Most colleges around the country start their fall semesters or quarters in August or September. If you are attending college or graduate school this year, it is likely that you are already back in the classroom. Adjusting to a social, academic setting can be challenging if you spent the better part of the summer, the spring, or even the last entire year working through trauma treatment or trauma therapy. To start, you’ve been through experiences in life many have not. You’ve had to see some of the most tragically shocking and unfortunate worst that life has to offer. Yet, you survived. Working hard in treatment or therapy, you healed your mind, body, and spirit while gaining the tools necessary for a life in which you thrive and not just “get by”. For the first time, you don’t have to survive your school year. With these three tips you can thrive in your academic, social, and extracurricular life.
- Remember that everyone has a story. It is easy to judge a book by its cover, especially when you are passing by dozens if not hundreds of faces a day on a college campus. Coming upon closer relations by getting to know classmates, going to parties, or social functions, you’ll have a first hand chance to find out who people really are. Use your mindfulness tools to act as observer in the situation rather than judge. Remember, everyone has a story and everyone has their specific ways of coping with their stories. You can never know at what cost a smile comes, or what has caused the pain in someone’s eyes.
- Don’t give up your treatment plan. There are many elements of trauma treatment which can be taken with you to college. Make sure you are connected to the school’s counseling center and have a therapist either on campus or one nearby. Continue regularly attending therapy and proceeding in your trauma recovery journey. Set up a meditation corner in your living space and make time to breathe every day. Practice journaling, gratitude, and the other small components of daily recovery living like eating healthy, regular exercise, as well as fun. If there are specific therapies you found to be most effective during treatment schedule that in as well. Find your favorite activities nearby or bring them to you. On a college campus, you’re likely to find others who enjoy your favorite activities as well.
- Make mental health your priority. At the end of the day, your mental health, physical health, and emotional safety are far more important than grades, a diploma, or social functions. Your mental health and your recovery take top priority. Work with your school’s accommodations office to ensure you can have extensions on projects or papers, get a note taker in class if needed, and have your teachers understand your active recovery from trauma.
You can walk through your trauma. The Guest House Ocala offers residential treatment programming for trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues. Call us today for information on our customized programs and availability: 1-855-483-7800