Let’s Talk: Mental Health, Sex & Drugs

Dear Readers,

Sometimes as I walk down the street, I’m thankful to be surrounded by the city’s energy. Other times, attending a demanding university in New York’s chaos is suffocating.

We talk a lot about balancing our lives in college — social life, academics and sleep — in an effort to preserve our sanity. But striking a balance isn’t always easy. Even with our best attempt, we can’t plan for tragedies such as losing a friend, and that’s what makes this time of our lives so challenging.

I conceived of this issue to help battle the pendulum of feelings that comes with being a student in New York. This issue contains advice on how to manage stress and stay mentally healthy, as well as tips on safe drug use and sexual health. With these tools, navigating life can be done with more ease and confidence.

I have good days and I have bad days. But when I’m feeling down, I find solace in my network of family and friends, and I use the resources around me. I implore you to do the same and use this issue as one of those resources. After you’re done reading these pages, I hope you realize that no matter how isolated this island may feel, you are not alone.

—Kavish Harjai, Web Managing Editor

NYU Student Health Center: 212-443-1000

Services
Health Promotion: 212-443-1234
HIV Testing and Counseling: 212-443-1122
Men’s Health: 212-443-1122
Mental Health: 212-998-4780
Women’s Health: 212-443-1166
Polytechnic School of Engineering Counseling Services: 718-260-3456

NYU Wellness Exchange: 212-443-9999

NYU Public Safety: 212-998-2222

Anxiety and Depression Association of America: 240-485-1001

Lifenet: 800-543-3638

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 800-950-6264

National Eating Disorders Association: 1-800-931-2237

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Planned Parenthood of New York City: 212-274-7200

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network: 800-656-4673

S.A.F.E. Alternatives: 800-366-8288

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 800-662-4357