Mental Health Matters Collage Center Blog Holistic

Did you know that approximately 1 in 5 students experience a mental health condition? Just let that sink in. That means four students are struggling in a typical classroom size of 20 students. Middle school, high school, and college are supposed to be a time of making great memories and feeling empowered toward your future goals and dreams.1

Why is mental health important? From academic expectations to social interactions and personal growth, the weight of these experiences can take a toll on a student's mental well-being. It’s essential to understand that mental health is not separate from academic pursuits but a fundamental aspect that directly influences overall success, resilience, and fulfillment.

So how can you start to develop and build a healthy mental game?

Embrace a Holistic Approach:

Education is about more than just grades. It encompasses all aspects of your life, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. By prioritizing your well-being in these areas, you develop strength, self-awareness, and coping mechanisms that can help you navigate various situations. Take time to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Exercise, eat nourishing meals, and get adequate rest. Cultivate meaningful relationships and connections with others. Explore activities aligning with your values and beliefs to enhance your purpose and fulfillment.

Make Decisions Based on Your Values:

As you journey through school, you'll face numerous decisions that shape your educational experience. It's important to base these choices on your core values. Consider what truly matters to you and how each decision aligns with your authentic self. When selecting classes, participating in extracurricular activities, or deciding on a career path, take a moment to reflect on how these choices reflect your values. Making decisions that align with your values empowers you to lead a life that is meaningful and true to who you are.

Build a Supportive Community:

Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can tremendously impact your mental well-being. Seek resources within your educational environment, such as counseling services, mental health awareness programs, and peer support networks. These resources provide a safe and understanding space to express yourself and seek guidance when needed. Connect with individuals who make you feel heard, understood, and valued. Engage in open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and create an environment of support and empathy.

Remember, your mental health matters! We all experience stress and anxiety; that's nothing to be ashamed of. What's important is developing good habits to help cope with these stressors. At Collage, we truly believe in supporting each other through our unique journeys. We're here for you, cheering for you as you prepare for a future filled with resilience, authenticity, and confidence.

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How Soon After Sex Should I Get Tested for an STD?

November 6, 2026

New ParagraphIf you recently had sex and are wondering when to get tested for an STD, there is not one waiting period that applies to every infection. Different STDs take different amounts of time to become detectable, and the type of test being used can also affect when an infection may show up. Testing too soon after exposure may yield a negative result even when an infection is present. If you are unsure about your timing, schedule an appointment with Collage. We offer no-cost testing and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea , and our licensed medical professionals are here to answer your questions. Treatment is provided if a test is positive, and medical professionals are available to answer your questions. Why Timing Matters After exposure to an STD, there can be a period of time before a test can detect the infection. That window is not the same for every STD. Some infections may become detectable sooner than others, and certain situations may call for repeat testing after an initial negative result. This is why testing the day after sex will not necessarily give you the information you are looking for. A medical professional can consider when the exposure occurred, your symptoms, and the type of testing available. You Can Have an STD Without Symptoms Do not assume that feeling fine means there is no reason to get tested. Some sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include: Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area Painful or burning urination Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge Unusual vaginal bleeding Pain during sex Sore, swollen lymph nodes, often in the groin area Fever Chlamydia may cause symptoms such as unusual discharge or burning with urination, but many people don’t notice symptoms at all. Gonorrhea can cause similar symptoms and may affect the genitals, rectum, or throat. However, because symptoms aren't always present, testing can identify an infection that might otherwise go unnoticed. If you develop symptoms or learn that a sexual partner has tested positive for an STD, contact a healthcare professional rather than waiting to see whether symptoms appear or go away. Why Testing Is Worth Doing Some untreated STDs can cause problems beyond the initial infection. Depending on the infection, complications can include arthritis, certain cancers, infertility, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Testing gives you the opportunity to identify an infection and receive treatment if available. A medical professional can also explain whether follow-up or repeat testing is recommended. Regular screening may also be appropriate for some people based on factors such as age, sexual history, new or multiple partners, and previous STDs. Start With Testing at Collage Collage offers testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea at no cost. Both infections commonly occur without obvious symptoms, so testing can be important even when you feel well. Both infections can be treated with the appropriate antibiotics. If your test is positive, Collage will contact you to schedule an appointment to come in for treatment. Schedule an initial STD testing appointment with Collage today to ask your questions and find out what is appropriate for you. Call us in Kearney at 308.234.9880 and in Grand Island at 308.675.2217. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

Can I Change My Mind After Taking the First Abortion Pill?

