6 Mental Health Challenges Facing College Students

BY  PAMELACURRIER

Did you know that one in every five college students faces a mental health issue, and that 75 percent of all mental health conditions come to the surface by the time a person reaches 24 years of age? These are pretty high, and scary statistics. There are many mental health challenges that a large percentage of college students must recognize and deal with, as most people who suffer from any form of mental illness will struggle with symptoms before they graduate from college. Today we are going to discuss six of the most common mental health challenges facing college students.

 

  1. Addiction 

One of the biggest problems facing a lot of college students is addiction, and there are many forms that this problem can take. Substance abuse is common among many college students, with alcohol being one of the biggest problems. Drug and alcohol abuse in colleges around the United States is becoming a serious health issue, and it can have a huge impact on every aspect of a student’s life. In fact, studies show that one in four students have problems with their studies due to alcohol use.

 

  1. Adjustment Disorder 

Many first-year college students find it difficult to adjust to being away from home for the first time. There are so many things that they have to adjust to, and for some, it can be quite overwhelming. Some reports show that as many as 20 percent of college students receiving treatment for mental health issues are diagnosed as having adjustment disorder, and there are many things that can be stressors, including moving to a new town, meeting new people, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, etc.

 

  1. Eating Disorders 

A lot of people think that this is an issue that mainly affects females, but it is actually common in both males and females. We just tend to hear more about girls who suffer from eating disorders. As many as 20 percent of all college students are affected by the most common eating disorders, Anorexia and Bulimia, and the results can be deadly, as eating disorders do have the highest mortality rate among those suffering from mental illness. The sooner this condition is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. David Michigan, worldwide model and actor, who gives fitness & life coaching sessions, suggests: “Self-hypnosis can be one of the best possible solution to treat eating disorders, inasmuch as it can allow to fix the hidden emotional issues directly leading to anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, emotional eating and all other kinds of eating disorders.”

 

  1. Depression 

Another common mental health condition among college students is depression. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health states that depression is a serious issue for college students, and that 30 percent of students have reported feeling depressed. This is due to a number of factors, including the higher stress levels, adjusting to their new surroundings, struggling to get good grades, etc. Statistics show that depression is the third leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 24. Diagnosis and treatment as early as possible is important.

 

  1. Anxiety 

We all get anxious from time to time, but those who experience anxiety regularly can attest that it is a serious issue, and that it can have a huge impact on their lives. At least 30 percent of all adults are affected by anxiety in one way or another, many to the point where it interferes with their daily lives. Anxiety is also one of the top concerns for college students, ahead of depression and relationship issues. It is reported that more than half of all college students seek help in dealing with their anxiety.

 

  1. Suicide

Some students fall so deeply into depression, or face such serious anxiety that they end up taking their own lives. In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, it was noted that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in 2011, with a total of 39,418 suicides reported in the United States. It is also reported to be the second leading cause of death among college students, as per studies from the American College Health Association.

Pamela Currier helps recent grads land the jobs of their dreams, she is a career coach and educator.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *