Common Mental Health Issues Facing College Students
College students are often at higher risk for mental illness due to a number of factors, including experiencing stressful situations they may not have had to deal with in high school, such as choosing a major and deciding what to do after graduation. Mental illness is a serious problem that can affect anyone. Although it is common, it is still something that is often ignored and not talked about. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of mental illness and how to treat it.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness among college students. Anxiety disorders are characterized by an excessive amount of anxiety and worry about everyday situations. Anxiety disorders affect approximately 18% of Americans and those suffering from them often experience a variety of symptoms, including:
These symptoms can be constant or they can be situational. An example of a situational anxiety disorder is panic attacks. The person suffering from panic disorder will experience one or more panic attacks that are not triggered by any specific situation, but rather the person’s response to the attack itself. These attacks may include:
When experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor and get diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This will allow you to receive the proper treatment for your disorder and help you manage your symptoms.
Depression is another common mental illness among college students. Depression is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms can be constant or situational. An example of a situational depression is postpartum depression. This is a type of depression that affects some women after they give birth to their baby.
When experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor and get diagnosed with a mental illness. This will allow you to receive the proper treatment for your disorder and help you manage your symptoms.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders are another common mental illness among college students. Eating disorders are characterized by extreme weight loss or gain, often resulting in serious health problems. Eating disorders affect approximately 8 million Americans and those suffering from them often experience a variety of symptoms, including: These symptoms can be constant or they can be situational.
An example of a situational eating disorder is binge eating disorder. This is a type of eating disorder that affects some people after they have experienced a traumatic event in their life, such as sexual assault. When experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor and get diagnosed with an eating disorder. This will allow you to receive the proper treatment for your disorder and help you manage your symptoms. Bipolar Disorder is another common mental illness among college students.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings from depression to mania. These mood swings can last from days to weeks and can have serious effects on a person’s ability to function normally, including: When experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor and get diagnosed with a mental illness. This will allow you to receive the proper treatment for your disorder and help you manage your symptoms. It is important to note that in order to be diagnosed with a mental illness, you must have experienced at least some of the symptoms for at least one month.
Self-injury
Self-injury is a behavior in which a person deliberately causes harm to his or herself. Self-injury can take many forms, including cutting, burning, head banging and scratching.
What are the signs of self-injury?
Some people who engage in self-harm have obvious injuries on their bodies. However, some people who self-injure do not have noticeable injuries. Others may have scars on their arms or legs from cutting or burning.
What are the causes of self-injury?
The exact cause of self-injury is not known, but many experts believe it is a way for people to cope with difficult situations and emotions. People who use self-injury may feel ashamed or embarrassed about how they feel, and they may want to hide their behavior from others.
How common is self-injury?
Self-injury occurs in many settings, including college campuses. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 1 percent of college students engage in self-injury. This is about the same rate as among high school students.
How can self-injury be prevented?
It is important to note that self-injury is not a suicide attempt. However, if you suspect that a student is engaging in self-injury or is at risk for suicide, it is important to seek help. Students who are feeling depressed or are considering suicide may benefit from talking with someone they trust, such as a parent or friend, a campus counselor, or a member of the clergy.
What should I do if I think someone on my campus is engaging in self-injury? If you suspect that a student is engaging in self-harm, it is important to talk with him or her and offer support.
What are the treatments for self-injury?
Treatment for self-injury may include cognitive behavioral therapy and medications, such as antidepressants. How can I help someone who is self-injuring? If you know someone who is engaging in self-harm, it is important to offer support and guidance. You can also encourage your friend to seek help from a mental health professional.
