Mental Health

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.

If you are a parent or family member of a college student, you may find the following resource useful: A Parent's Guide to College Student Mental Health.

 

How are you - really?

Mental health is a key part of your overall health. Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a mental health professional - they are a checkup from your neck up. Psychological and Counseling Services (PACS) has developed a completely anonymous and confidential screening, so that immediately following a brief questionnaire you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources.

TAKE THE SCREENING

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, PACS provides emergency services 24 hours per day, 7 days a week by calling (603) 862-2090 (Relay NH: 1-800-735-2964). Visit PACS' Crisis & Emergency Services page for more information.

You can also call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

 

Getting Help for Mental Health Concerns at UNH

  • A psychiatrist is available on campus for consultation regarding diagnosis and/or treatment. Visits with the psychiatrist can be scheduled by referral from one of our clinicians or a counselor at PACS. We can also make referrals to psychiatrists in the area, when appropriate.

    Additional information on psychiatry services.
     
  • Physicians and nurse practitioners at Health & Wellness are experienced at diagnosing common mental health problems, particularly depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
  • Prescriptions for antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medication are available, when appropriate. This is often done in conjunction with psychotherapy and/or group therapy which can be provided by either the UNH Psychological and Counseling Services (PACS) or an off-campus psychotherapist. 
  • Living Well Services may 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 Counseling and Coaching are available to address a variety of health and wellness topics: stress, sleep, alcohol and other drugs, nicotine cessation, nutrition, eating & body image concerns, chronic illness, and sexual health. Peer support is also available for eating concerns, body image concerns, and alcohol and other drugs use. 

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

 

Suicide Prevention Training 

suicide prevention flyer. PACS phone: 603-862-2090. UNH police: 911. Text WILDCAT to 741741.

PACS offers one-hour, in-person suicide prevention training called QPR for all faculty, staff, and students. QPR, which stands for Question, Persuade, Refer, is much like CPR; they are both basic strategies to keep a person alive until they can receive medical or mental health care. You can think of it as a "safety net."

Read more and request QPR training. 

How are You - Really?

“How are you” is more than a greeting. It’s a check-in that lets people know you care. And, when you respond to the greeting, it’s a way for you to check-in with yourself and authentically share what you’re experiencing.    Learn more.

The Green Ribbon Campaign

The Green Ribbon campaign is designed to spread awareness of resources to support student's emotional well-being and mental health and to grow peer support.  Learn more.

Additional Mental Health Resources