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Being a college student can be exciting but, at times, challenging and overwhelming. Between rigorous coursework, busy schedules, and life outside the classroom, it can be easy to let mental health take a back seat.
At Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), supporting student well-being isn’t regarded as an afterthought: It’s embedded into the very fabric of campus life. From day one, we strive to foster a culture where asking for help is encouraged, resources are easy to access, and wellness is woven into academics, advising, and student activities. The result is a community where mental healthcare and other support services are always within reach, empowering students to thrive both personally and academically.
Read on as we outline valuable mental health tips for college students — at NMC or elsewhere.
Why Mental Health Matters for Student Success
At NMC, mental health is viewed as an integral part of a student’s ability to learn, grow, and succeed. A strong support system, open conversations, and accessible resources all play a vital role in helping students reach their goals, both in and out of the classroom.
Mental Health Tips for College Students Start With a Supportive Culture
A healthy college experience begins with an environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued. NMC builds this culture through approachable faculty and staff, peer-led wellness initiatives, and programs designed to cultivate connection and belonging. When students know they’re supported, they are more likely to reach out for help before challenges escalate.
The Link Between Well-Being and Academic Performance
Research consistently shows that mental health directly impacts focus, memory, and motivation. Stress, anxiety, or depression can make it difficult to keep up with coursework and fully engage in learning. Prioritizing mental health, students not only protect their emotional well-being but also strengthen their academic performance and resilience.
Breaking the Stigma Around Asking for Help
One of the most powerful steps toward better mental health is normalizing the conversation around it. Actively working to reduce stigma means making support visible, talking openly about mental wellness, and offering confidential, judgment-free services. This encourages students to view seeking help not as a sign of weakness, but as a proactive step toward success.
Common Mental Health Issues Among College Students
While every student’s experience is unique, certain mental health challenges tend to surface more often during college years, especially among young adults. Recognizing the signs early can make it easier to seek help and find effective coping strategies.
Anxiety – Constant Worry, Restlessness, and Trouble Concentrating
Anxiety can present as a persistent sense of unease, racing thoughts, or difficulty focusing on tasks. Academic pressure, financial concerns, and uncertainty about the future can all contribute to heightened anxiety levels among college students.
Depression – Fatigue, Loss of Interest, Changes in Sleep or Appetite
Depression can sap motivation and make even small tasks feel overwhelming. It often accompanies symptoms like:
- Persistent sadness
- Low energy
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
Burnout – Emotional Exhaustion and Detachment From Schoolwork
When students push themselves without adequate rest or balance, burnout can set in. It’s marked by physical and mental exhaustion, cynicism toward coursework, and a sense of detachment from academic goals.
Loneliness and Isolation – Especially in Commuter or Online Students
Without consistent social connection, feelings of isolation can quickly grow. This can be especially true for students who commute, take primarily online classes, or are new to campus life.
Stress Levels for First-Generation Students
First-generation students often juggle academic demands alongside unique pressures — such as translating campus processes for family, working longer hours to cover expenses, and navigating college culture without a built-in roadmap. These factors can compound feelings of perfectionism and/or chronic worry. Cultural stigma around mental health or a belief that they must “figure it out alone” may delay help-seeking, allowing stress to escalate into anxiety, depression, or burnout.
Eating Disorders – Struggles With Body Image, Food, and Control
College life can amplify body image pressures, sometimes leading to disordered eating patterns. These may include restrictive dieting, binge eating, or other unhealthy relationships with food that call for compassionate, specialized care.
Suicidal Thoughts – When Hopelessness Feels Overwhelming
In severe cases, mental health struggles can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These feelings require immediate professional intervention, and NMC can direct students to crisis support* available to those in need.
*Find a list of available hotline resources on this page, or dial 988 to connect to the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Factors That Can Contribute to Mental Health Challenges
College life is filled with opportunities for growth, but certain pressures and habits can make it harder to maintain emotional balance. Understanding these contributing factors (aside from any existing mental illnesses) can help students take proactive steps to protect their mental well-being.
The Impact of Social Media on Comparison, Stress, and Self-Esteem
Although social media can be a great tool for connection, constant exposure to curated images and achievements can fuel comparison and self-doubt. This digital pressure can heighten stress and chip away at self-esteem over time.
Academic Pressure and the Fear of Falling Behind
High expectations — whether from professors, family, or oneself — can create a fear of failure that impacts mental health. When students feel like they’re always racing to keep up, stress and anxiety can quickly escalate.
Substance Use and Its Effect on Mood and Brain Function
Alcohol, recreational drugs, and even misuse of prescription medications can disrupt brain chemistry, intensify emotional challenges, and impair judgment. Substance use can mask underlying issues, too, delaying necessary treatment or support.
Lack of Sleep and Poor Lifestyle Habits That Amplify Stress
The state of your physical health is inextricably tied to mental wellness. Late-night study sessions, inconsistent meal patterns, and minimal physical activity can all contribute to mood swings, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, habits like sleep deprivation can make stress harder to manage and mental health issues more difficult to overcome.
