#METOO on Campus: The Danger of Sexual Assault

The #MeToo movement has captured national attention by making front page what has long been a dark secret. This movement has been a catalyst for many eye-opening and heartbreaking conversations. It has been sobering to read and hear the confessions of long-kept secrets from so many women in the public eye and our personal lives. The movement has also put many on the road to healing after years of secrecy. The empowerment found through sharing has helped women transform feelings of shame and guilt and onto acceptance, allowing them to move forward. 

We still have a lot of work to do spreading awareness. One topic our culture is beginning to investigate is sexual assault on campus. In New Orleans alone we have seen some shocking statistics. A January article in the New Orleans Advocate highlighted the results of a recent survey revealing that 4 in 10 Tulane undergraduate women surveyed had been victims of sexual assault. 

The truth is that sexual assault is a seriously under-reported issue. It is estimated that 70% of sexual assaults never get reported to authorities at all. There are many reasons for this. Sexual assault is difficult to talk about. We have had a long history of victim-shaming. Accusations made about victims scrutinize everything from their level or sobriety to the clothes they were wearing when assaulted, making more painful an already awful situation.  Finally, it's estimated by RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, that of every 1000 rapes 994 perpetrators will face no jail time at all. None of these facts give women a great deal of confidence that reporting the crime will make their lives any better. Add to that the fact that many women don't want to relive the crime; they would prefer to move on with their lives. 

Unfortunately, most don't have the coping skills to heal from a sexual assault. There are many long-term effects that victims experiences, and without support, these can persist for years or even decades. These aftereffects can be emotionally devastating and can prevent victims from having health relationships and peaceful lives. Below is a list of some of the common emotional effects of sexual assault. If you suffer from any of the following, please seek support. 

• Depression/Suicidal thoughts
• Flashbacks/Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Pregnancy/Sexually transmitted infections
• Eating disorders
• Self-harm
• Sleep disorders
• Substance abuse

What "counts" as sexual assault?

The term sexual assault is used to describe a wide range of forced or unwanted sexual contact/activity. These acts of sexual violence can range from attempted rape and rape to any other unwanted penetration of a person's body. The term also covers a wide range of other activities. These include unwanted sexual fondling, groping, touching. Examples of sexual assault include the drunk guy at the party who grabs your breast, being forced into non-consensual oral sex, any sexual cohesion be it through violence, threats of violence, or emotional manipulation. If you think you have been sexually assaulted there are support groups on campuses around the country.  

Keeping yourself safe 

Staying safe means both from unknown sexual predators and people you may know or be in a relationship with. Remember, you get to decide what you want to do with your body, even if you are in a committed relationship with someone, sexual behavior should still be consensual. Many university campuses have taken steps to increase awareness and reduce sexual misconduct. A big focus in on making sure that all students understand consent. Consent is defined as permission for something to happen, and with sexual activity, it should be an agreement between the parties to engage in sexual activity. Consent does not have to be verbal, but it must be communicated in some manner. If there is any confusion about whether or not an act is consensual, it is best to stop. Consent must also be consistent throughout the sexual encounter. If one partner changes their mind, consent is no longer active, and it is a good idea to stop.

There are several ways you can use basic safety tips to keep yourself out of danger:

Always be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert and pay attention to where you are at all times. This also means paying attention to the people around you. If someone makes you uncomfortable or gives you a bad feeling, don't hesitate to leave, run, or scream for help. Many women are victimized because they didn't want to seem irrational when afraid or make other people uncomfortable and so they stayed in a dangerous situation. 

Monitor your alcohol intake. Know your limits and stop if you are feeling impaired. You should also make sure to keep an eye on your drink at all times. As awful as it is, perpetrators of sexual violence are not above drugging drinks to incapacitate their victims. Don't take drinks from strangers and avoid communal punch bowls. 

Let instinct lead. If you have a bad feeling about something back out. Don't worry about whether you look silly. If you feel afraid, pay attention and act immediately.  In his excellent book, The Gift of Fear, Gavin de Becker gives many examples of the way that paying attention to gut reactions have saved people from danger. 

