Common Mental Health Issues and How to Help College Students with Them
October is National Mental Health month and a great time to discuss some obstacles and issues college students and veterans face. While it can be challenging to read about or discuss, it's important. Whether you're ready to read this today or not, bookmark it and our list of resources specifically for veterans in case a situation arises where you may need it.
Note: If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. They're available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all calls are confidential.
Depression
In 2021, almost half of college students had depression making it one of the most common mental health obstacles. The symptoms of depression are frequently written off as everyday stressors of college life, but when several are present, it could indicate depression.
Some of the common symptoms are:
Changes in sleep habits or appetite
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness or powerlessness
Withdrawing from others and isolating oneself
Increased pessimism
Trouble concentrating
Difficulty understanding or completing tasks in school
Anxiety
Anxiety is relatively common in college students due to the pressure of studying, working and, for veterans, the transition from military to civilian life. However, when students feel like the anxiety is overwhelming them, that's the time to make some changes, including asking for help. When anxious feelings overwhelm you, it's time to talk to a mental health specialist or a counselor.
Suicide & Self-Harm
Contrary to popular belief, those who self-harm are not always thinking of suicide. Suicide hotlines are the best resources for those who are thinking of suicide. Signs of suicidal ideation vary from person to person. However, the common warning signs include speaking about how they feel trapped or a burden to others, mood swings, loss of interest in activities, and behavior changes such as pulling away from friends and telling people goodbye.
The reason behind self-harm is not something that researchers have been able to determine. Most who exercise self-harm do it in secret and in areas that are not visible to others. Approximately 15% of college students have engaged in self-harming behavior, and most who do start as early as age 13. Self-harming students should be encouraged to see a specialist to help them recover.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders affect about 20% of women and 10% of men in college. Many stress factors lead to this, including the stress of a busy schedule and the pressure to look good. For veteran students, the carryover effect of height and weight tests may loom over them. Eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia and binge eating can have life-long effects and should be treated by a mental health specialist.
Some key signs that indicate an eating disorder are:
Poor body image
Excessive exercise
Irregular heartbeat
Dehydration
Feeling as though your eating is out of control
Fear of eating in public
Making excuses for eating habits
Addiction or Substance Misuse
Addiction is a significant threat to people of any age and can lead to life-threatening health issues. Young people may turn to drugs, alcohol or food to deal with stress, which can become a bigger program. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, of the 61% of college students who drink, 40% binge drink, and 16% are heavy drinkers.
Recreational drugs are another problem; substance abuse is a pattern of dependence on a substance. It can be any substance. One-third of college students report symptoms of alcohol misuse, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 15% of men and 9% of women in college misuse Adderall.
The hardest thing about addiction is admitting it. After that, seeking help is the next significant step. Counseling is a great step; for some, a substance rehabilitation center is the best option.
Suppose you or someone you know exhibits any of these symptoms or experiences heightened feelings. In that case, you can direct them to some of the resources available for student veterans and GGU Wellness Resources.
Join a strong community of military veterans and their family members by connecting with other students at GGU.