The growing trend in college students seeking mental health assistance is both alarming and encouraging. It’s a positive indication that the stigma for depression can be managed, but it also reveals many teenagers are dealing with serious mental problems. The Covid pandemic of 2019 has only increased these risks–and now more than ever we need to come out and talk about our struggles with anxiety, PTSD or any other issues plaguing us on campuses in the united states and around the world today.
What causes mental health issues in college students?
College can seem like an endless ladder of worries. With pressure to succeed, the ever-increasing cost of college tuition and student loans, as well as uncertainty about employment prospects for students after graduation it’s hard not to feel a sense of dread. The list of pressures that are present during the transition from high school to college can be long and exhausting. The pressure to succeed, for instance, is a heavy burden on your well-being as it leads you astray in other aspects of life such as financial decisions or credit scores. There may also be an overwhelming feeling that you need to do everything right or else all hope will have been dashed by your mistakes; this kind of thinking causes stress and anxiety which could lead into depression. If any person feels like they might not make it through these obstacles alone then seeking appropriate help should become top priority.
There are many reasons why college students may suffer from mental illnesses, but the most common ones seem to be pressure to succeed and financial worries. Many people feel pressured by their family or society in general to get a good job with some sort of prestige at the expense of other aspects like time for friends and themselves. This coupled with new pressures such as paying back loans can make it difficult if not impossible for someone’s depression or anxiety disorder (or any number) go untreated which can lead them into more serious problems down the line. Before they know it, they have a full blown range of poorly managed symptoms even though they might have started out only feeling sad when something didn’t work out according to plan.
College prices have been increasing steadily over the past few years which has left many graduates with significant amounts in student loan debt as repayment looms nearer each semester. The rising cost of education can leave current or prospective applicants worry that they will not be able to pay off their debt when it comes time to repay these debts.
Our society has changed so much in the last decade, and these young people are experiencing mental health struggles that have never been seen before. It is our responsibility to help them lead a healthier life by being supportive of their goals and aspirations.
Importance of mental health in college students
Mental health has been an issue among college students for years and it’s only getting worse. That’s why now is the perfect time to address these issues head-on with mental awareness programs in institutions, helping them plan better by being aware of some factors that can affect their mental heath like violence on campus or financial worries. There must be multiple communication channels so they know how to get help if necessary
Believe it or not, but self-awareness is one of the most important skills for living. When you’re aware of your thoughts and feelings (and how they affect others) as well as their triggers, then you can identify what makes them happy–or unhappy too! With this newfound knowledge about yourself, we all have a chance to live happier lives with less depression and anxiety; in turn meaning lower suicide rates. If people are guided through life by themselves first before anyone else does that job instead – no offense if they chose someone other than themselves to guide them — think about just how great society would be when everyone was at peace within themselves?
What percentage of college students struggle with mental health?
College student mental health statistics show that the number of students with major psychological problems has increased significantly in the past year. This report from a survey by the Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors also revealed that anxiety leads by 41.6 percent, with depression at 36.4 percent. Relationship problems are at 35.4%, which makes it another major risk to mental health.
What mental health issues do college students have?
Mental illness does not have its former taboo status anymore. Society has evolved, and now people are taking these issues more seriously. College students were not vulnerable to mental issues a century ago. But today, it’s they who are having their biggest issues.
These are the mental health problems these young people deal with:
- Addiction and substance disorder:
- For college students and young adults, alcoholism and substance abuse often begin in college. It’s a stereotype, but it’s true. Alcoholism and drug addiction are common among high school and college students for a variety of reasons. A critical factor is the environment in which these young people live. While most students are living on their own for the first time, many lack discipline or coping skills to deal with the challenges of college life
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that can cause hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. It’s typically found in children and adolescents but it can also affect adults and seniors. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 35 children is currently receiving treatment for ADHD. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is highly prevalent in adolescents and into adulthood.
- Anxiety
- Students are more likely to experience anxiety disorders than the general population. These disorders can cause emotional instability, extreme worry, poor judgment, and difficulties concentrating on school work. There are ways you can prevent anxiety and make studying efficient for yourself and for others. College students can benefit from Cognitive Behaviors Therapy (CBT) which is a form of psychotherapy that teaches ways to change the way you think about yourself, situations, and other people.
- Bipolar disorder
- Many students struggle with bipolar disorder and its affects on a person’s life. The World Health Organization has classified bipolar disorder as a leading cause of disability by the year 2020. Yet, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are readily apparent to college students and have a negative impact on their mental health as well as their ability to function in daily life.
