Tips for College Students: How Does School Affect Mental Health?

College can be one of the most transitional, transformative stages of life. A rite of passage in discovering your independence and personal and academic growth, moving into higher education is like standing at a crossroads — abundant educational and future career aspirations in every direction you turn, where the sky, seemingly, is the limit.  

However, these potential opportunities can bring challenges that can affect students ‘ mental health. You might be just starting undergrad and overwhelmed with living on campus, meeting new people, and acclimating to a heavy courseload unlike anything you had in high school. Or you might be a long-time student pursuing a graduate degree and worried about looming deadlines and high expectations to follow through and succeed. 

You’re not alone if you identify with these feelings; studies show that more than 60% of college students potentially experienced at least one mental health issue stemming from school, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).  

The APA cites another survey where nearly three-fourths of students indicated moderate-to-major psychological distress — insights illustrating the inextricable link between college and mental health.  

What can you do to nurture your mental health so your well-being, self-esteem, and academic performance can thrive? Keep reading for some tips.  

How Does School Affect Mental Health? 

College is a huge time of adjustment. Even though it can — and should be — an exciting time, offering opportunities for learning, self-discovery, and finding yourself as a student and young adult, there are new stressors accompanying it. Transitioning from a structured high school environment to a more independent collegiate atmosphere may conjure uncertainty about the future and intensify feelings of anxiety unlike anything you’ve felt before. 

A 2023 study from Gallup and the Lumina Foundation discovered that nearly three in 10 adult college students (40% between the ages of 18 to 24) claim that emotional stress and personal mental health matters are key factors in why they remain unenrolled in classes. Apart from other reasons, they remain the two biggest considerations in halting their coursework within the last six months. 

The survey further indicated that 41% of current college students admitted staying enrolled remained difficult and that 44% of associate degree and 36% of bachelor’s degree students considered stopping coursework for at least a semester. Among those students, 55% and 47% further cited emotional stress and mental health, respectively, as determining reasons. 

What explains these concerning school and mental health statistics for students who are on the brink of dropping out? 

Academic Pressure 

“Academic pressure together with stressors typical of starting and attending college may precipitate the first onset of mental health and substance use problems or an exacerbation of symptoms,” states a study published through the National Institutes of Health.  

Another study indicates that as many as 87% of college students cited education as their main source of stress. “College students are exposed to novel academic stressors, such as an extensive academic course load, substantial studying, time management (and) classroom competition”  

This weight of expectations — either self-imposed or external (such as from professors or parents) — can lead to anxiety and burnout that may result in falling behind academically. 

Social Challenges  

College isn’t — and shouldn’t — only be about academics, but the pressure to get good grades also gets mirrored in a need to fit in socially on campus. Students ‘ mental health is closely linked to feelings of belonging and acceptance, which is something we all deserve. 

Going from four years of high school and the friendships you made can leave you feeling disconnected when starting again in a new school, with new people and new dynamics. Shyness, introversion, or awkwardness around others can make earning new friends a challenge and invoke feelings of loneliness. Even if you’ve forged some close friendships, there’s additional pressure to participate, whether it’s through extracurricular activities, getting involved in clubs, or joining a fraternity or sorority. This environment of constant social comparison might intensify concerns about your self-worth.  

In addition, all of this can prove more difficult being away from home and the social network you’ve had up until now.   

New Sleep and Eating Habits  

Our bodies tend to flourish through habits like a balanced diet and a regular sleep schedule. But your routine in college might look very different. For students and mental health, pulling all-nighters, skipping meals due to back-to-back classes, late-night takeout and inconsistent sleep can throw off everything from your circadian rhythms, your cognitive functioning and your mental and emotional clarity — regardless of if you’re a new undergrad or seasoned grad student. 

“Diet, exercise and sleep often fall low on the priority list,” says psychologist Susan Albers, in a Cleveland Clinic report. “Students feel like they don’t have time for them. But those three things are the cornerstones of mental health. It’s like pulling the rug out from underneath someone who’s already struggling to stay balanced.”  

Financial Stress 

Money becomes one of the biggest negative factors in how school affects mental health. The Gallup/Lumina poll reveals that financial strain is the number one reason many students remain unenrolled (either foregoing college or dropping out) — 55% are concerned about affording tuition and fees, and 45% are worried about inflation’s effect on cost friendliness. “Nobody should have to decide between paying rent, food, gasoline, groceries and paying for education,” one unenrolled student is quoted. 

