College Student And Mental Health

The primary purpose of this paper is to review literature and studies regarding mental health issues in college students and on college campuses. An overwhelming trend of mental health concerns have been raised in this population. There are many variables and factors involved in the well-being of college age individuals. Stressors and triggers often disrupt the optimal daily functioning of this group. The college environment brings unique barriers to mental health wellness as well as an excellent untapped potential for prevention and education initiatives and programming. This review was focused on the complex nature of mental health issues in the specificity of college age students and in the unique college campus environment.

Mental disorders are as common among college students as same-aged non-students, and these disorders seem to be growing in amount and severity. It is not unusual for undergraduate students to experience varying levels of anxiety, depression, and stress during their matriculation; some college students experience academic stressors as well as non-academic stressors. Non-academic stressors could include seemingly obvious issues like moving away from family for the first time or some issues that may be harder to recognize like private health concerns. Dr. Richard Kadison, chief of mental health services at Harvard University and author of “College of the Overwhelmed” reported that almost 50% of college students are likely to suffer some degree of

Mental health among college students has been proven to be a relevant social issue that our society faces. There are certainly a few different institutions that play a large role within the development of this social issue. The first institution, and the primary institution at play with this issue, is the higher education system. In terms of mental health and having access to resources, college students haven’t always been as lucky as they are today. One study in 2007 explains the story of Junior at Syracuse University (Kravets, 3081). Anita Rutman had a history of mental health issues; she even found herself being admitted to a mental health hospital. One morning in February, she threw herself off of the eighth floor of Boland Hall and landed on a patio and fortunately lived. However, her attempt stemmed from the university sending her letter three days prior that informed Anita that the school was planning to dismiss her because of her suicidal tendencies (Kravets, 3081). Anita later sued Syracuse for ten million dollars for malpractice and negligence in handling her condition.

Many people surrounding the concept of college and collegiate students are recognizing what many surveys are proving. The reason people are starting to notice is because recent studies and surveys are presenting that there is evidence of a rise in mental problems. To name a couple of them, depression, suicide and even eating disorders among the collegiate students. The reason this issue has evolved into a controversy is because not only are these survey showing that the umber of students developing mental health issues is increasing but the people being affected by this issue is growing. Some stakeholders have a bad and some have good viewpoint on this issue. The stakeholders fighting and voicing their viewpoint in this controversy vary from

As the research suggests, there are an obvious number of students on college campuses that are exhibiting the detrimental behavioral, social, and academic effects of mental health issues. I wanted to observe whether the number of suffering college students is increasing or not to identify the severity of the problem on college campuses and determine the best approach to deal with these numbers. In a 2012 study directed by Mark Salzer, he states that college students suffering from mental health are “enrolling at increasing rates” also making note of the fact that “Eighty-six percent of students with mental illness withdraw from college prior to completing their degree” (1). This discovery further shows that mental illness is affecting more

The issue of mental health has recently become an important issue throughout America, especially with young adults. College campuses are critical to a majority of these young adults, and their environment on them are extremely important for creating a healthy and safe place for them to live and grow. At the University of Nevada, Reno, students need more opportunities and better resources in order to thrive both as students and as people. Throughout this proposal, there have been suggestions that, if put in place, can improve the Student Health Center and in return, benefit the students of the university. By collaborating more directly with students, focusing more on participation, and broadening their outreach, the Student Health Center will

“Colleges provide a unique opportunity to identify, prevent, or treat mental disorders because campuses often encompass students’ residences, social networks, and many services,” writes Linda Cook. Often, if a student is struggling, campus resources are the first place they turn. Whether a student turns to a professor, campus clinic staff member, or resident assistant, the hope is that they will be met with compassion. Colleges and universities should require their staff and students to be well-informed about common mental illnesses that often emerge in the college years. Awareness of signs and symptoms, available treatments and resources, and proper ways to intervene can help fight the mental health crisis. Yet many colleges still improperly

Mental health is a serious topic that is often not taken seriously. Due to my own struggles with depression, I have experienced the impact mental illness can have on a student’s life. Mental illness can make everyday life feel unbearable and can have just as serious of an effect on a person as a physical illness. The causes of increasing mental health problems in college students are numerous, and it will take work from both students and universities to overcome this problem, but change is necessary for the health of U.S. college students.

If you ask any current college student how their experience at school is going, you are likely to hear about the struggles they face with heavy course materials, difficult exams, and other criticisms about being a student. With that, college students are put under so much pressure that some may not be able to mentally stay on their game and may develop depression and anxiety as a cause of this crazy lifestyle. “Researchers have reported that almost half of college-aged individuals may experience mental health problems” (Jennings). When it comes to receiving help for these developing mental illnesses most universities offer a variety of resources to help students better themselves. These medical resources

College represents a form of higher learning. For many, it is also a time for personal growth as we transition into adulthood. This in itself is a stressful situation as one must make drastic adjustments to a new role, environment, and demands. Stress is a major contributor to the development of mental and emotional issues (Rodgers, L., Tennison, L. 2009). Research has been done to determine the impact of depression and anxiety on university students. It has been

Thesis: Mental Illness in colleges needs to be addressed because of the rise in college students being diagnosed in mental health problems.

Generalized anxiety is a problem that the United States faces nationwide. As we grow older and move into educational settings that are more taxing, anxiety becomes more prevalent. Today, college students are facing more stress than ever before. They are constantly pushed to be the best they can be, to be in the most extracurricular activities they can be in, and to attend the best schools possible. All of these goals and high expectations lead students to be harder on themselves, which makes other aspects of their life fall by the wayside, leading to high levels of stress and pressure.

Anxiety and Depression disorders are two of the most common mental disorders in the United States (Falsafi, 2016). It appears that the two disorders are widespread amongst college students and most cannot manage the high demands and stress (Falsafi, 2016). Therefore, they feel more prone to depression and anxiety (Falsafi, 2016). According to the authors Miller & Chung, mental health amongst college students in the United States is a growing public health concern and educators are concerned about the low academic performance of college students and how it influences their mental health (Miller, & Chung, 2009). Research indicates that university students suffer with low grades and poor academic performances, while trying to manage depression and anxiety (Falsafi, 2016). With the consistence of higher drop out rates, it is imperative that colleges and universities create programs that assist students with managing their depression and anxiety to help them through their education.

There are a multitude of elements that influence the onset of depression and depressed feelings. The daily stressors of college life are one contributing factor to depression in college students. Some of the other stressors include: conflict between work and family, relationship problems, financial concerns, and poor grades, lack of social support or networks, a sense of not belonging, having fewer friends, and experiencing loneliness (Lindsey 2009). The economy has had an impact on every party of our society, including education. Heavy student loans are just another burden on these kids who do not know what their future career will hold for them (Curetalk). These different responsibilities are just other factors that influence the emotional health of college students.

Many young adults within the university and college educational system experience stress. The stress and anxiety they incur can vary due to multiple factors. This chapter examined some of these different factors and how they have contributed to undergraduate student stress and anxiety and overall college experience. It also focused on the positive and negative coping mechanisms students utilized in order to manage their stress and anxiety. Finally, it examined the mental health resources available that have helped promote adaptive emotional management skills. By examining these factors the reader will better understand the elements that could contribute to the student’s ability to thrive in their undergraduate experience.