Making the Transition to College Isn’t Easy, but Help is Available

Making the leap from high school to college is one of life’s biggest transitions. Besides living on your own and facing the demands of navigating an entirely new social atmosphere, there’s the little matter of taking demanding classes and mapping out a path to a degree.

This transition marks a major change in a student’s life; the stakes are high, and the struggle is real.

The first in a three-part series of articles on this vital period in young people’s lives focuses on how to access support when times get tough. Mental health is a key part of that transition, and support is available.

According to the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health International College Student Initiative — a study that surveyed students from 19 colleges in eight countries — approximately 35% of college freshmen report symptoms consistent with a diagnosable mental health disorder, and this transition can make symptoms even more apparent.

During such a crucial time of transition and development for a young adult, there are several things to keep in mind when it comes to mental health and they are all outlined in the article, which is sponsored by Alkermes.

Read the full article here and remember that if you are noticing differences in behavior in someone and are concerned, consider reaching out to a trusted medical professional in your area or visit one of the following resources for additional information: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Mental Health America (MHA).