Indeed, even if you’ve received grants or financial aid, they may not be enough to cover the entire cost of tuition, and student loans, with interest, can become costly. Without them, the financial responsibilities of students can exacerbate mental health since tuition, accommodations, and daily living expenses can cause significant worry about managing your finances. 

Many students end up juggling part-time jobs to pay their way through college while struggling to keep up with schoolwork. The combination of financial strain/stress with spreading oneself too thin can impact your ability to truly devote focus on academics, self-care, and personal relationships. 

Experimentation with Substance Use 

On-campus parties and dorm hangouts open opportunities to experiment with substances, from alcohol to other drugs. Occasional social drinking or use might not become problematic if you’re responsible, but substance use can quickly turn to abuse, especially when some students may turn to substances for self-medication to cope with stress, depression, or anxiety.  

Unfortunately, even if excess substance use doesn’t develop into abuse, it can still trigger, worsen, or exacerbate student mental health issues. Substance abuse, notes the Cleveland Clinic, makes tangible changes in the brain that can cause someone to develop a mental illness, and with repeated use, the brain’s reward centers are overstimulated, causing you to want to keep taking a substance, a clear pathway to addiction. 

According to a recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, substance abuse is linked not only to poor mental health in school but also to long-term health problems. In the study of college students aged 18 to 22:  

  • Nearly 6 million smoked cigarettes within the last month 
  • 12 million drank alcohol (with 7.8 million binge drinking) 
  • 4.5 million students used cannabis 
  • 299,000 experimented with cocaine 
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What Are the Most Common Mental Health Issues Students Struggle With?  

Looking deeper into the APA’s assertion that six out of 10 college students experience mental health issues (a 50% increase in just over the last decade), how does school affect mental health specifically? The National Education Foundation (NEA) cites the Healthy Minds survey:  

  • 44% of students reported suffering from depression 
  • 37% said they experienced anxiety 
  • 15% admitted they considered suicide 

The NEA, citing another study, also mentions that close to two-thirds of college students reported feeling deeply sad, with one-third claiming they felt so depressed that they could not function.  

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Poor Mental Health?  

Though symptoms may vary depending on the nature of the condition, there are several telltale signs that poor mental health share, notes the Mayo Clinic: 

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair 
  • Extreme mood swings or irritability 
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 
  • Changes in eating or sleeping habits 
  • Social withdrawal or isolation 
  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed 
  • Increased reliance on alcohol or drugs to cope 
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide 
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Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Health in College 

Taking charge of your mental health in school means being proactive about your well-being and developing some healthy habits.  

Building a Routine 

College life can be unpredictable, and apart from your class schedule, having a routine often becomes the exception, not the norm. Think of times when you had more consistency in your day-to-day routine, and take the steps to rebuild it. Rather than cramming in studying or completing homework at the last minute, block out a dedicated time for it. Eat meals at the same time each day (and don’t skip any!). And most importantly, set a non-negotiable, lights-out bedtime, and aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night.  

Once you’ve built out a workable routine, try to schedule classes for the following semester around these times. If that’s not possible, negotiate with yourself. For instance, if two prerequisite courses are only available on two weekday evenings when you’re normally in your dorm studying, make up the time in the library on Saturday or Sunday.

Practicing Self-Care  

“When we practice self-care, we do so with the intention of taking care of our mind, body and soul by engaging in activities that bring us joy and reduce stress levels,” says the Mental Health Coalition (MHC). “Practicing self-care helps us value and love ourselves, ultimately resulting in a more full and vibrant life”. 

How can you put self-care into practice and nurture yourself? Listen to what your body and mind need. Start with simple practices like journaling your thoughts when you can. What are you feeling at this moment? Have you noticed patterns when you’re feeling down and sad, and what brings you up? What are you most grateful for? Jot them down. See if yoga or meditation is offered on campus, or just try simple, deep breathing for three to five minutes or taking a walk in nature when you feel stressed.  

Using Campus Resources and Groups  

Your campus likely offers mental health resources for students. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of counseling services, student support groups, and wellness programs. Check your school’s website or check in at the student center to see what’s offered. Talk therapy sessions are often coordinated through the psychology department or a counseling center. 