Stay with your crowd. Look out for each other, and when going home, grab a buddy to assure you both get where you are going safely. Stick together and look out of one another. 

If you have experienced sexual assault get support

Many college campuses have resources for victims of sexual assault. Here are a few resources available for local students. 

• Loyola University, for example, provides support and counseling.
• Tulane provides a Comprehensive Resource Guide to Services for Victims of Sexual Assault
• Southern University at New Orleans has a Sexual Assault Response Team 
• Xavier University's Department of Counseling and Wellness Services provides Sexual Assault Resources for students 
• National Sexual Assault Online Hotline
• The American Association of University Women has created an Ending Campus Sexual Assault Tool Kit
• Callisto develops technology to combat sexual assault and harassment.

Taking care of yourself immediately after you have been sexually assaulted

• Get to a safe place
• Contact the authorities
• Emergency contraception
• Visit a doctor

Taking care of yourself long-term

• Join a support group
• See a therapist

The current landscape is one in which many students are feeling uneasy. Young women feel unsafe, and young men feel confused. It is my hope and expectation is that the upheaval puts us on a new path. Respect for the dignity of others is the core issue here.  As we move forward, I hope that spotlighting this issues becomes the catalyst for many uncomfortable and necessary conversations about respect and consent and we can move into the future with more care and respect for each. 

If you are coping with the aftermath of sexual assault, I am available to help develop strategies that will put you on the path to healing. I work primarily with college students and young adults. Talking about what happened and developing an action plan for dealing with he psychological pain, shame, or grief can help you to deal with the ongoing effects of trauma. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Eileen Wynne

Let's connect!

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Dangerous Relationships: Why Ambivalent Friends are the Most Unhealthy

We all know toxic people and we all know that they are dangerous to our emotional well being. They are the naysayers or dream killers in our lives who always seem to make us feel like we are not good enough or smart enough. The bottom line is that toxic people bring us down and make us feel bad about ourselves and our lives and choices more often than not. While we continue to stay in relationships with these people for various reasons, maybe your sister-in-law is toxic or the girl you were best friends with growing up makes you feel consistently awful, the good thing about them is that we know they are bad for us and we are able to protect ourselves from their barbs. We can almost guess that they will make sure to note the weight we have gained or the run in our stockings, and while that is painful, we are prepared for it. I had a friend years ago who worked with a very unpleasant woman. I would note the co-worker’s unpleasantness whenever I met my friend for lunch. She’d just smile and tell me that while the coworker was indeed very unpleasant, but she was consistently unpleasant and so it never bothered my friend.  It made so much sense that I’ve never forgotten it. If you know what to expect, you know how to deflect. A toxic relationship is tolerable because you know what’s coming and therefore you know to protect your enthusiasm and dreams from them. You know better than to share secrets with them or invite them to your engagement party. You just know.

Toxic relationships are easy to spot. Classic behaviors range from competitiveness and frequent criticism (or back-handed compliments) to an imbalance in which you are always calling and going out of your way to listen to and comfort the friend while they seldom reciprocate.  Some toxic friend will constantly compare you to other friends or brutally critique your opinions while you are feeling most vulnerable. They may cancel plans with you if something better comes along or spend a whole dinner with you on their phone texting with someone else. They make you feel insignificant and unsupported.  

The Danger of Frenemies   

You might think that straight-up toxic relationships are the most dangerous type but there is another type of relationship that is far more detrimental to your well being. Enter the ambivalent friend or the frenemy. Ambivalent relationships are the worst kind you can have. This is a relationship in which the behaviors of your friend can't be trusted be consistently supportive or antagonistic.  One day your they are complimenting you and praising your intelligence and the next they challenge your ideas, use secrets you have shared against you, or generally behaving the way a toxic friend would.  This is not just confusing, it is truly dangerous as it can lead to other health issues.   Frenemies may express jealousy, undermine your plans or ideas, or say cruel things, and this is much more difficult to deal with because it is unexpected and your defenses are down. 

