College of the Overwhelmed: sound familiar?

The past couple weeks have been stressful for us college students. Between midterms, projects, pop quizzes and essays, it’s tough to find time to breathe– and that is only academically speaking. I’ve witnessed friends crumbling under the stress of balancing the demands of college life, finding respite in a fifth of vodka. Research continues to prove that we are more stressed out and overwhelmed than ever before.

Students who are experiencing these issues, who want to help other students across campus face them, (or both) have many information resources.

Those who seek information about general mental health issues can check out ULifeline. It offers a lot of great information for students who are unsure of where to look. Sites like this can be a great first resource when you aren’t sure where to turn.

There are also many resources available to students on campus: Counseling and Psychological Services, Counselors-In-Residence, Relaxation Sessions, Resident Assistants, etc. And of course, friends and loved ones.

For students interested in being involved with mental health issues on campus, organizations like Active Minds are a good place to start. Students can start chapters at their own university, and   “increase students’ awareness of mental health issues, provide information and resources regarding mental health and mental illness, encourage students to seek help as soon as it is needed, and serve as liaison between students and the mental health community,” according to the Active Minds “About” page.

Here at OU, there is already a group called Students Overcoming Stigma, which helps to raise awareness about mental health issues and help to address the stigma that still tends to be associated with seeking psychological assistance.

So whether you’re in need of some help, or would like to aid in improving the mental health of your peers, there are many avenues to get started.

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