College can be a stressful time both academically and socially for every student. College students’ mental health is a growing concern in the United States.
Over 95 percent of college counseling said “the number of students with significant psychological problems is a growing concern in their center or on campus,” according to the latest Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors.
The statistics for students who have issues with mental health are surprising. Anxiety was the most prevalent concern, with over 40 percent of students being afflicted with it over their four years. A quarter of college students also had been diagnosed with some kind of mental health issue.
A comprehensive study was released by the National Alliance for Mental Illness. The study conducted a national survey, collecting over 750 responses from August 2011 to September 2011.
They found that 27 percent of students surveyed had some form of depression. 24% percent of students had bipolar disorder. A total of 18 percent had either schizophrenia, PTSD, ADHD or substance abuse.
In addition to being a problem inside the school, the study also found that 64 percent of college dropouts left because of a reason related to mental health. The three most prevalent were depression, bipolar disorder and PTSD.
SMU has a host of information and resources for students with mental health disorders. Their philosophy reads as follows: “Staff members seek to provide an open, supportive atmosphere in which individuals feel free to express feelings and communicate problems. It is our belief that all persons should be accepted for who they are, and we recognize and encourage each individual’s potential for personal growth and change. Concern and respect for each person’s needs is paramount.”
Their comprehensive program begins with preventative education, followed by an evaluation and psychotherapy and ending with psychiatric consultation.
SMU offers amazing individual counseling and psychiatric services to students with concerns. Appointments and more information can all be found on their website.
