Did you know that one in four students are struggling with a diagnosable mental illness and yet 40 percent don’t seek help? Your mental health matters and if left untreated, could impact your academic, social and family life and lead to serious and even life-threatening health conditions.
Luckily, more and more campuses are taking steps to help students take better care of their mental health – but you can play a pivotal role, too.
Your first step is to learn and recognize the red flags. In honor Mental Health Month this month, here are some of the most common mental health issues among college students today. If you spot the signs in yourself or in someone you care about, don’t wait. Remember, you’re not alone and help is out there.
Depression: According to one study, depression is the number-one reason students drop out of school.
- Changes in sleep habits (sleeping more or difficulty sleeping)
- Appetite changes (loss of appetite or overeating)
- Sadness
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
- Hopelessness
- Powerlessness
- Trouble concentrating and paying attention
Anxiety: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly 75% of those affected by an anxiety disorder will experience their first episode before the age of 22.
- Feelings of stress and apprehension
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Fearfulness
- Sweating and dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle pain and tension
- Headaches
- Frequent upset stomach or diarrhea
Suicide: Suicide is the second most common cause of death among college students, with someone between the ages of 15 and 24 dying every two hours and 12 minutes.
- Difficulty handling schoolwork
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
- Low energy levels or a feeling of being drained
- Feelings of hopeless or being trapped
- Extreme mood swings
- Emotional outbursts (crying or being easily irritated)
- Changes in relationships, including sexual promiscuity
- Self-destructive behavior (substance abuse, cutting)
Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are the most common eating disorders. Nearly 50% of individuals with an eating disorder are also abusing drugs and/or alcohol, which is a rate fives times greater than the general population.
- Skipping meals or making excuses for not eating
- Excessive focus on healthy eating
- Withdrawing from normal social activities
- Persistent worry or complaining about being fat and talk of losing weight
- Use of dietary supplements, laxatives or herbal products for weight loss
- Excessive exercise
- Leaving during meals to use the toilet
- Eating much more food in a meal or snack than is considered normal
- Expressingdisgust, shame or guilt about eating habits
- Eating in secret
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults
At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is causing or 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.
At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is causing or 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.
