In today’s world, the transition to college can feel quite daunting and overwhelming. At college, you face challenges academically, striving to maintain high grades, balancing difficult coursework and hard deadlines. While balancing academic responsibilities, there are also extracurricular activities, work obligations, and social pressures that occupy your time. All during a time of self-exploration and discovery, grappling with questions about your identity, purpose, and values. It can also be tricky navigating new relationships in a new place with new people. The combination of all these things can oftentimes lead to one’s mental health taking a hit.

However, this transition into college does not have to be done alone. You are not alone. Amidst these challenges, the importance of mental health awareness and seeking support is critical and cannot be overlooked. Many people don’t know where to get started, the right places to look, where to go, or who even to talk to. The good news is that Randolph-Macon is here to help you. We have water stations and cheerleaders along the way of your four-year marathon. We are going to dive deeper into the resources at RMC that are here to help and support you navigating through the journey of college.

Get the Conversation Started

In times when we’re not feeling the best, talking to family and friends can be a great starting point. Oftentimes surrounding ourselves with loved ones keeps us grounded and puts things in perspective. It can provide reassurance, love, and support to discuss difficult emotions. At the same time, not all friends and family are licensed mental health professionals with the right training and expertise; however, they can still serve as a listening ear with the potential of guiding you in the right direction. Sometimes it might be hard to share everything about yourself or what you are feeling without fear of judgment. At Randolph-Macon, we want to help you find the right avenue of support tailored to your needs.

Who are the Wellness Advisors?

RMC Wellness Advisors provide students with the educational resources to promote health and wellness. Our main objective is to educate peers and help others in their physical, mental, and emotional health journey—which does not end at RMC; it’s a lifelong journey! We are supervised and trusted by the professional RMC Counseling Services staff, peer-educated, and nationally certified through BACCHUS to serve as peer support agents on campus. We work to destigmatize health issues through promotion, programming, and in-person support. On campus, we host one-on-one consultations, group workshops, and activities throughout the year for all!

Each Wellness Advisor has a specialty that we focus on, ranging from dealing with homesickness, setting healthy boundaries, planning and scheduling personal well-being, how to get more involved on campus, and even creating a workout plan. If we acquire at-risk information or notice something happening with a student outside our scope, we can make a gentle referral to one of our licensed counselors or connect them with the right resources. For example, the 24/7 UHelp telehealth crisis line provides immediate assistance to a student in crisis.

Other Resources on Campus

Beyond counseling, students can also access peer resources like Captains and Peer Academic Coaches along with help from RMC staff through the HAC, disability services, student health, and the chaplain. Within the counseling center, there are three licensed counselors you can schedule appointments with, which are included in the cost of tuition.

Reflection Questions

• Are your struggles impacting or hindering your daily function?
• Do you feel comfortable discussing my concerns with friends or family, or do you need a more confidential space?
• Are you using unhealthy habits as a way of coping or as an outlet?
• Do you feel overwhelmed or unable to manage your emotions effectively?

Normalize Talking About Mental Health

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health solutions or support. However, it is important to figure out what works for you. Whether it’s a deep conversation with a friend, seeking guidance with a trained peer support person, or reaching out to a counselor, you can’t go wrong. College pushes you outside your comfort zone, it shows you what you did not know you were capable of doing. Even though some moments might feel low, college is filled with the joys of learning, growing, and developing into the person you always wanted to become, with an unwavering, lifelong Yellow Jacket support system. Once a Yellow Jacket, always a Yellow Jacket. We have your back and are here to help.

Where to Start…

• Self-Awareness
  • Ask yourself: How are you doing? Sit with your thoughts and feelings. Pinpoint specific feelings.
  • Write it down—reflect and journal.
• Find someone you trust
  • Someone you can go to who fosters a safe environment, where you feel comfortable to be authentically yourself.
• Verbalize it
  • Communicate what you are thinking and feeling.
  • Get the conversation going.
• Check in on others
  • We don’t know the internal battles others might be facing. Give grace, spread positivity, brighten someone’s day, smile!
  • Remember the low moments we face are temporary.