- Eating disorder
- Having an untreated mental health issue can have a dire impact on a person’s wellbeing, and can even lead to worsening symptoms or the development of a new condition all-together. Eating disorders in college can occur at all socioeconomic levels and can cause symptoms leading to depression, anxiety, and the misperception of “mood swings,” which is why it is important to recognize a psychiatric disorder in order to receive treatment.
- Depression and suicide
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents, and there’s no greater cause for concern for college students than that of depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety are serious disorders that can have devastating effects on a person’s ability to function at school, at home, and even in social situations. If you or a friend are struggling with depression or anxiety, there are lots of things you can do to help yourself: schedule regular meetings with a health care professional; learn ways to cope with stress; choose healthy ways to cope with food cravings; get help from a student mentor or counselor
- Sleep disorder
- Sleep disorders are a growing public health problem in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that approximately 10 percent of college students experience some form of sleep disorder, which in turn can increase the risk for a number of negative health outcomes such as automobile accidents, suicide ideation, substance abuse disorders and even diabetes. Additionally, individuals with sleep disorders are at significantly greater risk for chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and obesity later in life.
- Schizophrenia
- It’s hard to predict who will develop schizophrenia in college. It can happen to anyone, even relatively well-adjusted students. Schizophrenia often starts during the teenage years and the years that follow, but it can also occur at a younger age. Schizophrenia symptoms can include auditory, visual, olfactory and kinesthetic experiences; loss of this person’s ability to speak; and significant social and occupational problems. The symptoms can be severe yet responsible for many teenage suicides and debilitating health problems.

What is depression and anxiety?
Depression and anxiety are different issues with many similarities. Depression is feeling down, sad or upset abnormally for a period of time that leads to depression; symptoms include low energy levels, reduced concentration, changes in appetite, sleep problems, loss of interest in activities, feeling hopeless, anger outbursts, persistent sadness, and thoughts of suicide. Anxiety on the other hand can be described as having feelings such as fear and worry from time to time which eventually lead into an anxious state and experience symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, nausea, difficulty breathing , shaking, dizziness, trembling etc.; common causes range from bad days at work or home to physical health mental illness among others.
What causes depression and anxiety?
Depression and anxiety can come from different issues in one’s life. Whether it’s for students or other people, the main causes include:
- Brain chemistry – Abnormal or impaired brain chemicals
- Hormones – changes in balance
- Genes – it could be due to inherited traits
- Early childhood trauma – something that happened in someone’s early years could make them anxious and depressed.
- Learned traits of pessimistic thoughts.
Mental illness
Mental illness is a tough subject. It’s been said that it affects one’s emotions, thinking and behavior – or all three at once!
Environmental causes of mental illnesses include sleep deprivation, smoking, substance abuse (including alcohol), pollution exposure to toxins in the environment such as pesticides on food crops etc., extreme weather conditions. Biological factors are also involved which can be anything from genetics to prenatal damage caused by infection for example if you contract toxoplasmosis while pregnant there is an increased risk your baby will have severe brain defects among many other things.
Symptoms of mental illness
There are many symptoms of mental health issues. the top 10 most common mental disorders include:
- Reduced energy
- Confusion
- Excessive worry and/or fear
- Extreme mood swings
- Withdrawal from other people
- Delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations
- Inability to handle stress
- Substance abuse
- Changes in sex drive
- Suicidal thoughts
- Significant changes in eating habits.
Major depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in society. As a result, there have been many studies done to try and understand it more deeply but they all seem to focus on different aspects that lead an individual into this state of mind. Some say it’s due solely from chemical imbalances within the brain while others believe other factors like genes or stressful life events are involved as well. It seems no research has found definitive proof for what causes major depressive disorder because each person differs slightly in their perceptions about themselves which can be affected
What are some of the common causes for depression among college students?
College life can be tough. There is pressure to perform, uncertainty about your future plans and relationships you have with others that put a lot on one’s plate. But there are ways to deal with it! Mental health awareness is essential when dealing with any major depressive disorder because colleges need both understanding and assistance in order for young people. Anxiety and depression have been a growing problem in today’s world.
As the population has become more connected, this issue is only getting worse with mental health problems affecting young adults at an alarming rate. With proper awareness for these issues on social media sites or through open conversation, people are able to take care of their own needs before they worsen into something bigger that can affect them physically as well as emotionally
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