Three ways students with mental illness can prepare for college

April 04, 2014

News Type:  Weekly Spark, Weekly Spark News

US News and World Report

For teenagers with mental illnesses, entering college for the first time can be a stressful experience. As Victor Schwartz, medical director at The Jed Foundation, points out, “When many people move from high school into college they have this fantasy that well, it’s a new chapter of their life, so whatever issues they might have dealt with before they don’t have to think about, and they really don’t make appropriate plans for follow-up care.” Mental health experts suggest that students should prepare by consulting beforehand with professionals who can help establish a treatment plan; choosing a school that works well with their needs; and planning for maximum stability during the crucial first year. Megan Rogers, now a senior at North Carolina State University, described the plan she relied on to cope with depression during her first year, which included regular contact with family, involvement in campus life, and careful adherence to eating well and sleeping regularly.

Spark Extra! See resources for students and campus professionals from The Jed Foundation,which works to promote mental health and prevent suicide among college and university students.