Mental Health Overlooked in College Transition

News headlines and social media feeds seem to be brimming with studies about how today’s teens are more stressed out and anxious than year’s past – and, yet, mental health is often left off of the college prep checklist, according to a new survey from WebMD, Medscape and JED.

According to the survey, “Preparing for College: The Mental Health Gap,” in the past five years, the majority of healthcare professionals noted a rise in mental health issues among teens: 

• 86% said they have had more anxiety and stress.
• 81% saw more anxiety disorders.
• 70% reported seeing more mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.

And parents echoed these findings, with 45 percent of those surveyed claiming that their teen had been diagnosed or treated for a mental health issue, learning disorder or substance abuse.

Yet here’s the surprising part: Only 28% of parents of teens with anxiety, stress or a mood disorder considered mental health services while choosing a school.

"If your child is already in therapy, don't assume it's going to go away once they start school,” Cora Collette Breuner, MD, a professor of pediatrics and adolescent medicine at Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, told WebMD. “Assume the opposite."

College presents what experts call a sort of “perfect storm” for mental health issues. For one, nearly 75 percent of all mental health conditions begin by age 24, and there’s also a significant amount of stress during this time. In other words, the college years are a critical time to understand and talk about mental health with your kid. Even if it doesn’t touch your child, he or she might deal with a roommate who is in emotional distress.

The survey stressed the need for all parents – not just those of kids with issues – to discuss mental health concerns. "It's going to touch your family's life, and certainly your child's life in one way or another," Stephanie Pinder-Amaker, PhD, director of the College Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital, told WebMD. "It does so much to decrease stigma and fear and anxiety just to talk about these issues."

Do You Need Dual-Diagnosis Treatment?
Co-occurring mental health conditions like depression may exist prior to substance abuse, or develop as a side effect of drug and alcohol dependency. At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is complicating substance abuse. Once we gain a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s individual health challenges, our addiction treatment team develops a customized program. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.

Striking a Healthy Balance: Giving College Kids Independence and Connection

In 2016, first-year college students reported all-time highs when it came to anxiety and depression. Similarly, college mental health services reported an increase in students seeking assistance and support for depression, anxiety, addictions and peer pressure to engage in dangerous drinking and sexual behaviors.

One explanation, say experts, is that the human brain doesn’t completely mature until about age 25 – and the last area to develop is the part of the brain responsible for good judgment. What’s more, 75 percent of all mental health conditions begin by age 24, making the college years a critical time for mental health support.

A recent article on Quartz.com titled “Helicopter parenting is bad for college kids—but a little hovering is just right” offered some good insight on how to find that delicate balance between letting college kids gain independence while providing some much-needed parental guidance and mental health support. 

Here’s a summary of some of their best tips: 

• Guide, don’t pressure, your loved ones. This includes respecting their point of view, listening more than talking and asking follow-up questions to actively express your interest in what they tell you. 
• Share own life and ups and downs. Transitioning to a more adult, mutual relationship means shifting the conversation to include your own experiences as well. 
• Set up clear expectations. Be direct about your thoughts about communication, finances, sexual relations, roommate arrangements, and drug and alcohol use. But listen to your child’s point of view, too. 
• Allow for mistakes. And make it clear that you are available if/when they need help rectifying a slip-up. 
• Emphasize that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. And you can go a step further and help them find and make use of mental health services on and off campus. 
• Don’t overlook college resources – for your child and for yourself. Many colleges offer workshops for parents during parents’ weekend, for example, as well as year-round online resources. 

Our Dual-Diagnosis Treatment 

At Hope Academy, we offer a highly individualized approach for young adults struggling with substance abuse and mental health conditions. Our proven treatment includes group and individual therapy, recreational therapy, nutrition and exercise, support groups, medication management, family therapy and aftercare planning. To learn more, call today: 866-930-4673. 

3 Tips for Surviving the End of School

With the first day of summer just two months away, students in colleges and vocational programs are dragging themselves to the finish line. If you find yourself unmotivated, distracted, and longing for the beach, it’s time to hit the reset button. Begin by refocusing on your goals and making time for self-care. With an outlook adjustment and some solid sleep, you’ll finish the school year strong—and without regrets.

• Focus on food. When energy levels are already low, ramen noodles, pizza, and soda won’t carry you through term papers and late nights. Busy (and broke) students often neglect proper nutrition, but it’s an essential part of fueling your body and brain. Nutrient-dense foods don’t have to be expensive. Healthy, filling options include apples, sweet potatoes, broccoli, zucchini, oatmeal, and brown rice. And, when you skip the processed foods, you leave more space in your budget for fresh produce and quality proteins. Remember to incorporate healthful fats, too: avocados, olives, nuts, and flaxseed.

• Get help when you need it. Before finals roll around, visit instructors during office hours to ask questions and clarify gray areas. Not sure you have enough credits to graduate? Head to your academic advisor. Stress got you down? Visit your school’s counseling center or have coffee with a friend or mentor. If you have begun self-medicating for anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, contact a credentialed mental health professional for immediate and ongoing treatment.

• Unplug for short periods. Studies show that college students spend up to 50% of their waking hours on smart phones or devices. While there’s no escaping technology during your academic journey, it’s important to give your brain a break from constant screen stimulation. Turn your phone off for an hour a day, go for a walk and leave the devices behind, or attend a yoga class and focus on your breath. Going off the grid decreases anxiety levels, combats the “fear of missing out,” and allows us to experience true, rejuvenating stillness. When you return to your studies, you’ll be rested and ready to concentrate.

Start Fresh This Spring With Hope Academy 
Spring is a time for fresh starts. If you are struggling with a dual diagnosis or substance abuse disorder, embrace a new beginning at Hope Academy Rehab. When you trust us with your recovery, you don’t have to leave college behind or put career preparation on hold. We offer vocational training, college prep, and sobriety college options that allow you to pursue your dreams while you get clean. Call now: 866.930.4673.