September 30, 2026

If you took the first abortion pill, it’s possible to start wishing you hadn’t. The regret may have hit you immediately, or it might have taken a few hours to realize that you want to continue the pregnancy. Either way, there may still be something you can do: abortion pill reversal (APR) may be an option. The first drug used in the abortion pill regimen is usually mifepristone. If you have taken mifepristone but now want to continue your pregnancy, call the Abortion Pill Reversal Network at 1-877-558-0333 right away. Their Helpline is available 24/7 and can connect you with a medical provider who can administer APR. If You Have Only Taken the First Pill Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone. Progesterone helps maintain the lining of the uterus during pregnancy. When this hormone is blocked, the uterine lining thins, and the pregnancy ends. The second drug in the abortion pill regimen is misoprostol , which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Abortion pill reversal involves giving progesterone after mifepristone in an effort to allow the pregnancy to continue. Don’t Wait for Symptoms Before Calling You may wonder whether you should wait before deciding what to do. But if you want to try to continue the pregnancy, call first. It’s critical to start the protocol as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours of taking mifepristone. However, you should still call even when more time has passed; it may not be too late. A medical provider can determine whether APR may still be appropriate. Does Reversal Always Work? Abortion pill reversal cannot guarantee that the pregnancy will continue. One published study reported ongoing pregnancy rates of approximately 64% to 68% with certain progesterone regimens, but individual outcomes vary. The important thing is to get medical guidance quickly rather than trying to determine your chances on your own. What if You Already Took Misoprostol? If you have already taken misoprostol, contact a healthcare professional promptly and explain exactly what you took and when. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms that concern you or believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency. Make the Call Now Changing your mind after taking mifepristone can be frightening, especially when you’re unsure whether there is still time to act. You don’t need to figure that out yourself. Call the Abortion Pill Reversal Network at 1-877-558-0333 as soon as possible and tell them when you took mifepristone. They can explain whether abortion pill reversal may still be an option and connect you with an appropriate provider. You can also contact Collage if you need someone to speak with while you work through your next steps. We’re here to help you. *Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. **All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

I’ve Already Had an Abortion and Don’t Want Another One. What Are My Options?

September 7, 2026

Seeing another positive pregnancy test after having had a past abortion may bring up memories or emotions from that experience. If you already know you don’t want another abortion, you may be wondering what other choices you have and whether either feels realistic for your life right now. You have time to learn about your options and the available support. Collage is here to give you a place to discuss your circumstances so you can decide what’s right for you. Schedule a no-cost appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and what your next steps could look like. And read on to learn more about your pregnancy options besides abortion. Consider What Parenting Would Require You may want to parent but have concerns about whether you can make it work. Finances, housing, childcare, your relationship, work, or school can all influence how possible this option feels right now. Before deciding that those challenges make parenting unrealistic, it can help to identify your biggest concerns individually. Some of those concerns may have solutions you haven’t considered yet. Think about the support you already have, along with what you would need during pregnancy and after your baby arrives. Knowing where the gaps are can make it easier to find resources rather than trying to solve everything at once. Learn More About Adoption If you don’t want another abortion but aren’t ready to parent, adoption is another option. Today, a woman making an adoption plan can have a significant role in deciding what that plan looks like. Depending on the type of adoption, you may be able to choose an adoptive family and decide what level of contact you would like after placement. Open, semi-open, and closed adoption offer different levels of communication and privacy. Speaking with a licensed adoption professional can help you understand these differences, your rights, and what the process would involve before you make any commitments. Discuss Your Options in a Confidential Space Having had an abortion before does not mean you have to make the same pregnancy decision again. Your feelings, circumstances, priorities, or perspective may be different this time. If you know you don’t want another abortion, start by learning what parenting and adoption could realistically look like in your current situation. Collage provides a place to talk about your pregnancy and the concerns influencing your decision. We can also connect you with adoption agencies and community organizations that provide the support you’re seeking. Reaching out doesn’t lock you into a specific decision. Schedule a no-cost appointment with Collage today to get your questions answered and explore the options available to you. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.