The MHC encourages reaching out to others, like confiding in a professor you trust if you feel your academic performance is suffering due to mental health; your dorm’s resident assistant, usually an upperclassman who can relate to your experiences; or friends and peers as a shoulder to lean on. “They may be going through something similar,” notes the MHC.  

Avoid Drugs and Alcohol  

Nearly 60% of college students say that they’ve experienced peer pressure to drink. It can be hard to say no when you want to fit in and make friends. It can be tempting to turn to substances to cope with the stress of college life. But alcohol and drugs aren’t a sustainable solution — they may initially take the edge off, but think of how getting hooked on them can worsen your mental health and make your schoolwork suffer more.  

Instead, focus on some of the healthier coping mechanisms above — from better habits to finding someone to talk to — that replace the empty benefits that drinking or drugs offer. At the least, make a compromise with yourself and have a drink only on special occasions, like after you’ve aced an exam, completed midterms, or during spring break.  

Where to Find Professional Mental Health Treatment   

Your school environment has numerous options meant to address student mental health — it’s a place where everyone is meant to learn, grow, thrive, and succeed. But it’s not the only option.  

If you feel your academics, personal life, and mental health have been suffering (or a loved one’s), consider pursuing mental health treatment at a dedicated rehab facility. Even attending therapy on an occasional outpatient basis (where you can go home after therapy is finished) is a positive, proactive step in the right direction with your mental health and well-being in mind 

If you have questions about student mental health issues and treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

Can Adderall Cause Depression? Understanding Amphetamine Salts

Adderall is a potent medication made from four types of amphetamine salts. Because its ingredient composition can be habit-forming, you must have a prescription in order to take Adderall. Using the stimulant drug outside of how it’s prescribed—even misusing your prescription by taking too much—can lead to harmful side effects. For example, many people ask: can Adderall cause depression? This depends largely on how the individual uses the drug, as well as their history of substance abuse and mental health. Let’s unpack how Adderall is connected to the formation of depression.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is the brand name for the medications amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The two work in tandem to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disorders. Adderall mainly targets brain chemistry to alter an individual’s ability to function. Some of its positive effects are improved attention span, alertness, energy, and mood. While impacting neurotransmitters for cognitive functioning, it can also sometimes impact mental health. We’ll unpack this in a moment.

Who Can Prescribe Adderall?

Adderall is a powerful prescription stimulant drug that can be dangerous to use outside of how it’s intended. Only a licensed medical practitioner, like a doctor or therapist, can prescribe Adderall. Sometimes, individuals may try to source Adderall outside of a prescription. Even with one, they may try to source it for cheaper online. However, the only safe and legal way to get Adderall is through a doctor.

How Does Adderall Work for ADHD? 

As mentioned, Adderall is prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. This stimulant drug is effective because it targets chemical messengers activating the central nervous system. Adderall blocks the reuptake of both dopamine and norepinephrine, so the individual experiences an increase in positive neural messengers.

What Is Depression?

Depression is another name for depressive disorders, which are mental disorders with symptoms of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of pleasure. Depression is a common condition across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 3.8% of the population battles depression. Notably, there are different types of depressive disorders with varying symptoms and onset. Common symptoms are:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Exhaustion or fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Hopelessness
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Low self-confidence
  • Thinking about dying
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Common Medications for Depression Treatment

Treating depression is straightforward, although your doctor or therapist may need to adjust your prescription in order to find the best fit. Some medications can be treatment for anxiety as well as depression.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants tend to be a first-response prescription for depression because they’re effective at reducing symptoms. There are many different types of antidepressants that target various brain chemicals. Antidepressants can also be prescribed for trauma, OCD, and as an anxiety medication.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a type of antidepressant that increases serotonin in the brain for improved mood. One common SSRI is Lexapro, which treats depression and anxiety.

SNRIs

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors work similarly but increase serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. SNRIs are typically prescribed after SSRIs if symptoms don’t improve.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a backup antidepressant treatment for severe cases that aren’t improved with other antidepressants. MAOIs boost serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Mood Stabilizers 

Mood stabilizers can treat a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression. As the name indicates, they help stabilize one’s mood by regulating neurotransmitters to reduce abnormal activity. They are frequently prescribed for bipolar disorders, which include depression symptoms.

