Mental Health Matters

August 4, 2023
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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.

August 11, 2026
If your girlfriend is facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering the abortion pill, you're probably wondering about costs and whether insurance will cover it. Before considering the abortion pill, it’s vital that your girlfriend receives an ultrasound. We offer these at no cost with no insurance necessary. She can schedule a free, confidential appointment online at Collage. Can Your Insurance Cover Her? Health insurance covers the policyholder and enrolled dependents. A girlfriend typically isn't a covered dependent on your plan, which means your insurance generally won't pay for her medical care. The exception is if she's been added to your plan as a domestic partner and your employer allows that. Additionally, you may be able to extend insurance coverage to her after marriage if your policy allows this as a qualifying event. However, the chances of insurance covering an elective abortion are unlikely. What About Her Own Insurance in Nebraska? Under Nebraska law , standard health insurance plans in the state cannot cover elective abortion unless the insured purchases a separate abortion rider. Medicaid in Nebraska covers abortion only in limited circumstances. In most cases, the abortion pill in Nebraska will be an out-of-pocket cost. What She Should Know About the Drug The abortion pill uses two drugs. The first, mifepristone , blocks progesterone, a hormone required to sustain the pregnancy. The second, misoprostol , taken a day or two later, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. The FDA approves this drug regimen through 10 weeks of gestation. Nebraska law also requires that the abortion pill be prescribed and administered in person by a physician. Complications can include heavy bleeding, infection , incomplete abortion, and digestive system discomfort. If the drug does not fully end the pregnancy, a follow-up procedure might be required. Getting the Facts First A free ultrasound at Collage confirms your girlfriend’s gestational age, whether the pregnancy is in the uterus, and whether the pregnancy is progressing. An ectopic pregnancy (when the pregnancy implants outside the uterus) requires different medical treatment than abortion, and could be life-threatening if left untreated. An ultrasound can rule out this complication. Schedule a free, confidential appointment at Collage today. Call: 308.234.9880 in Kearney or 308.675.2217 in Grand Island. *All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing. **Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.
Young woman thoughtfully learning about the abortion pill before making a pregnancy decision.
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Learn how the abortion pill works and what to expect. Colllage center offers free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and more. Contact us.
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If you're considering abortion, there's one medical step that protects your health before anything else. An ultrasound confirms your pregnancy and provides information that a positive test alone cannot.
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