Mental Health | Health & Wellness

Mental Health Concerns During College

Mental health is a major concern for people of all ages, including adolescents and young adults. During these years, our bodies and life circumstances change rapidly as we grow up, establish our identities, form new relationships, and strike out on our own in school and with jobs for the first time. Lots of decisions need to be made. All this change can be exciting and present wonderful opportunities for fulfillment, but can also lead to significant pressure and stress. Sometimes the stresses are manageable with the support of friends and family, relaxation techniques, and/or making life style changes, such as getting more sleep or exercise or making other simple changes.

On the other hand, sometimes the pressures can lead to significant clinical depression and/or anxiety disorders or serious eating disorders. Also, adolescence and young adulthood are times when genetic predispositions to inherited mental health illnesses, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and schizophrenia, often first manifest themselves.

Physicians and nurse practitioners at Health & Wellness are experienced at diagnosing common mental health problems, particularly depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

We can prescribe antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medication, when appropriate. This is often done in conjunction with psychotherapy which can be provided by either theUNH Psychological and Counseling Services (PACS)or an off campus psychotherapist.

A psychiatrist is available on campus on a very limited basis for consultation regarding diagnosis and/or treatment. Visits with the psychiatrist may only be scheduled by referral from one of our clinicians. We can also make referrals to psychiatrists in the area, when appropriate, especially for more complicated problems.

TheLiving Well Servicesmay be of additional assistance. The office provides confidential, individualized and short-term health counseling/education sessions that focus on skill building and self-care.

Wellness Educators/Counselors are available to address a variety of health and wellness topics: stress management, sleep, alcohol and other drugs, tobacco cessation, nutrition, eating concerns, chronic illness, sexual health, sexual orientation, gender identity and anger management. Peer support is also available for eating concerns, body image concerns and alcohol and other drugs use.

If you feel that you need help with a mental health concern, call us at (603) 862-2856. We can assist you in deciding whether you should contact theUNH Psychological and Counseling Services (PACS), see someone inLiving Well Services, or schedule an appointment with one of our physicians or nurse practitioners.

Kognito is an interactive online training program that will help anyone in the UNH community identify and refer students who may be struggling with mental health concerns to visit the UNH Psychological and Counseling Services (PACS).

Anyone in can use this program to learn through practice conversations with student avatars.

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Mental Health | Health & Wellness