Can Adderall Cause Depression?

It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of any medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists depression as one possible outcome when taking Adderall. Yet, it’s hard to pin a direct connection between depression and Adderall use, as depression is more common when Adderall is abused. One reason is that many people self-medicate preexisting depression symptoms with stimulants like Adderall. Overall, taking Adderall as prescribed lessens your risk of developing depression.

Post-Adderall “Crash”

Because Adderall can be addictive, stopping Adderall results in a “crash” phase. When you take Adderall within the parameters of your prescription, your doctor will work with you to ensure a safe weaning-off of the drug. However, if you abuse Adderall and try to stop on your own, you’ll face the inevitable crash. Essentially, an Adderall crash is uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These can include:

  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Exhaustion or sleeping too much
  • Cravings for the drug
  • Anxiety
  • Hunger
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression

Markedly, the Adderall crash phase can create symptoms of depression. However, receiving treatment to alleviate the withdrawal period can help.

Adderall and Dopamine in the Brain

It is believed that ADHD symptoms correlate with low levels of dopamine in the brain. Adderall boosts the levels of dopamine in the brain by blocking the reuptake of both dopamine and norepinephrine. Yet, the positive feelings you experience when you take Adderall can be hugely habit-forming. The brain craves more of the drug, so stopping leads to withdrawal symptoms.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Adderall withdrawal symptoms can last for days or weeks. Generally, symptoms of an Adderall crash occur during the first few days without the drug, but withdrawal can continue for weeks. In fact, the hardest part about becoming sober can be the withdrawal stage. Quitting on your own can be uncomfortable and dangerous. Entering detoxification at a treatment center is the best way to experience a safe drug detox.

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Signs that Adderall is Causing Depression

If you start developing symptoms of depression, it could be due to your Adderall use. Abusing Adderall is a dangerous habit with severe impacts. Sometimes, people develop depression symptoms because of their drug use, while other times, they self-medicate mental illness with substances. We offer treatment for drug addiction and mental illness at our rehab centers. Further, we provide a dual diagnosis program track for clients who struggle with both.

Who Offers Help for Adderall Abuse?

At Aliya Health Group, we put individuals first before their issues or pain. We provide comprehensive care regardless of the struggles our clients encounter in treatment. Prescription drug addiction is a serious issue, but it can be treated with medical rehabilitation. Our programming includes evidence-based behavioral therapy and holistic therapies to target the body, mind, and soul. We can help you overcome your Adderall addiction in our levels of care. Reach out today to escape your addiction and depression.

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

Adderall is a prescribed medication for the treatment of certain disorders, including ADHD. However, because of the impact the drug can have on mental and physical performance, it is frequently abused. While it may seem harmless, you can get trapped in the cycle of addiction to stimulants like Adderall. You likely want to know more about the drug and what using it looks like, including: how long does Adderall stay in your system? We have the answers about what Adderall is, what effects it causes, and the dangers of abusing it. Keep reading to understand the potential results of Adderall use, as well as how to get help for substance addiction.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a stimulant drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. It’s the brand name for the ingredients amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Both ingredients are central nervous system stimulants that work together to improve symptoms by targeting imbalances in the brain. They are sometimes called “uppers.” Adderall is a prescription medication that must be given by a medical provider. Unfortunately, Adderall prescriptions can be misused. Some people use Adderall recreationally to boost feelings of productivity and energy.

How Does Adderall Work?

Amphetamines like Adderall work by targeting chemical messengers in the brain to produce more positive neuro connections. They work in the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Adderall blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, both monoamines responsible for positive feelings. As such, these good chemical messengers improve the individual’s mood. ADHD is associated with low dopamine. Thus, Adderall works as an ADHD medication by resetting the chemical balance to improve symptoms like poor focus and impulsivity.

What Forms Does Adderall Come In?

Adderall comes in pill form, as both tablets and capsules. Adderall is meant to be swallowed as prescribed by a doctor. It comes in slow-release and immediate-release forms, depending on the individual’s symptoms. Understandably, immediate-release pills can lead to a quick high when abused. When used recreationally, individuals may crush the tablets into powder they snort or dissolve into water to create injectable liquid Adderall. Adderall in capsule form can be opened and snorted or injected, as well.

