Transition to College Can Be Emotionally Turbulent for Young Adults

National Mental Health Association
Monday, 11 August 2003

New NMHA "Back to Campus" Fact Sheets Help Students Adjust to College Life

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 urges college students to be mindful of their mental health and encourages parents to pay close attention to their child's emotional well-being.

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

"Reaching 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 feelings 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


• 10 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 Your Parents' Divorce


• Exam Week Stress, Self-Injury and more.

For more information, or to contact National Mental Health Association, see their website at: www.nmha.org