Stress and anxiety can lead to depression. This is not uncommon among college students, particularly freshman. Academic pressure, adapting to a new environment, financial worries and sudden independence, may contribute to feelings of depression or anxiety. Many schools offer different types of support groups to help you cope with these feelings. For example, Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. offers support groups with specific themes like "Making the Transition to College" and "Personal Growth." The University of Pittsburgh offers a depression and self-esteem group for those struggling with these issues.
Students may turn to drugs and alcohol for a variety of reasons. For some, it may be a result of their new-found independence, or peer pressure or even simply the result of reaching the legal drinking age. When students become dependant on drugs and alcohol, or it begins interfering with school work, they should seek help from a support group. These groups may help you identify the extent of your problem, but help you address it in a safe environment with others in similar circumstances.
Coping with the responsibilities of college is even more difficult when you are also coping with other issues. This is why many university have counseling centers that will help you find a support group to help facilitate recovery. Grief counseling is a common issue for support groups. Students grieving over the loss of a loved one can seek comfort from other dealing with this type of trauma. Other recovery groups may be available for women who are victims of sexual abuse or assault, providing a safe and confidential environment in which they can confide in each other and be reminded that they are not alone.
During college, you can discover new things about yourself or must simply come to terms with who you are. This isn't always an easy process, so support groups aimed at developing a sense of identity and self-esteem may help. They also be a place where students coming to terms with their identities can meet in a comfortable, confidential setting. The University of California, Berkeley, for example, offers support groups for women of color and gay men of color who are managing different aspects of their identities.