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Things Every College Student Should Know About Therapy

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Not all students enjoy university life; many are stressed before exams and find it difficult to build meaningful relationships. Illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder abound, as do their negative effects on education. Therefore, students need to learn how to take care of their mental health and engage in activities that boost their moods.

If you're struggling with similar issues, remember: no matter how hopeless you think things are, you can always dig yourself out. Start by taking a look at our tips for improving your understanding of therapy and making the most of self-care throughout your college years.

Give psychotherapy a shot

Psychotherapy refers to the use of psychological techniques rather than medical ones in the treatment of mental illnesses.  Psychotherapy teaches you how to take control of your life and cope with challenging events in a healthy way by understanding your mental condition and how it affects your behavior. It's fair to say that a competent psychotherapist doesn't give you all the solutions, but rather helps you dig deep within yourself and come up with a strategy for your own recovery.

Studies show that psychotherapy is helpful to 75% of patients. The long-held stigma surrounding seeking professional aid for mental health is fading. Everyone appears to be using it: celebrities, athletes, politicians. And with the shift to the internet, therapists' fees are becoming more reasonable.

It’s a great idea to try out psychotherapy if you suffer from the following mental health problems:

  • Anxiety attacks
  • Post-traumatic stress 
  • Extreme mood swings 
  • Addictions 
  • Eating disorder
  • Personality disorders

Leverage mental health apps 

In-person counseling facilities are a great choice, but they aren't always convenient for students who are uncomfortable meeting face-to-face, can't find the right therapist near them, or can't fit treatment sessions in between coursework. If any of these issues apply to you, mental health apps can be a godsend.

It's impossible to imagine a service that isn't available online in today's hyper-digitized world.  You may now not only browse the web for perfect essay examples about education to nail your writing game, but also take care of your health by leveraging mental health apps that offer one-of-a-kind therapeutic experiences. You could use these applications at any time, search for therapists anonymously, and keep yourself involved with reminders, mood trackers, and a wealth of educational resources.

Ever tried writing for therapy? 

The use of art for spiritual healing and emotional growth can take many forms, including drawing, painting, listening to music, and performing interpretive dance. And the best part is: you don't have to be an artist to use art as a form of therapy. 

To benefit from writing as a form of therapy, you don't have to be a renowned writer- or even a writer at all. All you'll need is a piece of paper, a pencil, and the willpower to write. The cathartic experience of writing, which may lead to profound healing, has been described by famous authors throughout history. Keeping a diary support your mental health in many ways, helping you grow as a person, express yourself creatively, and feel empowered.

Important here is to write freely, whatever comes to mind without discrimination or value judgment; in a way, you should chronicle your stream of consciousness. Try writing as a form of therapy next time you're feeling worried and take our word for it- you'll feel liberated in less than 30 minutes!

The Bottom Line

Make sure to research various types of therapy and self-help techniques to devise a solid therapeutic strategy that shall support your mental health during the stressful college years. Even if you're coping with minor pressures like an irritating roommate or a poor test mark, you should protect your mental health to avoid a gradual buildup of stress that will be far more difficult to overcome in the future.

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Carl Hill is a professional blogger who has written extensively about psychotherapy and self-care advice.  His expertise and advice have benefited hundreds of college students looking to sustain their mental health. Readers continue to praise Carl's reviews for their insightful content.

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