Why is an ambivalent friendship worse than a toxic one? One reason: you never know where you stand. That emotional uncertainty is exhausting. Behavioral investigator, Vanessa Van Edwards says there is an easy way to spot an ambivalent relationship. She suggests that you ask yourself a single question about the person, "do I believe this person is genuinely happy for me?." The answer to this inquiry, she says, will enable you to determine whether or not the friend in question fits this category.  

Why it Matters

Good friendships can have significant positive effects on your life and conversely toxic and ambivalent relationships can lead to a number of negative mental and physical health effects. Feeling undermined by a friendship can increase your vulnerability to stress, lead to anxiety and depression. In addition, being in an unsupportive or hostile relationship can lead to a whole lot of confusion and wasted energy. You see, it isn't easy to stay constantly on guard in a relationship. 

Breaking Up with a Toxic or Ambivalent Person

There is not one single solution when it comes to these types of relationships. With a toxic friendship, whenever possible, you should eliminate or limit contact to essential communication. Sometimes, to avoid drama you can do this gradually so that they don't recognize that you are phasing them out of your life. The last thing you want with a toxic person is a confrontation. These are seldom reasonable or fair and the confrontation will likely leave you feeling terrible and they are likely to use things you shared with them to hurt you. 

Whatever you do, once you have identified the toxic people and frenemies in your life, immediately stop all activities that make you feel vulnerable. Don't share any secrets or information that they could use to hurt you in the future. Stop letting them absorb your time and energy. If you are not engaging in a reciprocal relationship,  you should limit the time you are donating to them. It may seem cold to describe a friendship in such transnational terms, but in reality, being more rational about it may help you to detach from the unhealthy situation. Don't disclose anything private or personal. Keep these people at arm's length. Start putting yourself first. You are worth protecting from the negativity that toxic and ambivalent people bring into your life. 

Sometimes you are not able to stop interacting with the toxic or ambivalent person. If that is the case, for example, if the person is a relative or co-worker, you can limit interactions and keep your conversations at surface level. Don't  say anything to these folks in confidence. Don't talk about personal opinions, let them do the talking and get away as soon as you are able. 

Toxic and ambivalent relationships are the opposite of true friendships. They are damaging because they make you cautious about trusting others and fearful that the things you have shared will be used to hurt you later. As you eliminate these unhealthy relationships, you will find that you have opened up space for new healthier ones. 

Are you struggling to find balance and navigate relationship challenges? I am available to help! Formerly on staff at the Tulane Student Health Center Department of Psychiatry, helping emerging adults uncover the best path to success is my passion, I am a professional psychotherapist and I specialize in academic, success, and life coaching. I work primarily with college students and young professionals. I would love to put my expertise as a certified success coach to work for you. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Eileen Wynne

Let's connect!

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Get Connected: Real-World Relationships in the Digital Age

For all of the convenience of the modern world, from GPS systems to smartphones, interpersonal relationships seem to be getting more difficult to negotiate in the digital age. It may seem counter intuitive that in a time where we are more connected to those in our social networks more often than at any other point in history, so many people feel lonely and detached from one another.   

In this post, I will look at some of the factors causing people to feel a sense of depression and disconnectedness in this hyper-connected culture, as well as some simple ways to mitigate the issues that arise as a result of the overwhelming technology-focus in modern relationships.

The Link Between Social Media and Depressed Mood

This is a topic that comes up often. Several factors may contribute to the negative emotional consequences and even depression that correspond with social media use.  An obvious cause of depressed mood resulting from social media use is bullying or other negative online experiences. It is estimated that about 50% of adolescents have been bullied online and about 80% report having had negative experiences.  Research conducted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found a correlation between time spent using social media and depression. Another well-researched cause of negative mood is the tendency of people to compare their lives to the highly curated lives of friends and acquaintances. The resulting jealousy and sense of inadequacy can cause a great deal of suffering. This can translate into bitterness and emotional aggression towards people in real life resulting from online interactions. 

