A College Student's Mental Health
Factors That Contribute to Poor Mental Health Among College Students
Some factors that contribute to poor mental health include the vast amount of academic pressures and day-to-day stressors. In addition to academic stressors, there are external factors such as family and relationship concerns. Substance abuse also plays an important role when it comes to your mental health.
Effects of Poor Mental Health on the Lives of College Students
Poor mental health can greatly affect many areas of a college student's livelihood. It can negatively affect their academic achievements and extracurricular courses. It can negatively affect their college experience. It can also negatively affect their physical health in addition to their mental health. Other affected areas are relationships with friends and families. Poor mental health doesn't just cause temporary problems, it can also result in long-term consequences even after graduating. Some of these consequences include difficulties in finding a career, the inability to develop an outstanding personal record, and overall decreased physical and mental health. A poor mental health will just reduce an individual's overall quality of life.
How Common is Poor Mental Health?
1 in 4 young adults has a diagnosable mental health problem. In addition to that, more than 25% of college students have been diagnosed or treated by a professional for mental health issues within the past year.
Anxiety and depressive disorders: The most prevalent among college students. Approximately 15.6% of undergraduates and 13.0% of graduate students have screened positive for a depressive or anxiety disorder.
Missing academic due to mental health issues: Reported by 18.4% of undergraduates and 14.1% of graduate students.
Mental or emotional difficulties: 44.3% of undergraduate and 41.2% of graduate students reported that they experienced difficulties that affected their academic performance.
At least one or more disorders: Compared to students who have screened positive to at least one of the many conditions tested (major depression, other depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or suicidal thoughts), 22.4% of students have screened positive to at least one or more of these conditions.
Generalized anxiety disorder and major depression (50.1%)
Suicidal thoughts and depression (42.8%)
(Eisenberg et al. 2007)
Common Mental Health Disorders
Anxiety
Symptoms
- Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
- Being easily fatigued
- Having difficulty concentrating; mind going blank
- Being irritable
- Having muscle tension
- Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
- Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, restlessness, or unsatisfying sleep
Depression
Symptoms
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
Traumatic Events
Symptoms
- Worrying a lot or feeling very anxious, sad, or fearful
- Crying often
- Having trouble thinking clearly
- Having frightening thoughts or flashbacks, reliving the experience
- Feeling angry, resentful, or irritable
- Having nightmares or difficulty sleeping
- Avoiding places or people that bring back disturbing memories and responses.
- Becoming isolated from family and friends
(National Institute of Mental Health)