(Radio Iowa) – About one in three college students surveyed say they’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition, including anxiety, depression or both. Dr. Kristin Avery, of the MercyOne Clear Lake Pediatric and Adolescent Care Clinic, says college students should have their conditions addressed right away, especially freshmen who are away from home for the first time.

“It’s good to recognize symptoms of being anxious or being depressed after moving,” Avery says, “and noticing if those things start to affect your relationships with other people, or it’s affecting your sleep or your grades, and if you are noticing that is happening, to — sooner rather than later — get in to see a therapist or a doctor at student health to talk about if there’s anything different that needs to be done.” Avery says even small steps can help you out in big ways.

“I think learning about what works for you to relax,” she says, “so, coming up with some relaxation techniques, learning how much sleep you need in order to be kind of your best self is important as well.” Avery says schools are trying to do a better job of helping to address the mental health of students.

“There’s just more knowledge about all of that, and it’s more talked about now which is great for people who feel left alone in that and can advocate for themselves,” she says, “but it is a hard topic for people that I think just making sure that your taking good care of yourself is very important.”

Avery says students should look up their school’s mental health resources in advance, and remember they can also call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline anytime by dialing 9-8-8.