College is an exciting time—new friends, freedom, and experiences. But along with all that fun, some stuff can be pretty tough to deal with, especially when it comes to your health. Between trying to navigate your own finances, school work, living situations, relationships, and mental health, it can be overwhelming and we want to make sure we hit all of the topics to truly help you see what’s going on and how you can manage it to have a happier and more successful year.
Stress & Mental Health Stuff
College life can be a lot. Classes, homework, jobs, relationships, and figuring out what you want to do with your life pile up. Stress and mental health issues like anxiety and depression are super common on campus.
The best thing you can do? Find ways to manage your stress before it manages you. Exercise (even just walking), meditation, eating decent food, and talking to a therapist can seriously help. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, please don’t tough it out alone. There’s help—online, in-person, whatever works for you.
It’s Hard to Find Help on Campus
Here’s the crazy part. Over 60% of college students are dealing with some type of mental health challenge as of 2023. And the demand for counseling services on campus is huge—there just aren’t enough therapists to go around. The demand for more on-campus counselors is rising and they just don’t always have the tools to help that many students.
If asking for help feels scary, or you don’t want to risk running into someone you know on the way to the counseling center (we get it), there’s another option. Evolve Counseling in Fort Collins offers online therapy, so you can talk to someone without leaving your dorm room or apartment. Easy, private, and no need to rearrange your whole day.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
College is a time for late-night study marathons, Netflix binges, or hanging out with friends until 2 a.m. Sound familiar? Sleep deprivation is basically a rite of passage in college—but it can totally mess you up.
No sleep = crankiness, brain fog, getting sick more often, and just feeling blah. Try to stick to a sleep schedule, watch your caffeine and alcohol intake, and make your space comfy for sleeping. Your body and brain will thank you.
Eating Like Crap (Because…College)
Ramen. Pizza. Energy drinks. We’ve all been there. But if you’re surviving on junk 24/7, it’s going to catch up to you—think weight gain, constant fatigue, and struggling to focus.
You don’t have to be a health nut, but making time for actual meals (tossing in a veggie or two) makes a huge difference. And cutting back on sugary, processed stuff? Your energy levels will seriously improve.
Alcohol & Substance Use (It’s a Big Deal)
Let’s be real—college culture can make it feel like everyone’s drinking or partying all the time. But it’s not all fun and games. Heavy drinking and drug use can lead to addiction, accidents, and some pretty bad decisions.
If you drink, set limits for yourself. If you don’t, that’s totally fine too. Find friends down to do other things—movie nights, hikes, game nights—whatever works. And if things feel out of control, reach out for help.
Depression in College Students
Here’s a stat that hits hard: in 2021, about 41% of college students screened positive for depression (Healthy Minds Study). That’s a lot of people.
So how do you know if you’re dealing with depression?
- You’re pulling away from friends and family
- You’re skipping class or social stuff you used to enjoy
- You feel really upset over things that usually wouldn’t bother you
- You’re tired all the time (or can’t sleep at all)
- You’ve got aches and pains that don’t make sense
- Your appetite is all over the place
- You’re thinking about death or suicide (even if it’s a joke)
If any of this sounds like you—or someone you care about—don’t wait. Evolve Counseling in Fort Collins is here to help. They specialize in working with college students dealing with depression and anxiety. No judgment, just support.
Anxiety in College Students
Anxiety is another big one. In the same study above, they found about 34% of college students have or have experienced anxiety.
- Feeling stressed all the time
- Overthinking even small decisions
- Getting irritable over little things
- Not being able to focus
- Sweating or feeling dizzy for no reason
- Tight muscles or headaches that won’t quit
- Panic attacks that come out of nowhere
It’s easy to confuse anxiety and depression because they overlap a lot. A therapist can help you sort it out—and help you feel better. Evolve Counseling makes it simple to connect with someone who gets it.
Wondering if you’ve got anxiety? Ask yourself:
- Are you constantly worrying about stuff, even small things?
- Do you avoid social situations because they make you super anxious?
- Do you get panic attacks?
- Is anxiety messing with your schoolwork, job, or relationships?
- If you’re nodding along, it’s time to talk to someone.
Suicide in College Students (We Have to Talk About It)
This is heavy, but it’s important. Around 1 in 5 college students have had thoughts of suicide, and 5% have made a plan.
People thinking about suicide often start by joking about it. Then they start saying things like, “I’m stuck,” “What’s the point?” or “Nobody would care if I was gone.” They might seem harder on themselves, or like they’ve totally given up.
People often lose interest in activities they once loved. They might also have what seems like irrelevant ideations that they might be humiliated if they participate or that others will make fun of them if they do the activity.
Lastly a big one is the person getting in touch with others they haven’t talked to in a while and might be leaving “good-bye” notes to those they love or are close to. They might also act recklessly or erratic with risking their life to do crazy stunts they would have been more cautious to in the past.
If you or someone you know is showing these signs of suicide, please don’t hesitate to call or reach out to the suicide hotline 988. If you need help, reach out or tell someone you know and trust. Asking for help is NOT a weakness and these feelings are not typical.
If you hear someone saying these things—or you’ve thought them yourself—please don’t ignore it. You can call the 988 hotline if you are concerned about someone and receive guidance as well.
Ready to Talk?
If any of this hits close to home, Evolve Counseling in Fort Collins is here for you. Whether you’re at CSU, or anywhere in Colorado, they make it easy to get the help you need—without the awkward waiting rooms or fitting an appointment into your already crazy day.
Evolve Counseling is here. Lindsey Phillips, LPC, and Ben Smith, LPC, have years of experience helping students and adults with anxiety, depression, and challenging life stuff. Specialists in CBT to help you and others struggling. They’re down-to-earth, easy to talk to, and they offer online sessions that work with busy schedules.
Lindsey and Ben are here to listen, help you sort things out, and cheer you on as you make life better.
