Mental Health Challenges for college students and Their Remedies

According to a 2019 report published by the American College Health Association, over the past year –

• 87% of college students have reported feeling overwhelmed by the things they need to do
• 66% of them experienced overwhelming anxiety
• 56% felt that things were hopeless
• 13% of them considered suicide

Major Health Problems Affecting College Students

1. Suicide and Depression:

Reportedly, one in every five college students feels stressed and encounters suicidal thoughts

Reasons:

1. Going through a traumatic life event
2. Misuse of drugs or alcohol

• Living alone or lack of social contact

1. Financial and academic problems
2. Upsetting events like the end of a relationship or failing an exam

It is important to talk to someone when such thoughts start to pour in. There are suicide prevention helplines that offer 24×7 online support.

2. Stress and anxiety:

Did you know that one in every five college students has needed treatment for college anxiety in the last 12 months?

Reasons:

1. Stress from college assignments(Like: “do my statistics assignment“)
2. Difficult financial situation

• Stress from serious medical illness

1. Use of illicit drugs
2. Stress from emotional trauma

It is recommended to exercise daily to reduce the level of stress. Also, it is suggested to reduce caffeine intake and spend time with friends and family.

3. College addiction:

Alcohol and drug abuse at college has become a huge problem and are often linked with academic issues, unsafe sex, and drunk driving.

Reasons:

1. Family history of addiction
2. Peer pressure

• Co-occurring mental conditions

1. Questionable prescribing practices
2. Experimenting with substance use at a young age

It is advised to students to avoid alcohol and drug abuse as it can take a toll on their health. T9o overcome such an addiction, they can get help from dedicated helplines or consider group therapy.

4. Eating disorder:

As per the reports of the National Eating Disorders Association (US), the full-blown eating disorder generally begins between 18 and 21 years of age.

Reasons:

1. Family history of an eating disorder
2. Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression

• Other psychological or emotional problems

1. Dieting and starvation

2. Stress

People with a family history of eating disorders are advised to avoid crash dieting. One should also be encouraged to have a balanced diet.