Protecting Your Psychological Health

Protecting Your Psychological Health

Maintain Mental Health

Develop a support network of friends.
If you have concerns about your study habits, ability to take tests or managing your coursework, talk with teachers, counselors, family, and friends for advice and support.
Visit the health center, and discuss concerns with a health professional. If the health professional advises treatment, follow instructions. Watch out for side effects, and attend follow-up appointments to assess improvement.

Fight Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation

Avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.
Have a good sleeping environment. Get rid of anything that might distract you from sleep, such as noises or bright lights.
Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on the weekends.
See your health provider if you continue to have trouble sleeping.
Avoid pulling an all-nighter to study.

Get Physical Activity

Stay active. Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp. It can also reduce your risk of depression and may help you sleep better.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Talk with a nutritionist or dietician at a health clinic on campus or in the community about improving your diet.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of an eating disorder, get help. Find a friend to go with you or offer to go with a friend to talk to a counselor or doctor who knows about eating disorders.

Avoid Substance Abuse

Have Healthy Relationships

Avoid relationships with those who drink heavily or use drugs, act aggressively, or treat you disrespectfully.
If anything in your relationship makes your feel uncomfortable, talk to someone you can trust.

Adapted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, College Health and Safety

Community Resources: Psychological Health

Southeastern Regional Medical Center (Lumberton, NC)- 910-671-5000

https://www.unchealthsoutheastern.org/