The Communication Gap with Texting and Instant Messaging

Ever found that what you were trying to text to someone was completely lost in translation? If you are like me, you have had conversations in which both parties later pulled out phones and compared in an attempt to clarify some mistyped or poorly punctuated statement that caused a disagreement or mishap of some kind.  Texting can be a wonderful way of quickly communicating, but it can also be problematic when you attempt to translate more complex communication with its limited functionality.   

Virtual Spaces

Social media makes us feel as if we are participants in the lives of loved ones and old friends as we watch their children's birthday parties and vicariously enjoy images of weddings and new homes, but this digital participation lacks the emotional impact of non-virtual interaction. In a real-life friendship, there are conversations and disagreements. It is through that type of dialog that young people are socialized and adults maintain critical skills like emotional intelligence and empathy. It is through real-world interactions that our society stays intact as people learn to navigate challenge and conflict and come to a consensus with others. While it is wonderful to stay aware of the lives of those we love through social media, without true contact, we are merely consumers of their life experiences.

Other concerning issues have arisen as a result of the heavy of social media use currently being observed in culture, such as the inability of many digital natives (generations raised with access to digital technology) to interact in a non-digital environment. In addition, there has been a lot of research on the way screen time, the predominance of structured (adult-supervised activities over child-driven activities), and digital communication are degrading conflict resolution skills in emerging generations.

Friendship in the real world.

After all the talk about the negative impacts of modern technology and social media, you may be wondering about positive use. It is important to remember that these communication platforms exist because they give us the ability to quickly and easily share a memory with a former college roommate that we have not seen in awhile, or reach out to family members across the country while planning a reunion. These platforms did not rise to unprecedented levels of popularity they now boast by being the cause of depression and negativity. We use social media to stay connected. It can be an asset to our lives if used properly.

How can you have more genuine friendships while still enjoying the convenience of digital life? Social media platforms, like smartphones and televisions, are a communication tool. There is nothing inherently wrong with using social media. Still, it's important to remember that communication is best when it goes both ways. To make social an ally to your relationships, rather than a hindrance, I have a few suggestions:

Think about what you really want to get out of your social media use

Lots of people get on social media to kill time but never really take the time to think about why they chose to spend part of each day using it. I suggest taking a little time to think about the ways social benefits you and the ways it may be detrimental and create an action plan for yourself. If you waste time using Pinterest on your phone while you should be doing something productive, consider removing the app and using only when you are sitting at your computer. If looking at celebrity gossip makes you feel bad, make a deal with yourself to stop clicking. Be aware of the pleasures and pitfalls and let that awareness govern your choices.  

Have conversations with people rather than just existing as an observer

This is key to positive social media use. When you are feeling a little too much like an online stalker or voyeur – take the time to instant message an old friend or send that thank you email to your aunt.  It is vitally important to have healthy real-world relationships with people you love and trust. These form the basis for your understanding the world and are the primary areas in which you practice conflict resolution and connectedness. Interacting online with people you have consistent non-virtual contact with can be a great deal of fun!

Set limits

Limit the amount of time you spend on social media each day. Set limits on the number of social media platforms you participate on (research has shown that the more social networks people are involved in, the bluer they feel). Set limits on who you interact with (if someone habitually makes you angry, stop looking). This may sound a bit extreme, but restrictions can be really healthy when it comes to social media use. I have clients who have chosen to remove all social apps from their phones or look exclusively at content that improves their lives. This type of thoughtful consumption can go a long way toward making social a positive factor in your life.

New technology definitely impacts the way we relate to one another in this day and age. Being more aware of the way digital interactions make you feel can help you have healthier relationships, online and off.

