From stress to sleep: Tackling college health concerns

Dealing with health issues is a normal part of college life, and you're not alone if you're facing them. Here are some of the most common health concerns students run into on campus, along with support resources and tips on how to handle them. 

Stress, anxiety and depression 

College is a time full of opportunities and new experiences, but it can also come with its own set of challenges, like stress, anxiety or feeling down. Remember, these feelings are often normal and part of the journey, and you’re not alone in facing them. 

The good news is that you have access to supportive resources and caring people ready to help you thrive. Don’t hesitate to reach out—taking care of your mental health is an empowering step toward making the most of your college years. 

Find support 

• Practice self-care: Connect with friends, get outside, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep, food and physical activity. 

• Mental health workshops: Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers free weekly workshops to help students address anxiety, stress and more.   

• Peer Wellness Coaching: Meet with a trained student to talk through things and get advice about self-care, finding balance and more.  

• Let’s Talk: CAPS offers free drop-in hours as part of their Let’s Talk program where you can meet informally with a counselor for free to chat about a variety of concerns, including stress, anxiety and depression. 

Sleep 

Getting enough sleep in college is essential for your health, memory and mood. If you’re having trouble, try these tips: 

• Limit caffeine intake, especially later in the day. 

• Keep naps short (20–30 minutes) and check out campus nap pods at The Rec, Wardenburg and Norlin Library. 

• Cut down on screen time before bed. 

• Spend some time outside during the day in the natural light. 

• Work out earlier in the day to avoid late-night energy boosts. 

• Create a relaxing bedtime routine—think reading, stretching or sipping tea. 

• Pick up free sleep supplies like masks and tea from the Wellness Suites at Wardenburg or the Village Center, or get items through a Buff Box. 

If you try these strategies and still have trouble with sleep, make an appointment with a professional. You can make an appointment with CAPS if you think mental health concerns are contributing to your sleep difficulties, or if you want to try other behavioral strategies to improve sleep. Another option is to make an appointment with Medical Services if you aren't sure where to start. 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 

STIs are common among young adults and can spread through any kind of sexual activity. The most common types include human papilloma virus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes. 

If you plan to be sexually active, here are some tips to follow:    

• Protect yourself by using condoms, dental dams and finger cots—free supplies are available at the Wellness Suites at Wardenburg or the Village Center,  or get items through a Buff Box. 

• Get tested regularly, even if you don’t have symptoms.  

• Talk honestly with partners about your status and boundaries you have around sex. 

• Consider vaccines for HPV and Hepatitis B.  

• If you’re at higher risk for HIV, visit Medical Services to ask about PrEP.  

Find support 

• If you or a partner ends up contracting an STI, know that most types of STIs are treatable and Medical Services offers testing and treatment options, as well as counseling support.  

• Free at-home test kits are also available through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).  

• Learn more about what to do after unprotected sex.    

Seasonal illnesses 

College life means sharing spaces with others—and potentially germs. Some of the most common seasonal illnesses include the common cold, flu and COVID.  

Protect yourself by: 

• Getting your free flu and COVID vaccine. Medical Services also offers other vaccines, including measles. 

• Washing your hands often, and especially before eating and after using the restroom 

• Sleeping well and staying hydrated 

• Limiting close contact if someone’s sick 

• Cleaning shared surfaces 

Find support 

If you start to feel sick, rest up, cover coughs, wear a mask and use at-home remedies like tea or cough drops. Free cold care supplies are available at the Wellness Suites at Wardenburg or the Village Center and via Buff Boxes.   

If your symptoms get worse—like severe pain, trouble breathing or stomach issues—make an appointment with Medical Services. 

Meningitis 

Living in close quarters with lots of other people—like in residence halls or shared apartments—can make it easier for certain illnesses to spread. One important illness to be aware of as a college student is meningitis. 

Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can be life-threatening, so prevention is key. The best way to protect yourself is by getting the Meningitis (Men-ACWY) vaccine. If you haven’t gotten this vaccine yet, you can make an appointment with Medical Services to get vaccinated. 

Be on the lookout for symptoms of meningitis, which may include: 

• Confusion 

• Fever 

• Headache 

• Sensitivity to light 

• Stiff neck 

Find support 

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment at Medical Services to be evaluated. It’s important to catch meningitis infections early to reduce the chances of spreading it to others and prevent serious nerve or brain damage. If you are experiencing symptoms after-hours, please go to an urgent care facility near you.    

Substance use and misuse 

During college, some students use alcohol or other drugs, while others don't. The following resources offer perspective for those who want to reflect on their relationship with alcohol or drugs, and support for those looking to make a change. These resources are also available for those who are worried about a friend's alcohol or drug use. 

Gain insight or find support 

If you’re curious about your relationship with a specific substance and are not wanting to meet with anyone, get anonymous online feedback related to alcohol, cannabis and/or nicotine. If you prefer to talk with a trained student or professional facilitator, check out a Buffs Discuss Substance Use session and/or the Exploring Substance Use Workshop. 

Support is also available if you want to quit or cut back—like Health Promotion’s free resources for quitting nicotine and the Collegiate Recovery Community, where you’ll find peer support and events.  

For added safety, free naloxone, fentanyl test strips and the Safer Night Out Buff Box are available at the Wellness Suites at Wardenburg or the Village Center. 

Eating changes 

Accidents happen, especially in college. That’s why it’s important to take precautions to avoid serious injuries on and off campus.  

Find support 

If you get injured or are involved in an accident, there are a variety of support services you can use on campus.   

• Medical Services provides injury care services, including x-rays. They can also help refer you to community services if you need more intense rehabilitation.  

• Physical Therapy and Integrative Care (PTIC) provides a variety of services to students, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage to help address injuries, pain and other concerns.  

• Recreation Injury Care Center (RICC) provides free services to patrons and guests of the Rec Center including first aid, baseline concussion testing, injury prevention services and athletic training services.  

As the semester continues, remember that campus health services are here to support you. Taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your academic success and overall well-being.