How to Maintain Mental and Physical Health in College
Jessica A. Gold is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University in St Louis and a staff psychiatrist at Habif Health and Wellness Center.In a few short weeks, many students will arrive on campus for the first time. Like any transition, starting college can be stressful. For some, it is their first experience away from home or with this much independence College is exciting in many ways and allows students to explore their identities outside the confines of their families as they grow into their adult selves. Yet, exploration often brings social pressures to conform, and college students can struggle with issues of work/life balance, impostor syndrome (doubting ones accomplishments, particularly in comparison to others perceived successes), and the pressure to sleep less, socialize more, and experiment with drugs and alcohol.Young adults in college, particularly international students who may live thousands of miles from home, may also feel disco...