Transition To College Can Be Emotionally Turbulent For Young Adults

ALEXANDRA, VA. — Leaving home and beginning college can be a stressful transition for young adults. While it is normal to experience conflicting emotions when adjusting to a new environment, the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) urges college students to be mindful of their mental health and encourages parents to pay close attention to their children’s emotional well-being.

According to a UCLA study, more than 30 percent of college freshmen report feeling overwhelmed a great deal of the time during the beginning of college, and John Hopkins University reported that more than 40 percent of a recent freshman class sought help from the student counseling center.

“Researching out for help with a mental health problem is not a sign of weakness and can ensure a healthy and productive college career,” said Michael Faenza, president and CEO of NMHA. “If stress or feeling of uncertainty become unmanageable, students should talk about their concerns with someone they trust or contact the campus health center, college counseling service, or a mental health professional.”

NMHA’s free materials for college students, parents and campus counseling and health services include:

*Top Ten Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health

*Ten Tips for Helping a Friend With a Mental Health or Substance Abuse Issue

*Mental Health Resources for “Finding Hope and Help”

*What to Do when Depression Enters Your Relationship

*Coping With Parents’ Divorce

*Exam Week Stress, Self-Injury and More

For copies or for more information, call the National Mental Health Association at 800-969-NMHA (6642), or visit www.nmha.org.