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Sadie Burton

Dr. Finney

MCOM 202

6 February 2018

College as a Breeding Ground for Mental Health Challenges

Studies across America have shown that mental illnesses like depression and

anxiety are becoming more common in college students and on college campuses.

According the 2015 National College Health Assessment survey conducted by the

American College Health Association, roughly 16 percent of college students are

diagnosed with anxiety. This is a significant increase in the number of cases reported

previously. In addition to this finding, the National Institute of Mental Health notes in

the ADAA Report that 75 percent of those students with anxiety will experience

symptoms before turning 22. Certified clinical social worker and mental health expert

for Campus Calm, Hilary Silver, M.S.W., explains that the new situations that students

are introduced to in college can be overwhelming for many students, “Students

experience many firsts, including new lifestyle, friends, roommates, exposure to new

cultures and alternate ways of thinking.” Students are confronted with so many new

stressors at one time, and these factors can contribute to a feeling of anxiety and an

overwhelming sense of pressure.

Many students find that the pressure to perform well is much higher in college

than it is in high school. Because of this, a lot of anxiety is caused by anticipating grades
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and results. Students feel driven to produce results in an environment that is quite

costly and competitive. Dori Hutchinson, the director of services at Boston University’s

Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation mentions that once a student’s state of mind keeps

him or her from being able to concentrate and properly function at school, professional

help should be sought out. Unfortunately, though, some students resist asking for help,

which only serves to heighten the worry and stress. Learning how to react to certain

stressors in the best way possible is recommended for students instead of attempting to

change the situation itself, since it may not be able to be changed.

Looking into the mental health resources made available to students is a valuable

and important part of the process a family should consider when touring universities.

Due to the increase in the number of students needing support, however, some

counseling centers may be understaffed, and parents should be aware of this possibility.

The counseling center on campus is the easiest place for a student to go for help if they

find that they are struggling with their mental health. These resource centers are also

able to refer students to local therapists or other people on campus that could be of help.

Harrison Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Counseling and Coordinator of the

Community Counseling master’s program at North Georgia College & State University

suggests, “To combat depression and anxiety, work on coping skills and know your

personal limits. Monitor your stressors, expectations and sudden changes in motivation

and energy, he said. Lifestyle is directly related to emotional health, so it’s vital to get

enough sleep, eat well and avoid caffeine and excessive drinking.”
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Bibliography

Brown, J. (2016, October 02). Anxiety: The Most Common Mental Health Diagnosis in
College Students | BU Today | Boston University. Retrieved January 28, 2018,
from http://www.bu.edu/today/2016/college-students-anxiety-and-depression/

Cohen, M. (n.d.). Student Guide to Surviving Stress and Anxiety in College and Beyond.
Retrieved January 28, 2018, from
https://www.learnpsychology.org/student-stress-anxiety-guide/

Henriques, G. (2014, February 15). The College Student Mental Health Crisis. Retrieved
January 28, 2018, from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/theory-knowledge/201402/the-college-
student-mental-health-crisis

Tartakovsky, M. (2016, July 17). Depression and Anxiety Among College Students.
Retrieved January 28, 2018, from
https://psychcentral.com/lib/depression-and-anxiety-among-college-students/?
all=1