FALL UPDATE: Mental Health on Campus

Our Friends and Neighbors 

A recent report in the U.K. revealed that not only are universities unable to cope with the increasing numbers of students suffering from mental health conditions but also that students are killing themselves at an alarming (and increasing) rate.  Another report from UniHealth stated that 82% of university students in the UK experience anxiety and stress and 1 in 5 have suicidal thoughts. In Canada, the situation is much the same. Recent results of the National College Health Assessment Survey (NCHA) demonstrate high rates of mental health issues in students. Thinktank Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) released a report showing that a record high 26% of students are utilizing counseling or mental health services, yet this still isn't meeting the need. 

I chose to revisit this topic because these recent reports about college campuses in other countries are a reminder that across the United States, universities are facing a similar student mental health crisis. 85% of college student feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities and 30% report that stress negatively impacts academic performance. Things look even worst at the Post Grad level, Ph.D. Students have twice the risk of developing a psychiatric disorder. This issue needs our continued attention. 

Identifying the Stressors 

As I've noted in previous posts, the number of students reporting mental health concerns in the first year of college has grown dramatically over the last several years and continues to increase.  Academic and financial pressures are crippling students and leading them to unprecedented rates of stress and anxiety. Many students say that the pressure to participate in activities and/or sports while also excelling academically can put them over the edge. In addition, young adults can be unprepared for the stresses of living away from families for the first time while managing school responsibilities and often jobs as well.  

Universities are Taking Aim 

Universities across the country are working to improve behavioral health services for students. UCLA has just launched a large-scale study of college freshman, called the Depression Grand Challenge,  aimed at uncovering the causes of depression. As part of the initiative, the participating freshmen will receive depression screening to help uncover and treat mental health concerns early.  Stanford is similarly screening incoming students for mental health problems with the aim of early diagnosis and treatment of issues.  The University of Pennsylvania reconvened a Student Psychological Health and Welfare task force after a 2016 student suicide, the 14th since 2013. This group recommended expansion of I CARE training, and increasing the hours of their Counseling and Psychological Services hours, among other improvements.  

There is Help

With all of the news from across the country, the United Kingdom, and Canada, it may seem like there is no good way to approach the issue. Below are several different options for students suffering from anxiety, depression, addiction, or other mental health issues.  

• Hotlines
  Some universities have hotlines for students, but there are also national hotlines. 
• Peer support groups & local support groups
  Many universities have set up local peer groups that give students a stigma-free environment to discuss issues.  
• University health & wellness centers
  Many universities now provide counseling services.
• Therapy with licensed counselors, therapists, etc.Finding a local therapist can be a great weekly anchor, enabling students to discuss issues and plan interventions. 
• Online screening  tools
  (While these will not help you manage all the symptoms, they can help you to see if you have symptoms of depression)

Depression is the world's leading cause of disability, according to world health experts and it is believed that 800,000 people commit suicide annually. If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support. If you are in crisis and need help, call this toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, every day: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service available to anyone. You may call for yourself or for someone you care about, and all calls are confidential. You can also visit the Lifeline’s website at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

If you are feeling anxious or depressed, I am available to help develop coping strategies that will put you on the path to feeling better. I work primarily with college students and young adults. Talking about your issues and developing an action plan can help you to deal with stress and anxiety in a healthier way. 

References

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/robertwhitley/this-year-lets-ensure-students-mental-health-isnt-their-top-worry_a_23192386/https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/college-studentshttp://www.independent.co.uk/student/student-life/health/suicides-rates-double-uk-university-students-134-2015-depression-anxiety-services-overwhelmed-a7925631.html
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/sep/02/suicide-record-level-students-uk-universities-study
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/22/depression-major-study-of-college-freshman-kicks-off-at-ucla/
http://www.impactnottingham.com/2017/09/mental-health-concerns-universities/
http://www.thedp.com/article/2017/09/penn-reconvened-its-mental-health-task-force-a-year-ago-heres-what-it-concluded
https://adaa.org/finding-help/helping-others/college-students/facts

How Peer Support Can Increase Student Mental Health

A number of great interventions for improving student mental health have been gaining recognition lately.  Among them, increased mental health services in schools and universities, links to off-campus therapists, anti-stigma campaigns, and numerous efforts at raising awareness of mental health issues.

One helpful strategy for improving mental health that has not gotten as much attention as it deserves is peer support. A number of peer support programs are popping up across the country and throughout the U.K. and Canada, with the aim of filling some of the gaps in mental health support for university students. Particularly on campus where counseling staff and other providers struggle to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for mental health services, peer support is another tool to help students cope with stress and anxiety.

State of Emergency

About 13% of young people suffer from mental health issues ranging from anxiety and depression to ADHD and other disorders that can impact them well into adulthood. While some stress is normal, youth ages 15-19 experience the highest rates of emerging depression of any age group. These issues are often exacerbated by the move from high school to college. Recent research has uncovered the fact that 6% of undergrads and 4% of grad students consider suicide while attending university.

How Peer Support Can Help

In the mental health world, peer support programs allow individuals who have already experienced a high level of recovery, to assist others who are not as far along on their journey. Peer supporters use their experiences and successes to help others navigate mild mental health issues. The idea behind peer support in universities is similar. Connecting with peer supporters or mentors can help students feel less alone. It is natural for young people to reach out to friends when they are struggling, but if one has just moved to a new city to attend college, it can be easy to feel swept up in a sea of new faces. Peer support can ground new students and give them a sense of familiarity, someone to ask when they have questions, or even just someone to vent to when they feel overwhelmed. Those who have received support can later return the favor by helping other students. This creates a support network that can benefit everyone involved.  

Peer support can be particularly helpful in the case of first generation college students whose parents are not as adept at offering support as they move through the maze of financial aid paperwork, online course registration, dorm room selection, and maneuvering around campus (or even a new town). Is such cases, peer support can make all the difference. Having the ear and support of someone who has experience with university life and who also understands the stress factors unique to a college student can be reassuring and beneficial.

Making Mental Wellness a Priority

Demand for mental health services is at an all-time high. The evidence is clear: we are experiencing a mental health crisis. The more resources young people have available to them, the better their chances of overcoming anxiety and depression. While peer support cannot replace the help of an experienced mental health professional, it can help ease the stress of transition and provide an extra level of support for individuals struggling with anxiety. Reaching out to others is an important step toward greater wellness.

Sincerely,

Eileen Wynne PhD

References:
http://www.ibtimes.com/how-help-college-students-experiencing-mental-distress-including-suicidal-thoughts-2577859
http://www.thepublicopinion.com/neighbors/spotting-mental-health-issues-in-college-students/article_fb609538-7ea5-11e7-ad32-4fe92fbee05b.html