Many college students in America are faced with situations that can lead to mental health problems. This is called a crisis by experts. Around 60% of college students experience overwhelming anxiety. This increases the demand for mental health services by 30%-40%. If you are a student of psychology and you have a good academic record, you can easily write term papers for money and practice your skills.
Students can face many mental health problems. The most common is mood disorders. Mood disorders are the most common.
It is a great place to start when dealing with mental health problems. These are some possible causes:
- Growing up in abusive families
- The feeling of being alone
- Domestic abuse in adulthood
- A long-term illness
- Long-term stress
- Social pressure
- Discrimination and stigma
- Long-term poor academic performance
- Social disadvantage or poverty
- Drug abuse and misuse
- Injuries and other physical causes
- Technology and social media usage has increased
- Lifestyle factors such as diet and sleep quality
Types of mental health challenges faced by college students
Knowing the signs and symptoms of mental health problems college students may experience can help you identify them. This will help you find community resources that can help you cope.
Depression
Depression is characterized by persistent sadness, loss interest in hobbies and feelings of hopelessness. Other symptoms include sleep disorders, undiagnosed pain, mood swings, or appetite changes.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be a common feeling but can become dangerous if it lasts for too long. Anxiety can manifest as anxiety, panic, or tension. It can disrupt your normal life.
Suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts are a serious mental health problem. In 2018, 20% of college students reported experiencing them.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders can cause changes in your eating habits and make you more focused on your body or image. These disorders may include eating too much or too little, followed by excessive purging.
Addiction
Addiction can be caused by a habitual use of alcohol and recreational drugs. Addiction is characterized by a pattern of psychological or physical dependence, and strong cravings.
The Effect of Mental Health Challenges on College Students
Many mental disorders that college students experience start in their twenties. If you have high-risk factors, major life events can worsen the situation. High stress levels can be caused by preparing for higher education.
Although stigmatization of mental health issues is decreasing, it can get worse if not addressed. Mental illness can affect your ability to focus, energy, and optimism. This can lead to a decrease in your school performance. For example, depression can lead to lower grade points. This could also result in the student dropping out of school.
Other effects can also be caused by these conditions that impact your quality of living. These conditions can affect your academic performance, relationships, health, and achievements. The long-term effects of these issues may affect your career and earning potential.
Students with mental health issues can also cause campus problems. The college will suffer losses in tuition, fees and alumni donations if a student leaves because of mental illness. Colleges need to be prepared for psychological impacts, particularly on other students and staff.
This also affects the larger community. You can’t use your skills in the job market if you don’t finish your studies. Mental disorders account for 4.29 million college dropouts.
How college students can prevent mental health issues
You can take control of your mental health and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.
- Value yourself and treat yourself with respect;
- Make time for people and activities you love;
- Take care of your body with healthy food, lots of water, and no drugs;
- Exercising;
- Surround yourself with positive people;
- Volunteering your time for worthwhile activities;
- Learn how to manage stress;
- Meditation, mindfulness, meditation, and prayer can help you to quiet your mind;
- Setting realistic goals.
The general community and colleges can also help to address this crisis that affects college students by:
- Awareness through on-campus mental healthcare resources;
- The development of supportive and preventive resources;
- Referrals to off-campus sources whenever possible;
- The creation of a plan for responding to a crisis, which is periodically reviewed as needed;
- Students at Risk can be reached via multiple communication channels.
Even the best preventive measures might not be sufficient. It is important to have a functioning crisis response system. To make students feel supported and safe, it should be focused on their mental health.
Last Thoughts
Mental health problems are on the rise. It helps to be aware of the symptoms and signs to watch out for. You can prevent a mental illness from developing by being aware of its symptoms. You can find support centers for people with mental disorders all around you. You can decrease your risk of dropping out of school and succumbing to suicidal thoughts by seeking help.
