Among the statistics concerning mental health issues, half of college students report having had a psychiatric episode in the past year. It is not surprising to learn that one-third of college students experience a mental health crisis at some point during their college career. The Mosakowski Institute at Clark University oversees the mental health of athletes and works with young people to help them develop social and emotional skills. A recent survey showed that one in three college students experienced depression at some point during their education.
Stressors
Research shows that 87% of college students experience tremendous stress. Unlike anxiety, however, stress affects both the mind and body. Common physical symptoms include headaches, rapid breathing, and nausea. Mental symptoms of stress can include depression, insomnia, and mood swings. Other signs of stress include social withdrawal, anger outbursts, and drug and alcohol abuse. Symptoms of stress may be difficult to detect because they can vary from individual to individual.
While coping mechanisms differ widely across identities, they are similar in many cases. Therefore, it is important to provide different types of interventions so that each student finds a coping style that works for them. By offering a variety of options, NYU is able to maximize student engagement by providing effective stress reduction strategies. As a part of this approach, it plans to expand its social and academic support programs. This is expected to increase access to the services that students need most.
Places of comfort
As a college student, you are likely to face numerous mental health challenges. While college is an excellent time to talk to your child about their feelings and how to deal with them, it can also be a frightening experience for them. According to a recent survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 27% of college students suffer from depression or bipolar disorder, while 11% struggle with anxiety. To keep the lines of communication open, make it a point to visit your child regularly. This will help your student feel comfortable talking to you without fear of judgment.
If you have a child suffering from mental illness, talk to your RA. Your RA is there to help you through difficult times, and you can seek his or her advice and support when you need it. If you are a college student with a mental health disorder, make sure you talk to your college’s policies and resources. College is a big step for students of all ages, and the transition is even more difficult for students with mental health issues.
Barriers to seeking treatment
The current study examines the factors that may prevent college students from seeking mental health treatment. These factors include lack of knowledge about available treatments, anxiety or depression, and financial concerns. However, the findings are not entirely surprising. Some of these factors could have potentially serious consequences for the individual, and the barriers to treatment may be as simple as a lack of resources or time. In addition to financial considerations, students should also be aware of the availability of community resources.
In the survey, nearly a quarter of college students reported that they would consider seeking treatment for emotional problems if they were unable to cope alone. The most common reasons were the desire to talk to friends and relatives rather than seeking treatment. Students who were embarrassed to seek treatment were also less likely to seek help if they had a 12-month history of major depression, alcohol use disorder, or suicidal thoughts.
Treatment options
There are several different types of treatment for mental health issues, and it is important to find one that suits your specific needs. Fortunately, students today are more willing than ever to seek help with these issues. Today, college students have access to a variety of treatment options, including medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition to these, many universities now offer mental wellness programs with professional staff to assist students. Here are some of the most common mental health issues students may face on college campuses.
The increased diversity of the student body may also mean a wider array of conditions and symptoms that need to be treated. According to Doug Hankes, a licensed psychologist and executive director of the student counseling office at Auburn University, “there are many new challenges associated with mental health care on campus.”