New research indicates that today's college student is highly dependent on praise. Other research suggests that more and more students already diagnosed with serious mental illness are enrolling in classes. Rates of depression on campus are estimated to be twenty to twenty-five percent. These findings, taken together, represent new challenges to colleges as they attempt to meet the mental health needs of today's students.
Psychiatric Medication and Today's College Student
According to Trip Gabriel of the New York Times, "national surveys show that nearly half of the students who visit counseling centers are coping with serious mental illness, more than double the rate a decade ago. More students take psychiatric medication, and there are more emergencies requiring immediate action." Serious gestures like suicide threats and overdoses occur more often on today's campuses.
Ironically, recent advances in treating mental health problems are behind this increase in mentally ill college students. More students whose mental illness would keep them from functioning are now able to enter college with the help of medications to treat anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, and bi-polar illness. 24% of those seeking help from college counselors are on a psychiatric medication.
Depression and Today's College Student
Today's college student has been raised to value positive comments and self-esteem boosters more than any previous generation. Research now indicates that these students crave compliments more than sex or alcohol. While such a personality may be said to have both positive and negative features, one possible negative result may be a higher level of depression when the desired praise does not occur.
College-age individuals are facing unique stressors involving academics, romance, and the need to manage their own affairs without parental guidance. It is no wonder that the onset of depression and anxiety disorders is most common in the traditional college age group. 77% of all those diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, for instance, experience problems before age 22. Nearly 21 % binge drink or abuse drugs, prescription or otherwise.
Depression screening on campus can reach out to troubled students and prevent suicide attempts. According to Northwestern University professor Michael Fleming, "“Depression screening is easy to do, we know it works, and it can save lives. It should be done for every student who walks into a health center,” Two to three percent of depressed students have considered suicide.
Help for College Students with Mental Health Problems
Waiting time for therapists can be weeks long on college campuses. Campuses are turning to a triage model, where students with more serious disorders are linked to community psychiatric hospitals. Those with academic issues may then meet with academic specialists. Student groups may be available to address mental health issues.
Education of students, enabling them to identify serious problems in either themselves or other students, is proving effective. Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the counseling services available on prospective campuses. Prevention of a tragedy is the best treatment of all.
Sources
College Students Prefer Praise to Sex or Booze
Depression and Anxiety Among College Students
Mental Health Needs Seen Growing at College Campuses
Screening Could Spot Depression in College Students
Gina Barrett Putt - Gina Barrett Putt works in housing, with experience in case management for elders and the mentally ill, and college and K-12 education.
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