Mental Health Tips for College Students — What Actually Helps
Small, intentional actions can make a big difference in maintaining balance during college. The following strategies can help students manage stress and stay focused on their goals while protecting their well-being.
Build Breaks Into Your Study Schedule and Prioritize Sleep
Regular breaks give your brain time to recharge, while adequate rest improves concentration, memory, and mood. Aim for consistent sleep patterns to keep your body and mind functioning at their best.
Practice the Pomodoro Technique
Working in focused bursts — typically 25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break — can improve productivity and prevent burnout.
Stay Active
Movement releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress. Short walks between classes or stretching during study sessions can make a noticeable impact.
Follow a Healthy Diet to Support Mood and Focus
Nutrient-rich meals with balanced protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs provide steady energy and support brain health.
Unplug From Screens Regularly to Recharge Mentally
Taking breaks from social media, streaming, and constant notifications can help reduce stress and improve focus.
Keep a Journal to Reflect and Release Stress
Writing down thoughts, feelings, or daily experiences can help process emotions and provide perspective on challenges.
Talk to Someone: Peer, Coach, or Counselor
Opening up to a trusted person can provide emotional relief and connect you with resources or solutions you might not have considered.
Practice Saying No and Setting Personal Boundaries
Protect your time and energy by recognizing your limits and turning down commitments that add unnecessary stress.
Schedule Social Time
Healthy relationships and meaningful conversations are powerful buffers against stress and loneliness.
Try Breathing Exercises or Mindfulness Practices
Deep breathing, meditation, or guided mindfulness can help regulate emotions and promote a sense of calm.
Celebrate Small Wins to Stay Motivated
Recognizing progress, regardless of how small, can keep you encouraged and help you build momentum toward larger goals.
Virtual and On-Campus Resources Available to Students
NMC ensures that mental health support is not only available but also easy to access — no matter if students are on campus, learning remotely, or balancing school with work and family responsibilities. That means 24/7 access to our on-campus counseling services and Uwill platform, where you can discover therapists and schedule appointments.
Access to Licensed Counselors and Crisis Response
Students have confidential access to professional counselors who can provide individual support, help manage crises, and connect them with specialized care when needed.
TRIO for First-Generation College Students
At Nebraska Methodist College, TRIO Student Support Services is our program for first-gen students that carries a 98% graduation, in large part thanks to the support it offers. Benefits include financial assistance, academic advising, and other resources to support your career and professional development.
Peer Support Programs and Student Wellness Ambassadors
Peer-led initiatives give students the chance to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of college life. Wellness ambassadors help foster a supportive environment by sharing resources and encouraging open conversations about topics like mental health and suicide prevention.
Mental Health Tools and Apps for Daily Check-Ins and Mindfulness
Digital resources like guided meditations, mood trackers, and stress management tools give students practical ways to support their mental health anytime, anywhere. Examples of popular apps include:
- Calm
- Headspace
- Insight Timer
- Moodfit
Flexible Appointments That Fit Around School and Work Schedules
NMC offers both in-person and virtual appointments, making it easier for you to get help without disrupting your academic or personal commitments. Our students have access to a nationwide service operating 24/7 that connects them to counselors and licensed mental health professionals in all 50 states, plus unlimited 50-minute visits for life coaching, behavioral health needs, and on-demand crisis counseling.
How NMC Integrates Mental Health Into Student Life
At Nebraska Methodist College, we aim to seamlessly weave mental health into the student experience from the moment learners arrive on campus.
Wellness Is a Core Value — Not an Afterthought
NMC prioritizes well-being as a foundational part of its mission, ensuring that mental health resources and encouragement are present in every aspect of student life. Wellness is promoted not just during times of crisis but as an ongoing commitment to balance and resilience.
Proactive Support Built Into Advising, Coaching, and Orientation
From orientation sessions to one-on-one academic advising, NMC integrates wellness check-ins and mental health awareness into regular student interactions. This proactive approach helps identify challenges early and connect students with resources before issues escalate.
Faculty and Staff Trained to Recognize Signs of Stress and Burnout
Educators and staff members receive training to spot early indicators of mental health struggles, such as changes in participation, mood, or performance. Their awareness allows them to offer timely support, referrals, and encouragement to students who may need help.
Get Started With NMC’s Supportive, Mental-Wellness–Focused Experience
Ready to join a campus where your well-being is as important as your education? At Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), mental health support isn’t treated as an optional service. It is built into student life through counseling, health services, peer programs, and more. If you’re looking for a learning environment that nurtures both your mind and your aspirations, now’s the perfect time to take the next step.
Explore your future at NMC and apply today, or learn more about the (free and confidential) mental health services available to students. To review comprehensive support offerings — from counseling to campus health to student engagement — visit the following pages: