As we are approaching the middle and latter half of the semester, you may notice that students in your classes or those you work with may be withdrawing from coursework, classes, activities and even friends. While this may seem alarming, it is a common occurrence during this point in the semester, especially for first year students. Students experiencing symptoms of withdrawal may be experiencing the second valley of the W Curve, Mental Isolation.

In the first part of this series, Mental Isolation was explained as the period is a student's development when they do not feel as though the truly fit in. They still do not feel totally at ease with campus life and being a college student, however they do not feel as though their previous life prior to college truly fits them either. Students can begin to feel conflict between both places. This can often lead to feelings of isolation, homesickness, and depression.