old

My advice is to take note and find what makes you feel more centered, and combine it with mental health resources that are available to you to maximize your wellness when you feel off-balanced. once you are centered, the good academic performance is likely to follow.
Lalima Saini:

Lalima Saini

19 years old

College was a terrifying new adjustment, but it was also the place that gave me opportunities to better my mental health. Coming from an environment where discussions of seeking professional help were frowned upon, taking advantage of on campus counseling resources opened up new avenues for me and my self-advocacy.
Shannon McCresh

Shannon McCreesh

21 years old

It may seem like everyone knows exactly what they’re doing in college, but the reality is, no one does. Once you start accepting the fact that you do not have to have anything figured out, the burden you’re carrying gets lighter.

Imaan Siddiqi

20 years old

College is what you make of it…there is no cookie cutter experience. Do things in a way that makes sense to you and if someone thinks you won’t succeed, prove them wrong.

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We recommend you also sign up for The Jed Foundation’s newsletterto receive ongoing support in navigating challenges, taking care of your mental health, and making the most of this time. JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. Stay supported all year long with their resources, tips, and advice delivered directly to your inbox.