Is Adderall Dangerous?

Adderall is made up of strong stimulant drugs that have a high risk attached to them when used outside of how they were prescribed. Adderall can be very dangerous, especially when abused repeatedly. Further, individuals can increase the risks of Adderall through strategic use. For example, the extended-release version of Adderall produces a more intense high, especially when crushed instead of swallowed. Not only does Adderall misuse lead to a large risk of dependence and addiction, but it can also lead to health dangers.

For instance, Adderall abuse can cause physical issues like high blood pressure, loss of appetite, heartbeat abnormalities, seizures, and stroke. Using other substances with Adderall also presents new dangers. Alcohol and Adderall are a bad mix. Essentially, when taken together, they produce opposite effects that battle in your body. Along with participating in dangerous, uninhibited behavior, you might experience alcohol poisoning because Adderall can cause you to drink too much. 

Students and Adderall Abuse

Students are one demographic that commonly misuses Adderall. Because Adderall targets chemical brain activity, it can lead to better mental performance, focus, memory, and attention. High school and college students alike may desire these effects to help them do better in school. Similarly, students may use Adderall in a way that can stimulate better athletic performance. With the stress of competing at a high level, students can become dependent on taking Adderall for their performance.

Unfortunately, without getting help, students will be trapped in the cycle of addiction, and eventually, the positive effects will wear off. We can help students find freedom over Adderall addiction.

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How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

How long does Adderall last in your body after you’ve taken it? Overall, Adderall takes between 2-3 days to exit your body, but this depends somewhat on your usage. If you’ve used Adderall frequently and in high doses, it could take much longer. This is because the drug has a half-life of 10 hours and takes approximately 5.5 half-lives to exit the body. To elaborate, if you have been taking more Adderall without giving time for your last dose to exit your system, it could take longer than 3 days.

Factors That Impact How Long Adderall Stays in Your System

Additionally, there are some factors that contribute to how long Adderall stays in your system. For one, it depends on the dosage you took. Some people misuse Adderall by crushing and snorting or injecting it. Sometimes, they take more than one tablet at a time. Or they will crush an immediate-release formulation. This gives a faster high and increases the potency of the drug in your system. Also, if you mix drugs, it can take longer for your system to flush traces out. It may take longer for Adderall to stop showing in your urine than in your blood.

List of Common ADHD Medications

Along with Adderall, there are other common medications to treat ADHD. These include:

  • Ritalin
  • Concerta
  • Focalin
  • Vyvanse
  • Strattera
  • Methylphenidate

They work by modifying brain chemistry to promote better mental performance.

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Can Someone Get Addicted to Adderall?

Yes, Adderall is highly addictive when misused or recreationally abused. For this reason, it’s classified as a Schedule II Controlled Substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Using it outside of a doctor’s prescription is illicit use that can lead to overdose, dependence, and addiction. Trying to stop taking Adderall is difficult and can lead to withdrawal symptoms. As such, it’s best to detox in a rehab facility and then learn skills like trigger management to sidestep relapse.

Can Adderall Cause a Failed Drug Test?

A big question is, Does Adderall show up in a drug test? Yes, Adderall is a powerful stimulant drug that stays in the system for days after taking it. It will show up in a drug test. If you have a prescription from your doctor and use the correct dose, your prescription won’t cause you to fail your test.

Adderall Abuse Treatment Options

You might not feel like you need help with your amphetamine salt use, maybe because you don’t know if treatment is right for you. Without addiction therapy and intervention, you will stay trapped in the ruinous cycle of substance addiction. At Aliya Health Group, we offer drug and alcohol addiction detox services to remove Adderall from your system. After detox, we provide comprehensive behavioral health and holistic treatment that targets your mind, body, and spirit. Our substance abuse treatment programs can help with relapse prevention and staying sober for long periods of time.

We have space for you in our mental health treatment facilities, and we take insurance for substance abuse and addiction treatment. Please reach out today to discuss behavioral therapy and rehabilitation for drug addictions. Our treatment programs can help with Adderall use disorder treatment through our individual therapy options, intensive outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization program, dual diagnosis program, and aftercare program.