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The Importance of Addressing Mental Health Among College Students in the Fall (and beyond)
College students juggle the challenges of academics, social situations, finances, and just everyday living life. So, it may not come as a surprise that mental health is a significant concern among them. Mental health issues can have negative impacts not just on the student themselves but also on those around them. Poor mental health among students also has negative implications for retention rates. As such mental health services on college campuses are an important topic to discuss.
Not every student who may benefit from mental health services necessarily suffers from a severe mental disorder. In 2019 a majority of student survey respondents reported having felt hopelessness, being overwhelmed, exhaustion, and loneliness while at college. Many college students may seek help to work through these problems as they happen.
Mental health services are also meant to help those who have serious diagnosable conditions. Anxiety and depression are largely present on college campuses. Statista reported from their survey data that from 2019 to 2020 27% of college students had a diagnosed anxiety disorder and 24% had depression or another mood disorder. There are additional issues such as substance abuse and eating disorders, which while less prevalent, are still very dangerous…
