Mental Health Resources
This section contains links and information designed to help students with a wide array of potential mental health issues.
Mental Health Issues in College
These links provide a wealth of mental health information specific to college students. Various resources on mood disorders, anxiety, addictions, relationships, eating issues and more are covered. Many of the articles and resources contained within these sites are written by other college students facing similar issues and concerns
Addictions: Alcohol and Other Drugs
When students come to college, there are often pressures to use drugs and alcohol. While peer pressure can certainly be a key factor in a student's choice to drink, there are often other psychological issues that might influence one's use or abuse of illicit substances. The following resources provide information on drugs of abuse, additions, and signs of dependence. SHU's drug and alcohol policies and program can be found here.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Marijuana Anonymous
- College Drinking
- National Association for Children of Alcoholics
- Substance Use Resources for Students from Historically Marginalized Groups
Mood Disorders
As a young adult in college, you may be faced with various pressures related to school, family, and friends. At times, these pressures may feel well managed and at other times, they may become overwhelming. If you are experiencing prolonged periods of sadness, hopelessness, despair, depression, or thoughts of suicide you may want some additional support. The links below will provide you with some additional information about signs and symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder. In addition, these resources can provide information about treatment. If you or someone you know is feeling depressed, contact CAPS at (973) 761-9500 to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors.
- Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline): Call or text 988
Self-Injurious Behavior
Self-injury includes any form of deliberate self-harm to one’s body. These acts typically cause immediate physical damage. Types of self-injury include cutting, burning, scratching, banging, or bruising one’s self. Self-injury can also encompass excessive and often painful forms of exercise or extreme weight loss methods. The following links provide additional resources for students who want to learn more about self-injury and how to cope with emotions that feel unmanageable. If you or someone you know is engaging in self-injurious behavior, contact CAPS at (973) 761-9500 to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors.
- S.A.F.E. Alternatives
- Cornell University Self-Injury & Recovery Resources (SIRR)
- HelpGuide: Cutting and Self-Harm
Anxiety Disorders
College is often an exciting and rewarding time full of opportunities to meet new people and learn new things. It can also be a time of significant stress and anxiety. How will I be able to live away from my family? Will I make good friends? What major should I choose? Will I be able to balance my academics with other interests and goals? While some stress and anxiety is to be expected, it can often feel overwhelming and unmanageable. The following links provide additional information about various signs and symptoms of anxiety. In addition, there are resources listed that provide information about specific anxiety disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety that feels unmanageable, contact CAPS at (973) 761-9500 to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors.
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America
- National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety
- Social Anxiety Support
- National Social Anxiety Center
- Panic Disorder
- International OCD Foundation
Trauma
Trauma can occur after experiencing an upsetting or disturbing event, or after learning about an event that happened to a loved one, close friend, or someone in our community. Trauma is often accompanied by feelings of anger, anxiety, fear, irritability, and sadness, as well as changes in our behavior such as withdrawing from others, having difficulty concentrating, and difficulty fulfilling our responsibilities. Below is a list of resources on trauma and PTSD, a psychiatric disorder that can occur after experiencing a trauma. If you or someone you know is experiencing the effects of trauma, contact CAPS at (973) 761-9500 to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or any action that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. Examples include incest, voyeurism, exhibitionism, or sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, there are several resources available to you on campus one of them being CAPS. Please contact our office at (973) 761-9500 if you would like to make an appointment. Our services are free and confidential for all Seton Hall students.
Hotline Numbers: | National Sexual Assault Hotline | 1-800-656-HOPE |
Essex County Rape Care Center | 1-877-733-CARE (2273) |
Sleep Disorders
Given that college is so demanding, it is important to be mindful of how we are taking care of ourselves and our basic needs. Chronic sleep difficulties, insomnia, hypersomnia, and/or restlessness can all significantly impact your ability to be an effective student. These problems can also be signs of significant stress and anxiety in your life. The following links provide resources on sleep disorders and effective sleep hygiene strategies. If you are struggling with chronic sleep difficulties, contact CAPS at (973) 761-9500 to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders affect people of all ages but are particularly prevalent among college men and women. The most common college student eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. The following links provide some additional information about various types of eating disorders and how to go about seeking treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or issues around body image, contact CAPS at (973) 761-9500 to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors.
- National Eating Disorders Association
- The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness Support Groups
- Eating Disorder Hope
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
- Bulimia Guide
- Dietary Guidelines of America
Resources for Veterans
Veterans may experience unique mental health difficulties following active duty, experiences during their time enlisted in the military, or stressors related to personal events prior, during, or after their military duties. Additional information on resources available to veterans can be found below.