Struggling to find balance and navigate relationships in the digital world? I am available to help! Formerly on staff at the Tulane Student & Health Center of Psychiatry, helping emerging adults uncover the best path to success is my passion, I am a professional psychotherapist and I specialize in academic, success, and life coaching. I work primarily with college students and young professionals. I would love to put my expertise as a certified success coach to work for you.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Eileen Wynne

Let's connect!

Facebook  | Twitter  |  LinkedIn

Dial Direct: How to respond to passive-aggression in daily life

You’ve all heard the phrase passive-aggressive and chances are that you have also experienced the behavior in your daily lives. But do you really know what passive-aggressive means and why people exhibit this behavior? When you experience passive-aggression, do you know the best way to neutralize it?

What does passive-aggressive mean?

The term passive-aggressive refers to the unhealthy way in which some people respond to minor issues or conflicts indirectly rather than head-on. This non-assertive expression of negative feelings such as frustration or anger often appears as subtle, emotional retaliation rather than direct communication.

What does passive-aggression look like?

Passive-aggressive behavior can run the gamut from passively unhelpful to downright rude. Some examples of its many manifestations are:

·         Saying yes, but then not following through with a task

·         Procrastination or putting things off until it is too late

·         Responding in a calm, but resentful way

·         Reluctance to accept the suggestions of others

·         Blaming others for something one’s own negligence caused

·         Doing something poorly

·         Sullen behavior

·         Deliberately ineffective or inefficient behavior

·         Withdrawing from communication  

·         “I’ll show them” or “I’ll get them back” attitude

Why do people behave this way?

The failure (or inability) to voice one’s true feelings that is inherent in passive-aggressive behavior is often the result of general communication and self-esteem issues. These may originate in the person’s family, a marriage where there is an imbalance of power, or some other relationship in which the person felt or feels they are at a power disadvantage.  This behavior is widespread, with both women and men exhibiting it, but why? One reason we see a lot of this behavior is that being angry out out-right hostile can quickly make one unpopular, even though it is perfectly normal to be angry at times. A core belief that keeps this behavior alive is the sense of being a victim. Passive-aggressive people don't feel like they are in control and thus attempt to gain control over situations with manipulative behaviors instead of direct communication or confrontation.  It is a form of learned helplessness that is camouflaged as quiet, covert hostility.

People who are too passive or shy to express their true emotions and opinions may get frustrated and use this dysfunctional technique to retaliate or express irritation in a socially acceptable manner.  For some, expressing anger covertly, through poor work, sullen behavior, or procrastination feels safer than direct communication.   Passive-aggressive behavior is one way that a person who has trouble being assertive reacts to being asked to do something they don’t want to do. When they feel unfairly treated, burdened, or inconvenienced they respond with passive-aggression because taking a stand might bring conflict that they would rather avoid. It is a way of getting back at the person who made the request in a convenient, comfortable way. This may be out of fear of conflict, but it can also be the way they were raised. To a passive-aggressive person, this response feels morecomfortable than assertiveness.    

The main problem with passive-aggressive behavior is that it does not usually lead to resolution of the issue causing annoyance. Instead, the negative feelings build in the passive-aggressive person and those on thereceiving end. This can make it difficult to solve problems because the passive-aggressive party seldom expresses their true feelings about a situation. Assertiveness must be learned and if passive-aggression was the coping mechanism modeled for an individual, they may not even know that it is unhealthy.  As one continues to use this technique, they grow more and more irritated and resentful. 

How can you neutralize passive-aggressive action?

There are several techniques for effectively shutting down passive-aggressive behavior. Here we will look at 5 that are particularly effective. 

1.    Take note: Learning to identify and name passive-aggressive behavior when it arises is challenging but invaluable to ending it.

2.    Refuse to engage: Do not respond to the person behaving passive-aggressively with frustration and do not respond in kind. Instead, be calm and ask them directly what is bothering them.

3.    Reflect back: Feel free to call them out on their behavior and let them know that if there is an issue, you would love to discuss it directly.

4.    Be cool: Don’t get angry, emotional, or frustrated – demonstrate for the passive-aggressive person how to assertively deal with an issue.

