This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week. Because 1 in 5 Americans struggle with mental illness every year, it’s important to know you’re not alone. With this in mind, API is proud to provide resources and materials to make sure every student has an enjoyable study abroad experience. We want our students, alumni, employees and anyone else effected by mental illness to know it does not define you as a person; and it doesn’t have to define your life!
Today we’re sharing stories and advice from some of our #APIabroad alum who have gone on the adventure of a lifetime while also living with mental illness.
Click on the links below to read their stories:
–Sandra Mercer, who studied abroad in Galway, Ireland. She opens up about her struggles with anxiety and depression.
–Kristin Anderson, who studied in Dublin and has also been open about her anxiety and depression.
–5 tips to avoid homesickness, from API alum Cassie who studied in Seville.
Mental health resources
Your school’s campus will have resources to help you at any time during your study abroad adventure, and the country you’re studying in will have many resources similar to these! As far as national resources here in the states go, keep these in mind:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Anxiety & Depression Association of America
National Alliance on Mental Health
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
