A self-help book is one that is written with the intention to instruct its readers on solving personal problems. This library is broken up into 3 categories within each developmental stage (see below for a description of each)! Within each developmental stage there are resources for the individual, for the parents/family and for educators/professionals. The purpose of this is to help our students to build resilience, cope with challenges and achieve mental well-being through all stages of life.
The period between the end of infancy and the onset of puberty. Early childhood experiences from birth to age 8 affect the development of the brain, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior and health. A strong foundation helps children develop the skills they need to become well-functioning adults. Look at this collection to help support your students or children adapt to the world around them!
Puberty is the normal physical process of transition from childhood to adulthood. As well as a time of multiple physical changes, puberty is also a time of significant emotional and social change. It usually begins between ages 8 and 14 for girls and 9 and 13 for boys. During puberty, older children and teens experience both sexual changes as well as growth spurts which may be difficult to navigate.
This is the teenage phase lasting from 13 years to 18 years. Teenagers go through very drastic and significant mental, physical and emotional changes during this stage. This is the time when they develop their identity and their personality.
Adulthood is the period of life where full physical and emotional maturity has been attained. Early adulthood is thought to start at age 18 or 21. During this time period, responsibility and independence may dramatically increase. It is also normal to go through many life milestones and changes during this time period.
Middle age is the period of life between young adulthood and old age, oftentimes considered to be between 30 or 40 and 60 years old. Someone who is in their middle ages may deal with many unique personal challenges, as well as find themselves supporting children or aging parents. The term 'midlife crisis' is often used to describe this transitional stage of identity.
Old age is the last stage in the life processes of an individual and goes from age 60 or 65 until death. Individuals face unique physical, intellectual and emotional changes during this stage of life. During this stage, most people retire from work and no longer have the major responsibility of caring for others. Physically, older adults tend to have a decline in stamina, strength and senses.
SO WHAT...
Concentrating on self help strategies in order to improve student's mental health is imperative in the college community. Self-help techniques have regularly been incorporated into psychotherapy in the United States throughout the past decade and this number continues to increase yearly, so Merrimack thought it was our turn to promote self help too!
DID YOU KNOW...
● During the 2020–2021 school year, more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one
mental health diagnoses, according to the Healthy Minds Study, which collected data from 373
campuses nationwide (Lipson, et al., 2022).
● In another national survey, 3/4 of students reported moderate or severe psychological distress
(American College Health Association, 2021).
● The number of students seeking help at campus counseling centers increased almost 40% between
2009 and 2015 and continued to rise since then according to data from Penn State University’s Center
for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH Annual Report, 2015).
● About 75% of lifetime mental health problems will onset by the mid-20s, so that means that the college
years are the most vulnerable time to experience signs and symptoms of mental health issues.