5.    Be frank: Explain that passive-aggressive behavior does not work, but don’t expect the person to change quickly. It often takes many conversations and confrontations before a passive aggressive person starts to recognize their unhealthy behavior.

If someone in your life responds to you in a passive aggressive way, remember that they may not even be aware that their behavior is unhealthy. Try to let them know that they are not communication effectively and gently prod them to tell you what is bothering them. They may be emotional when confronted, so make sure you keep your own emotions in check. It is unlikely that the person’s behavior will change the first time you point it out, but over time, you may see a more assertive response from them.

Formerly on staff at the Tulane Student & Health Center of Psychiatry, helping emerging adults uncover the best path to success is my passion. I am a professional psychotherapist and I specialize in academic, success, and life coaching. I work primarily with college students and young professionals. I would love to put my expertise as a certified success coach to work for you.  

Sincerely, 

Dr. Eileen Wynne

In a Funk: Why Depression Awareness Month Matters

October is Depression Awareness Month and as the month draws to a close, I think it is important to review the key indicators of depression. This is a great opportunity to help move toward greater understanding and improve education about depression, its symptoms, prevalence, and some of the courses of treatment available. 

The idea behind designating a Depression Awareness Month is to inform people about this common mood disorder and guide those suffering to the resources necessary to improve their lives. In addition, it can benefit family members to have additional information available to help them understand what loved ones are going through. These annual observances also promote the larger goal of ending stigma for mental health issues.

What Depression Looks and Feels Like

Depression can rob students of the motivation, energy, and inclination they need to achieve academic goals. It can make one feel too worn out to handle the ordinary responsibilities of daily life. It can be hard for family members to understand why someone who is depressed won't just snap out of it or cheer up.  It can even be difficult for one suffering from depression to understand why simple tasks like completing a homework assignment or taking out the trash become Herculean when one is depressed. A diagnosis can help everyone involved come to terms with what its happening and behave with greater empathy. Some of the symptoms, or diagnostic criteria, for depression include:

• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities
• Inability to focus, concentrate or make decisions
• Changes in sleep: both fatigue and insomnia can be indicators of depression
• Feelings of hopelessness and persistent pessimism
• Feelings of guilt & worthlessness
• Changes in eating: overeating or loss of appetite (noticeable weight loss/gain)
•  Suicidal thoughts
• Restlessness and irritability

Depression and Anxiety are different disorders, however, many people with depression experience symptoms of anxiety disorders. 

While only a licensed expert can diagnose depression, experiencing several of these symptoms at once is cause to consider a consultation with a professional.  Additionally, several reputable organizations provide free online depression screening tools that can give you an idea of whether or not you should seek professional help. 

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Mental Health America

Psychology Today

The Numbers

About 30% of college students report having depression and as the stigma surrounding mental health conditions decreases, more and more students are seeking help, rather than suffering in silence.  At it's worst, depression can lead to suicide and according to the National Institute of Mental Health, Major Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S. (with an estimated 300 million globally suffering). The World Health Organization states that nearly 800,000 people die by suicide annually. Around the world, depression is the most common cause of disability. Women are more likely than men to suffer from depression. 

Stigma-Busting

Anti-stigma campaigns across the country have helped to create a climate where discussing mental health is no longer taboo. As a result, more people than ever be for e are seeking services and treatment. Unfortunately, the prevalence of depression seems to be increasing as well. This increase is seen most dramatically in university students who seem to be disproportionally struggling with mental health issues. 

Treating depression

Treatment for depression can consist of therapy, medication, or both. It can take time to find the most effective treatment for each individual and sometimes medication (antidepressants) can pose its own challenges. Psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are both commonly employed to treat depression. 

There are also strategies that individuals can use to help cope with depression. Seemingly simple things like getting regular exercise, eating well, sleeping enough can improve mood and wellness significantly. There is no substitute for the care of a professional, but as part of an overall care routine, they can really support therapy.

If you think you may be depressed

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. 

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