Students are facing a mental health crisis. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness in any given year. And for young people, rates of mental illness are even higher: 36 percent of teens aged 13-18 experience an anxiety or mood disorder at some point in their lives.
Although many students may not even realize they’re experiencing a mental health issue, it can have serious consequences. Mental illnesses can cause significant problems with daily activities, such as school or work performance, relationships, and self-care. They can also lead to homelessness and suicide.
Fortunately, there are ways to identify and address mental health issues before they become too severe. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Causes of the mental health crisis in students
The mental health crisis in students is a growing problem worsening over the past few years. The main causes of this crisis are stress, anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, many students don’t know how to deal with these problems, and they end up suffering from them. This crisis can have severe consequences for students’ lives and future careers. Schools and parents must do something about it.
Symptoms of the mental health crisis in students
There is a mental health crisis in students. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five American adults has a mental illness. And yet, mental health problems go largely unrecognized and untreated in young people. A 2015 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) were highest among high school seniors.
Suicide rates are also disproportionately high among people with serious mental illnesses. In 2013, suicide accounted for 10 percent of all deaths in young people aged 15-24 years old—a rate six times higher than the general population. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to severe problems such as unemployment, substance abuse, and homelessness. Therefore, schools must provide effective treatments for students with mental health issues.
How to get help for a student in crisis
If you are a parent, teacher, or friend of a student in crisis, you know it can be challenging to find your resources. Here is a list of ways to get help for a student in a situation:
- Please talk with your child or student about their feelings. It can be helpful to have an open conversation about what is going on to better understand and cope with the situation.
- Seek professional help. If your student is struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, or another issue that requires professional assistance, consider reaching out to a therapist or counsellor. These professionals will be able to provide support and guidance as your student works through their crisis.
- Connect with community resources.
How the university health services can help with the mental health crises in students:
The college years can be a time of significant change and growth for students, but they can also be a time of immense stress. With high-stakes exams looming, juggling classes and social activities, and dealing with the unique pressures of being a freshman, many students experience mental health issues.
Universities have responded to this crisis by ramping up their mental health services in recent years. These services can include on-campus counselling centers, student support groups, and psychiatric care. In addition, universities offer resources such as stress management workshops and healthy eating programs. These services are vital for the well-being of individual students and the entire campus community. By providing support during these times of transition, universities are helping to reduce the number of students who fall prey to mental health crises.
Mental health crisis in students
As the school year comes to a close, many students are looking forward to summer break. However, for some of these students, the end of the school year may also begin a mental health crisis. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five Americans experiences a mental health disorder in any given year. This number is even higher for adolescents and young adults, with one in four experiencing a mental health disorder by age 18.
Mental health disorders can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. They can cause everyday activities such as work or school, relationships, and self-care problems. In addition, mental health disorders can lead to suicide rates three times higher than the general population. However, there are many ways that students can get help if they experience a mental health crisis.
