As students prepare to start, or return to, college they may experience a mixture of pride and excitement, as well as some melancholy and apprehension. Academics and social life can be very rewarding and/or a tough adjustment for young people. Studies reveal that 30% of freshman college students feel overwhelmed a great deal of time. Students may look to friends, roommates and school staff for guidance and relief.
Fortunately most colleges and universities also offer mental health services for their students to help them meet these challenges. “Many college-age students suffer from anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. Anxiety is the issue most often mentioned by college students who visited campus mental health services. Students also named depression as one of the top ten impediments to academic performance as well as stress, sleep difficulties, relationship and family difficulties.”
A brochure from Bazelon.org may be helpful to both students and their families in understanding and addressing these concerns. For more information see Campus Mental Health: Know Your Rights! a guide for college and university students seeking help for mental illness or emotional distress.