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If Ms. Chloe seems familiar that is because she is the Office Manager at Finding Hope Wellness Center who is transitioning to become a counselor! Ms. Chloe will begin seeing teens and young adults for therapy starting in May and has wrote an article for our newsletter: As I prepare to step into this new chapter of supporting our community, I’ve been thinking a lot about the major transitions you all are facing too- especially for the high school seniors. With graduation just around the corner, I wanted to share some guidance on a topic close to my heart: Prioritizing Your Mental Health As You Take Your First Steps Into Adulthood By: Ms. Chloe Patchin The school year is almost over, meaning it will soon be the time that most of you high school seniors have been waiting for: going to college. You have accomplished so much in your childhood and adolescence, especially graduating high school is a major accomplishment you should be proud of achieving! And being accepted into college is another major accomplishment. While you’re likely excited to decorate your dorm, find “your people,” and dive into the college experience, this season also brings profound lifestyle shifts. It is completely normal for these changes to feel overwhelming, daunting, or even lonely at times. During this transition, your mental health isn’t just a luxury- it is your foundation. Here are 4 essential strategies to protect your wellbeing during your first year away from home: Create a sustainable routine. Practicing self-care is essential for preventing burn out. In college, you have the freedom to make your schedule, but without a plan that freedom may feel overwhelming. Establishing routines provide a sense of safety and predictability in a new environment. Try creating a nighttime calming routine- such as putting away electronics 30 min before bed- to help your nervous system transition from a day of learning and hard work, to a night of recovery. Remember: You do not have to “earn” rest. Practice Executive Functioning Skills. Executive functioning involves the mental skills we use to manage time, stay organized, and take initiative rather than procrastinating. Setting up your dorm with intention and having a designated “home” for items like your keys, ID, and school supplies reduces the daily cognitive load and prevents “clutter brain.” By having a routine or set time to clean and organize can help with this. Another tool that can help is Time Blocking. So rather than a vague to-do list, schedule specific tasks into 30, 60, or 90 minute chunks in your calendar. This not only helps you to break down large projects or studying into more manageable pieces, but also to visualize exactly when you have free time, reducing the guilt often felt during downtime. Practicing these skills will help with balancing your schedule so it won’t feel like a juggling act your first semester. Seek Community & Connection. One of the biggest preventative or proactive measures you can take for your overall wellbeing is staying socially active. Connection is an antidote to the isolation that often hits in the second or third month of school. Now is the time to get to know yourself and grow into the adult you were meant to be. Join clubs, tryout for sports, engage in local events, try new hobbies! College goes beyond the classroom; it’s a full life experience! Permission to Pivot & Ask for Help. Spoiler alert: no one has it all figured out, even if they look like they do. I personally changed my major while in undergrad and am so grateful I did as it led me to this path that I was meant to be on: to become a therapist and help other’s with their mental health. I’ll admit I was nervous at first to change my major and so I reached out for help to learn more about this process. Your college is there to help you develop and reach your academic and professional goals. If you feel lost or realize your current path isn’t the right fit for you anymore, don’t suffer in silence. Your college is equipped with resources- like academic advisors and student wellness centers- specifically designed to help you navigate these hurdles.
If you feel unsure about how to process this major life transition, I am here to support you! Setting a solid foundation now is the best way to ensure a healthy, happy future. I offer morning and afternoon appointments, available BOTH in person and virtually to accommodate your new college schedule, even if you move across the state! I also offer neuropsychological, psychoeducational, and College & Career Readiness Evaluations (in person only). For both therapy and testing, I accept the following insurances: Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, & Optum. ****Pro Tip: If you find yourself struggling with focus, organization, or keeping up with coursework despite your best efforts, there may be more at play than just “stress” or adjusting to your new college life. With half a decade of experience, I provide comprehensive evaluations in-office to identify your unique learning style and determine if you qualify for formal accommodations, such as extended time on exams or needing the problems read aloud to you. Most importantly, I believe in continuity of care. I won’t just hand you a report and send you on your way; we can transition immediately into targeted therapy with goals specifically aligned to your evaluation results and personal needs. This ensures your support is highly personalized and streamlined- since we’ve already built a rapport during the testing process, we can dive straight into the work of helping you thrive!**** Click HERE to schedule an appointment or FREE 15 min phone consultation with Ms. Chloe who has availability now for evaluations, and will begin seeing therapy clients in May! Join her waitlist today to have priority scheduling access!
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