E .E. Cummings
The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be challenging. Moving away from family, developing your own identity, and becoming independent is a rewarding but challenging step. Managing the stress of classes, roommates, a new job, finances... it can quickly become overwhelming and feel pretty lonely.
One of the most common misconceptions going into college is that your dorm will be full of instant friends. Meeting new people and finding the right balance between studying and socializing can be difficult.
Academics can be quite different in college than in high school. GPAs don't look the same, and the need for organization, time management, and study skills has increased. The increased freedom requires an increase in responsibility and self-care.
Sometimes, an adjustment in expectations and an awareness that being friendly and respectful is enough to make the relationship work is needed. However, it might be time to seek support when it isn't reciprocal or feelings of loneliness and being left out creep in. Your RA is often a good place to start.
Class time, class size, teaching styles, and grading policies can differ in college from high school. There often aren't homework grades, and tests may cover large amounts of information. Contact your academic advisor to find out what resources are on campus to assist with time management, organization, and tutoring.
Remember that picking a major is not the same as choosing a job for life. Most majors encompass a broad range of opportunities. Start with your academic advisor or campus career center to discuss your concerns. Most students can continue to use their campus career centers after graduation.
There are people everywhere, but you may feel all alone. Shifting your focus to seeing people as potential friends rather than strangers can make a difference. Joining clubs and activities on campus or in the community can be a great place to meet friends.
Getting into a budgeting habit can help. However, if sticking to it isn't working or the stress distracts you from responsibilities, it's time to ask for help. The financial aid office can often help, but parents are also a great resource when making a budget.
Remember when "welcome to the real world" was just a saying? The adjustment after college graduation can be overwhelming. Not expecting yourself to know everything and accepting help from adults with more experience is needed.
When initial steps are too difficult to take alone or don't seem to be enough help, it may be time to seek professional help. Coaching, counseling, and therapy can provide direction and support to help manage stress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and adjustments to change.
Many clinicians offer both in-person and telehealth visits. Often, people prefer to visit a clinician at their office for an in-person appointment. However, teletherapy can be quite convenient when transportation isn't readily available. It can be done between classes or from the office without worrying about commuting. However, it isn't appropriate for everyone. Your clinician will discuss whether it is a suitable choice for you.
Getting an appointment with a therapist may take a few days or several weeks. Therefore, it is important not to delay scheduling.
Appointments are not for crisis care. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, go to the nearest Emergency Room, or for immediate assistance, call 911. If it is a medical emergency or life-threatening situation, CALL 911.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
Dial 988
When you call, text, or chat 988, you will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a network of local crisis centers providing suicide prevention and intervention services. The previous toll-free telephone number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) remains active.
For more information, visit www.988lifeline.org
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
www.crisistextline.org
If enrolled at a university, find campus crisis services available for a non-life-threatening crisis on your university health and counseling services website.
The Ohio State University
https://ccs.osu.edu/need-immediate-assistance
Miami University
https://www.miamioh.edu/student-life/student-counseling-service/resources/hope-line/index.html
Case Western Reserve University
https://case.edu/studentlife/healthcounseling/student-wellness/resources
University of Cincinnati
https://www.uc.edu/campus-life/caps/student-services/crisis-services.html#main
Bowling Green State University
https://www.bgsu.edu/counseling-center/emergency-information.html
Ohio University
https://www.ohio.edu/counseling/crisis
Kent State University
https://www.kent.edu/cpm/crisis-emergency-services
Please be aware that Christy Pulsford uses telehealth, including but not limited to phone, email and text. By scheduling an appointment, using the client portal, or contacting Christy Pulsford you consent to receive information from Christy Pulsford and GrowthINsight Counseling LLC via email, phone, and text. This includes but isn't limited to email replies, appointment reminders, scheduling instructions, and delivery of forms and consents.
Appointments are NOT intended for crisis care.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and require immediate assistance call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Christy Pulsford, MSW, LISW-S, LICDC
8050 Beckett Center Dr. | West Chester, Ohio 45069
Phone: (513) 847-3891
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(513) 847-3891