Preparing for College: Mental Health Tips for High Schoolers

By Hailey Ramseyer, LSW

Considering the future can be difficult for anyone at any age; however, the significant change that juniors and seniors in high school may be facing in the very near future can be daunting. College is something that is mentioned in high school often- “They won’t allow THAT in college” “You are going to be on your OWN soon, you can’t rely on me for this” “College is MUCH harder than this will ever be”. Anxiety. Overload. As someone who graduated from undergrad in 2021 and with my master’s in 2022, and as a mental health professional, I’m here to give you some tips and tricks for taking care of yourself in a time of transition, excitement, and uncertainty. 

1. Don’t Let the Stress Take Over Your Brain
   Listen, this change IS going to be stressful, and that’s okay! Stress is healthy and normal, as long as we don’t let it consume us. To do this, do your best to recognize when the stress is getting overwhelming. Check in with your body to see if you’re feeling tense, and engage in progressive muscle relaxation. This will help you physically relax, but also take your mind off of the stressful thing for a moment. 

2. Find Activities on Campus
   This may seem like some basic advice; however, anxiety or nerves can make it difficult to want to do something because of those feelings. This is the cycle of anxiety, and it continues if we do not face the anxiety. A way to do this would be to find a club or activity on campus. There are usually a TON of clubs and activities that will help you make friends, and be able to engage in something that you enjoy. Finding something in common is one of the first ways to make friends, and this would ensure that others would have a similar interest as you!

3. Create Schedules for Balance 
   The brain and body LOVE routine and balance. I can imagine that this may sound easier said than done, and it is important to know that with more practice, the easier it will become. Set a schedule or allot time for homework. Designate a self-care night that you can do each week. And, of course, allow yourself to have FUN. It is college after all, and this is where you can start to learn a balance of work and fun. Take advantage of it! 

4. Consider Mental Health Supports on Campus
   Especially if you are going out of state for school and cannot continue seeing your current mental health professional, research what is available to you on campus. Most campuses should have counseling services available, making it easily accessible, especially if you do not have transportation readily available for you. 

5. Remember You Are Not Alone
   This experience can feel a bit isolating. Remember, though, you are not the only new freshman on campus who is likely feeling overwhelmed. You have the opportunity to build new relationships and create a community while in college, so the feeling of loneliness will not last forever. 

This is, of course, not an exhaustive list; however, if you start planning and researching what is available to you now, it will likely help you feel more prepared for college. If you want to work through some of the anxieties and concerns prior to heading off for college, feel free to check out The Mental Wellness Center’s website to find a provider right for you! https://www.thementalwellnesscenter.com/