Pennsylvania State University found that between the years of 2015 and 2016 college students sought mental health 50 percent more than previous years. Students are struggling to cope with the responsibilities of independent adulthood, depression, stress, social interactions, work obligations, and more all contribute to struggles with mental health.
Finally out of the home and on their own, college is often the first time that young people are able to confront their personal traumas. Traumatic childhood, adolescent, and teenage experiences can build up over time and come out in college. Academic pressure, substance abuse and experimentation, new romantic relationships, and other triggers might spark an outpouring of mental health symptoms, weighing down on students. If a student hasn’t yet confronted the troubles of their past in therapy, they are often struggling to cope on their own. Many college age students face new traumas like sexual assault, traumatic friendships, humiliation by professors, eating disorders, hazing in sororities and fraternities and much more.
College students frequently face depression and anxiety under academic stress and tension. As a result, it is common for college age students to respond by indulging in substance abuse, sexual promiscuity, experimentation in both substance use and sexual activity, eating disorders, self-harm, and much more. Trying hard to maintain normalcy, a college student might hide their struggles with mental health through academic discipline and performance. Otherwise, a college student is common to vehemently deny any problem going on.
Signs Of Mental Health Struggles In College
Though a college student might try to hide their struggles with mental health, there will be signs. Signs could include:
DepressionAnxietyMood swingsExtreme stressExcessive sleepingSleep deprivationSubstance abuseSexual promiscuityCriminal activityFailing gradesMissing assignmentsFailure to show up to classConcerned professors and advisorsViolent, dysfunctional, or unhealthy romantic relationshipsEmotional outburstsAsking to come home and take a semester off
Taking time off can be one of the best choices a college student makes. Most universities and college offer medical leave options which give students a semester’s worth of time to work on their mental health. By spending time in treatment or working with a therapist, students can gain the coping skills needed to survive the college environment. Confronting their traumas of the past, recognizing maladaptive patterns of coping behaviors in the present, and learning how to strategically manage their emotions can be a life saving opportunity.
The Guest House Ocala offers private residential treatment for men and women seeking to heal from trauma. Call us today for information on our programs of care for trauma and related issues:
1-855-483-7800