
Lysa’s Limericks
Thinking about your upcoming semester in college is exciting, to say the least. However, many transitioning freshman are also navigating symptoms of anxiety.
Worrying about courses, if you will make new friendships, and hoping your roommate will be neat and tidy. Transition to college life can be an anxiety-filled period of time. Many of your concerns can be better navigated if you feel emotionally grounded. Here are a few strategies to pack for your campus stay:
Create a structured schedule that not only includes your courses, but incorporates social activities, self-care, sleep, mealtime and fitness. Having a routine helps to feel in more control of your environment. Along with structure, an important element to remember is time management. Allowing yourself ample time for all activities will decrease the chance of feeling overwhelmed, reduce stress and improve your studies.
Become involved with campus activities. Finding your opportunities to not only socialize, but to make an impact within the community is instrumental. Joining social clubs, sports and/or volunteering for a charity can build campus connections, confidence and improve social interactions.
Remember to explore resources on campus. You may be surprised to discover the many resources your campus offers once you take the time to investigate. Study groups, mental health services, transportation and opportunities for social interactions may be just steps away from your dorm.
Lastly, be sure to pack relaxation techniques to ensure that you feel confident about managing episodes of emotional distress. Whether you are anxious about an exam or struggling with writing a paper, you will have an emotional toolbox at your disposal. Deep-breathing techniques, yoga, grounding exercise and guided meditation are accessible and effective coping methods to navigate stress.
Follow us for more wellness content!
More Blog Posts

What Does an Autism Evaluation Look Like?
While the specifics may vary depending on the clinician or setting, most autism evaluations follow a comprehensive and structured approach to gather a full picture of an individual’s development, communication style, sensory preferences, and daily life experiences.

What is Autism?
Autism is a naturally occurring variation in how brains process information, communicate, and experience the world. It is not a disorder to be “fixed” but rather a neurotype—one of many ways human minds work.
In crisis or need immediate help?
Call 988 or go to your nearest ER.
Services
Adolescent Psychotherapy
Adult Psychotherapy
Assessments & Evaluation
Child Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy & Parent Coaching
Genetic Testing
Group Therapy
Medication Management
Play Therapy
Single-Session Therapy
Teletherapy
Accepted Insurance*
Aetna
Carefirst / Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Humana / Tricare
Johns Hopkins Health Plans
Medicaid
Medicare
Optum / UnitedHealthcare
*Varies by service
Partner Resources
Orchard Mental Health Group
Contact Us
M-F, 9am-5pm Eastern Time
Phone: 240- 750-6467
Fax: 240-912-7835
contact@orchardmentalhealth.com
9707 Key West Avenue, Suite #100 Rockville, MD 20850