In recent years, the mental health crisis on college campuses has begun to make headlines. It’s shocking to see that students are committing suicide in alarming numbers, with one of the most common reasons being feeling overwhelmed by school work and exams. Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways schools can intervene when they believe a student may be at risk, except to keep an eye on them and hope they seek out help on their own. However, there’s another solution that could prevent the need for this kind of intervention in the first place.

Understanding The Problem

It's no secret that college students are struggling. In fact, mental health among college students has been declining for years. A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 college students have seriously considered suicide in the past year. This is a national crisis. And it's only getting worse.

Colleges Are Not Teaching Students Skills They Need To Deal With Stress, Anxiety, And Depression

It's no secret that college can be tough. With the pressure to succeed, many students find themselves struggling to cope with the demands of school. This can prompt psychological well-being issues like stress, uneasiness, and misery. While some colleges do offer counseling services, they are often understaffed and unable to meet the needs of all their students. This leaves many students without the help they need.

There Is A Lack Of Access To Mental Health Services In Rural Areas

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20% of adults in the United States live with a mental illness. Of that 20%, only 43% receive treatment. This leaves a large number of people suffering from mental illness without any help. When you compare this to the general population, people living in rural areas are more likely to suffer from mental illness and less likely to receive treatment. This is due to a lack of access to mental health services in rural areas.

No Money For Counselors = No Counselors

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness in a given year. That statistic is especially true for college students, who are under immense pressure to succeed. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 40% of college students have considered suicide, and 8% have attempted it.

Too Many Hours Studying + Lack Of Sleep = Mental Issues

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five American adults suffer from a mental illness. That number goes up to one in four when you're talking about college students. A lot of factors contribute to this statistic, but one of the main ones is the pressure that college students feel to succeed. They're under a lot of pressure to get good grades, land a job after graduation, and make something of themselves.

Schools Are Large = Depersonalization

With the increase in school shootings, it's important that we take a look at the environment that these students are in. Too often, schools are large and depersonalized. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can trigger mental health issues.

Isolation & FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) = Social Media Obsession & Online Addiction

In today's society, college students are under an immense amount of pressure. They're told that they need to get good grades, land a great job, and make a lot of money. And if they don't do all of those things, they'll be considered failures. This pressure can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. And if left unchecked, these mental health issues can lead to more serious problems such as addiction and even suicide.

Financial Pressure & An Absence Of Guidance = Negative Gambling Behaviors

According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 1 in 5 American adults suffer from some form of mental illness. That number is even higher for college students, with studies showing that as many as 1 in 3 students suffer from some form of mental illness.

Insufficient Time Spent on Careers = Poor Career Choices

Too often, college students are left to their own devices when it comes to planning their future. They're told to find their passion and follow their dreams, but without any guidance, many students end up making poor career choices. As a result, they graduate with debt and no job prospects. This has led to a national crisis of underemployment and student loan debt. By providing students with more resources and guidance when it comes to choosing a career, colleges can help prevent this crisis.

Gender Equality Issues Lead To More Dating Anxiety In Men And Eating Disorders In Women

A recent study has found that anxiety disorders are on the rise, and that they're being exacerbated by gender inequality. Men are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders if they feel like they have to live up to an impossible standard of success, while women are more likely to develop eating disorders if they feel like their worth is based solely on their appearance.