The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health: Essential Wellness Strategies for Flourishing in College Paperback – February 27, 2024

I first read this valuable book a few months ago and, since then, have given away at least a dozen copies! A lot of my friends (and myself) have kids of roughly college age, and it is kind of staggering to realize how many of them have various degrees of struggle with their mental health. I have actually taken to keeping a supply of the book in my car, so that when a friend confides in me, I am ready to provide some real, immediate help by sending them home with a copy after our visit. I love that the book can be used by both parents and students, and that it can be read in its entirety or used as a resource when specific issues arise. The author is an excellent therapist, with so much direct experience in the field. And you can really hear her warm nature and genuine care come through in her writing. I think this goes a long way in how young people receive and accept the insights and strategies she shares in the book. Highly recommended....

This is the book I wish I had in college. When I arrived on campus, I felt overwhelmed and maxed out before classes had even started. I didn’t know to ask for help because it seemed like everyone was going through the same thing and the stress of adjusting to college was just normal. This book would have helped me regain control.What I love is that it covers practical ways to handle the logistics of college life that save time and mental energy. Some of the things I found most helpful:- Sample language to address a variety of situations with roommates, friends, and teachers. When you’re angry and frustrated, it can feel impossible to find a neutral way to bring up sharing chores or ask a professor for an extension. This book does that work for you.- Strategies to juggle so many new things at once. A large portion is devoted to ways you can prepare ahead of time or between activities so that you can move at your own pace and stay in control of your day. There is guidance in creating a schedule that balances school and work with socializing, exercising, being spontaneous, and downtime to recharge.- It’s easy to read.No matter how useful, a book about mental health can be intimidating at any age. What sets this book apart is that it isn’t heavy, it’s action oriented. These strategies would have made a world of difference for me freshman year – I wish I had been surrounded by people reading this book.

Licensed psychologist and longtime college therapist Mia Nosanow has counseled college students struggling with a range of mental health issues. Her 20 years in the trenches led her to write this straightforward and accessible guide for college students so that they can enter their college years with an emphasis on building a solid mental health foundation. From there, the guide addresses the many stressors and pitfalls of college life, and shares strategies for problem solving and maintaining healthy practices and perspectives. The College Student's Guide to Mental Health's tone is calm, non-judgemental and wise, and most importantly, hopeful. A perfect gift for young people getting ready to launch into college life.

I still remember my first year at college, thinking, "What am I doing here, so far from anyone I know?" Everyone around me seemed so sophisticated and accomplished. The transition to college is huge and now students have to contend with all the traditional issues plus social media.Fortunately, Nosanow has 20 years of college counseling experience and she has written this excellent resource to help students, their parents and their college counselors. It's thoughtfully organized and well indexed, so you can easily find what you need.

For the senior in high school or the student already in college, this book provides a well structured framework for evaluating mental health challenges. Most kids have issues, problems or questions about their feelings . Being away from familiar people and places can lead to anxiety and more. This book helps both kids and parents evaluate when more professional help is necessary.

I am going to buy this book for every college student in my life. It's an essential part of their toolbox for a successful college experience. This book reminds those familiar with mental health concept of resources available to them both on and off campuses as well as provides language for describing the vast landscape of mental wellbeing and challenges. It also breaks mental health down into physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual categories with relatable, universal language for people of all background. I can easily see this book becoming a foundation for a mandatory, intro course for all incoming students. Real-world examples ground the concepts in reality. Even as a middle aged parent, I found the book helpful and informative in understanding myself. How cool for parents and kids to have such a practical, meaningful book to share. I can't recommend this book highly enough!

You can tell that this author knows and loves college students--this book is written from a place of empathy. I loved the practical advice, starting with how important sleep is and how to get sleep where there's so much stimulation. I have a new college student, and it has been great to know this info to help my college kid succeed/survive/thrive in college.