# data[].attributes.body
#1 - Audio Introduction

#2 - Literature Review

#3 - Prioritizing Mental Health

#4 - Peer Support

#5 - Point of Concession

#6 - Conclusion

#7 - References

# data[].attributes.body
Research shows that improving college students mental health requires addressing mental health, stereotypes, and support systems. Beasley, Hoffman, and Houtz (2024) and Yamaguchi, Foo, and Sasaki (2024) emphasize that mental health is huge for toughness and early support. Gorman and Brennan (2023) and Vargas-Huicochea (2022) tells us that stigma and negative thoughts of mental illness remain most of the big barriers to seeking help among new students. Peer support structures also play a leading role in balancing school and life. Byrd and McKinney (2012) tell us that factors include individual, social, and institutional all help shape mental health outcomes. Gibbons (2019) shows in his research that student/peer led discussions reduce labeling and encourages counseling center use. These studies show that universities must take an involved approach to improving mental health, dismantling stereotypes, and creating strong peer and campus networks. If colleges actively used these strategies, they can create stronger and more healthy communities where students are more likely to be successful both academically and personally.

# data[].attributes.body
Prioritizing mental health is essential for college students to maintain a strong school-life balance. In the article by Beasley, Hoffman, and Houtz, they show that mental health directly improves students’ well-being because having a good state of mind helps them better manage academic pressures (Beasley et al.). Byrd and McKinney stress the point that a persons efforts to care for mental health are super huge for handling stress in college (Byrd and McKinney). Gorman and Brennan say that when students overcome the stereotype around mental illness they are more likely to find help and support (Gorman and Brennan). Vargas-Huicochea find that students who see mental health positively are more likely to seek help when needed (Vargas-Huicochea et al.). Yamaguchi, Foo, and Sasaki demonstrate that education in elementary school about mental health builds successful coping skills that carry over into the later years of there life. (Yamaguchi et al.). All together these articles and studies show that making mental health a priority is a key role in successfully achieving balance and success in college life. These strategies work because they help students stay mentally strong and ask for help when needed. When students learn about mental health early in life, they see it in a positive manner, and they are better prepared to manage stress and feel less overwhelmed. Breaking down stereotypes also makes it easier for them to seek support without fear. Altogether, these approaches create a stronger foundation for success, making it easier for students to balance school demands with their personal well-being.

# data[].attributes.body
Peer support plays an important role helping students keep a school-life balance. Having strong peer support helps students with stress and feel more connected to life away from home. (Byrd and McKinney). It makes the college community stronger and reduces “isolation” when students interact with and promote mental health awareness. (Gibbons et al.). When peers encourage each other, it lowers fear around looking for help and it also normalizes mental health care (Gorman and Brennan; Vargas-Huicochea et al.).  Finally, peer led discussions help support mental health awareness over time (Yamaguchi et al.). Together, these studies show that strong peer support systems are a big part for a students well-being and academic success. Students feel more connected, supported, and understood when they have strong connections with their peers. Strong peer connections help students deal with the stress and loneliness that often come with being away from home. It reduces the fear and embarrassment around asking for help when students talk about it openly and do not hide it. Peer support makes it clear that needing help is normal, not something to hide. Plus, when mental health stays part of regular conversations, students are more likely to keep up good habits and take care of themselves over time. Altogether, these strategies work because they create a campus culture where students feel safe, accepted, and ready to succeed.

# data[].attributes.body
While prioritizing mental health, peer support, and awareness is essential for maintaining a good school-life balance it is important to see that these strategies are not always enough and/or going to even work. Many college students have more challenges such as financial stability, work schedules, family issues or no access to any mental health services. These factors can make it difficult for students to maintain balance when they are actively trying to get a more sound mind. These barriers show us the need for more useful support systems that address the broader realities students often encounter.

# data[].attributes.body
Maintaining a good school-life balance means taking good care of your mental health, peer support, and knowing what programs your institution has to offer. While some students face challenges like financial strain and limited services. These difficulties make balance even more important. Mental stability is essential for academic and personal success. Colleges must expand resources, and students must engage with them to build lasting resilience and community. A balance in academics and social is key to thriving both during and after college.

# data[].attributes.body
Beasley, L., Hoffman, S., & Houtz, J. (2024). Health literacy and mental well-being among university students in the United States. Journal of American College Health, 72(9), 3811–3817. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2023.2199335

Byrd, D., & McKinney, K. (2012). Individual, Interpersonal, and Institutional Level Factors        Associated With the Mental Health of College Students. Journal of American College Health, 60(3), 185–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2011.584334

Gibbons, S., Trette-McLean, T., Crandall, A., Bingham, J. L., Garn, C. L., & Cox, J. C. (2019). Undergraduate students survey their peers on mental health: Perspectives and strategies for improving college counseling center outreach. Journal of American College Health, 67(6), 580–591. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2018.1499652

Gorman, K. S., & Brennan, K. M. (2023). Mental Illness Public Stigma and Treatment Seeking among University Students. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 37(1), 52–70. https://doi.org/10.1080/87568225.2021.1891006

Kalkbrenner, M. T., James, C., & Pérez-Rojas, A. E. (2022). College Students’ Awareness of Mental Disorders and Resources: Comparison across Academic Disciplines. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 36(2), 113–134. https://doi.org/10.1080/87568225.2020.1791774

Vargas-Huicochea, I., Álvarez-del-Río, A., Rodríguez-Machain, A. C., Aguirre-Benítez, E. L., & Kelsall, N. (2022). Seeking Psychiatric Attention Among University Students with Mental Health Problems: the Influence of Disease Perception. International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction, 20(1), 505–521. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-020-00380-3

Yamaguchi, S., Foo, J. C., & Sasaki, T. (2024). The effects of a teacher-led online mental      health literacy program for high school students: a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial. Journal of Mental Health, 33(5), 630–637. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2024.2390376