College Students Mental Illnesses

According to many studies done on college students mental illnesses are much more common than one might believe. While it might seem strange that young adults could possibly be diagnosed with psychological disorders at such an age, many factors contribute to these odds. As college students adolescents have much on their plate, and possibly deal with more than is possible to handle. At the same time as having to go to school some students have jobs, others might be dealing with parenthood, a few that are college athletes, and other outside forces that are having to be dealt with such as dating or immediate family. Seeing as anxiety disorders in students are one of the most common mental health problems on college campuses, along with daily …show more content…
The mental illnesses tested on these students included depression, anxiety, and a drinking problem. According to the Betty Ford Center, that opened its doors in the year 1982, an organization that helps people around the country with alcohol addiction, "alcoholism is a behavioral disorder and is so classified in the diagnostic manual of mental disorders" (West). With that said, it is widely known that there is a widespread underage drinking problem among campuses all over the United States. After data gathered from this research showed that "binge drinking was accompanied by psychosocial problems" (Martin 322), results also showed that of the students tested and had an alcohol …show more content…
It is upsetting to find out about this fact when in another study done in 2008 by the National Health College Assessment "more than one in three undergraduates reported 'feeling so depressed it was difficult to function' at least once in the previous year" (Hunt 4). As these numbers appear to be increasing in number and severity, students need to realize that they are not alone and help could easily be found. Simply, they just need to see that professional help is available and that their mental health is not uncommon. There is no need for students to be ashamed if they feel or know that something is wrong. Around schools perhaps more counseling could be offered or students could be better informed which will possibly help them realize that they are not alone throughout what they are experiencing. In fact, probably just opening up to someone could help a student. Just as tutoring is offered around schools for different subjects, perhaps opening some sort of peer counseling, done by those students who plan on majoring in psychology, could be a good idea. It could by far be seen as a win-win situation; students in that field of study will be gaining major experience, while those students who need the psychological help can effortlessly speak with any of their volunteering