Healthy Living,Outpatient Care
How to Take Care of Your Mental Health While Living and Studying in a Big City
College can be an exciting and life-changing time, but it can also bring a lot of stress—especially for students living in a big city like Chicago. Between schoolwork, part-time jobs, and social pressures, many college students struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Learning how to manage your mental health in college is just as important as keeping up with your studies. Learn more about mental health resources and educational blogs here.
City Life and Student Stress in Chicago
Chicago is full of great opportunities—internships, events, and a diverse culture—but living in a big city also brings challenges. Noise, traffic, isolation, and the high cost of living can increase stress levels for college students. Some students may also feel unsafe or overwhelmed by crowded spaces. All of these factors can make it harder to stay focused and calm.
Many students in Chicago also work part-time or full-time jobs to pay for school. Balancing work, school, and personal life can be exhausting, and this often leads to poor sleep, low energy, and emotional burnout.
School Stress and Mental Health Support
College students often feel pressure to get good grades, succeed in their careers, and meet high expectations. While it’s good to aim high, constant stress about school can lead to mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Although most colleges in Chicago have counseling centers, students may face long wait times or feel unsure about asking for help. Some may also worry about the stigma around mental health. Click HERE to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Bespoke Psychiatry.
The Importance of Community and Campus Life
Having a strong support system can make a big difference. Students who join clubs, cultural groups, or study groups often feel more connected and less alone. In a diverse city like Chicago, being part of a community that shares your background or interests can help boost your mental and emotional health.
Tips for Managing Mental Health in College
1. Learn About Mental Health Early
Colleges should teach students about mental health from the start. Knowing that it’s okay to ask for help and learning where to find support can reduce stress later on. Learn more about mental health resources and educational blogs here.
2. Use Campus and Local Resources
Most colleges in Chicago offer free or low-cost counseling. There are also many mental health clinics, support groups, and hotlines in the city. It’s important to know your options before things feel overwhelming.
3. Try Mindfulness and Self-Care Activities
Practicing mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help calm your mind. Journaling and quiet time can also be great tools to deal with stress.
4. Keep Healthy Habits
Getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating well can improve both your mood and energy levels. Chicago’s parks and lakefront are perfect places to walk, run, or relax outside.
5. Connect with Peers and Mentors
Talking to other students who understand what you’re going through can be really helpful. Peer support groups and mentors can give advice, share tips, or just listen when you need someone to talk to.
Taking care of your mental health in college is just as important as doing well in your classes. For students in a busy city like Chicago, staying mentally healthy means knowing your limits, using local resources, and building strong connections with others. Colleges can help by making support easier to access and creating a campus culture that cares about well-being. When mental health is a priority, students are more likely to succeed both in school and in life.
At Bespoke Psychiatry, we understand the demanding and unpredictable schedules college students face—especially in a fast-moving city like Chicago. Balancing classes, work, internships, and social obligations can make it hard to find time for self-care. That’s why we offer flexible telemedicine appointments, making it easier to connect with licensed mental health professionals from anywhere. Whether you’re on campus, commuting, or in between classes, you can get the support you need on your schedule. Our personalized approach ensures that your care fits your lifestyle, so you never have to choose between your mental health and your education. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Bespoke Psychiatry’s website or click HERE to become a new patient.
