Nowadays, college students have a growing pattern to get help for mental health issues. When this is a positive step, stigma related to mental problems has diminished. But it also indicates that many teenagers are confronting mental health issues. One study suggests that nearly fifty per cent of college students encounter mental issues every year. According to a survey by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), seventy-three per cent of college students face mental issues. These alarming figures refer to this pattern as mental health crisis among college students. What are the reasons for expansions in a mental health crisis? And what colleges can do to address this issue? Read this article to understand.
- College can trigger mental health disorder
Numerous mental illness issues start during the early twenties. Moreover, significant life events can trigger mental issues assuming somebody has hazardous factors. Because of these two points, it is not shocking that entering college can trigger mental illness. Even if it is a formal disorder, it can develop again and lead to suffering in college. It is hard to explore college stress, and the pressure of study and different academic writing lead to mental health issues. That is why many students take online Law coursework writing service uk to help with their academic writing. Staggering responsibilities, new climate and different stressors can prompt a psychological health problem.
- Teenagers encounter mental issues even before college
Young adults and teenagers are confronting mental issues even before entering college. Maybe due to the pressure of higher education. In any case, it is part of a bigger trend by all accounts. As indicated by the US branch of health and human service, the number of teenagers looking for mental health services expanded in the year 2015 as compared to the past ten years. About 3.3 million youngsters, or thirteen per cent of teenagers aged 12 to 17, looked for treatment of mental illness in 2015.
- Suicide prevention is the key
Suicides have significantly increased among teenagers. It is currently the leading reason for death among college students. Due to these figures, it is important to focus on suicide prevention. College staff and students should look for suicide signs in students. For example.
- Regular negative feelings such as sadness, depression and hopelessness.
- Change in lifestyles such as insomnia and eating disorder.
- Loss of interest in a social gathering.
- Not participating in favourite activities and hobbies.
- Ignoring personal hygiene and appearance.
- Change in behaviour or personality.
- Constantly discussing death.
Students should be referred to appropriate help if they look suicidal or show suicidal intention. In an emergency crisis, college counsellors may not be appropriate; students will require medical care at a hospital. Students can also call the national suicide prevention lifeline. When the emergency has passed, the student should be provided with the appropriate mental health care program.
- Causes of mental health problems among college students
What are the reasons for the mental crisis in college students? There are numerous variables involved, such as financial problems, the pressure of performing well in academics, utilization of social media, uncertainty regarding which path to choose as a career and a decrease of hesitation to take help.
- Pressure to perform well academically
Numerous understudies feel the colossal pressure to succeed scholastically during college. The urge to get high grades in the troublesome academic climate can prompt a high level of anxiety and stress. Students may neglect their well-being and overwork themselves, particularly if they procrastinate on their work. Procrastination is the coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. Students may likewise feel pressure to decide their future career path. They might think about getting employment right after graduation to free themselves from student loans.
- Financial worries
College expenses increase more than twenty-five per cent from 2008 to 2018. Students have to take a loan to afford their college expenses and other living costs. It can lead to monetary concerns because students are constantly thinking about paying back the loan. Financial concerns build pressure on students academic success. Furthermore, course books and other supplies are costly. Students have to do part-time jobs to cover these expenses. Shuffling between college and work increase stress and anxiety.
- Uncertainty regarding future
Most of the understudies enter college without deciding their major. Even the individuals who decide their majors have no idea what they will do after graduation. It is very difficult for understudies to figure out their career paths. Common degrees such as history and English open numerous options. And the expansion in options can cause stress and anxiety among college students.
- Excessive use of technology and social media
Nowadays, teenagers spend most of their time on social media, which accompanies destructive outcomes. Online platforms may expose a youngster to cyberbullying and harassment. Even the positive posts can damage youngsters’ confidence by comparing them to others.
- The reduction of disgrace related to the mental health issues
We consider a psychological health emergency might just be an increment in youngsters looking for psychological care due to diminished stigma. A few specialists believe that mental health cases are the same as they always were. But now, students are more open about their mental conditions, and they are ready to look for treatment. However, it is hard to know because no research is perfect. Regardless of the cause of the mental health crisis, communities, and colleges should cooperate to address this issue.
What can be done to address the mental health crisis among college students?
Following are the few steps that colleges should take to address the psychological health problem influencing students.
- Expand awareness among students on-campus.
- Develop safeguard assets
- Analyse the emergency reaction and revise if needed.
- Give off-campus references when essential.
Colleges should utilize numerous platforms to inform students about the mental care resources available at the college. Likewise, they can foster wellness content like blog posts, brochures, and self-evaluations to prevent emergency crises. Even the best safeguard measures will not be enough. That is why the emergency response should be a significant part of the mental health program of campus.
