No matter how exciting going off to college is, huge transitions are necessary: budgeting money, making new friends, finding a routine, adjusting to new professors and course schedules, and managing time. The mental health of college students can fluctuate depending on their experience and support network.
"Students who don't cope well with the challenges of the college environment and new stressors may be more at risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, abusive relationships and depression," says ScienceDaily in the recent "Top Five Signs Your Child is Struggling in College."
Gambling addictions are becoming more visible in the college student population. Signs of depression, alcohol abuse, abusive relationships and gambling addictions are sometimes hard to see, but they're often visible.
Signs of alcohol or drug abuse in college students
- Requests for extra money.
- Extremely busy time schedules; they're rarely around to talk.
- Job loss. Dropping extracurricular activities, such as volunteering or college clubs.
- Poor grades and course withdrawals.
- Erratic or unusual behavior.
Signs of depression in college students
- Change in moods or habits.
- Excessive sleep or fatigue.
- Weight loss or weight gain.
- Poor hygiene habits: not bathing, dressing without care.
- Loss of interest in school, activities, and life.
- Low self-esteem.
- Thoughts of death.
What can parents and friends do to help?
- Let students vent their feelings every day if they need to, but don't let them cry on your shoulder or complain for hours. Redirect the conversation to interesting topics.
- Encourage healthy activities: joining newcomer's or other clubs on campus, sharing true feelings with roommates or trusted classmates, exercise classes like yoga, practicing spirituality, seeking a counselor's help if needed.
- Take mentions of depression, suicide, drug abuse, eating disorders, alcohol abuse or abusive relationships seriously. Get help.
The "traditional" advice may be boring but it's beneficial: get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, learn time management skills, build a healthy support network of friends, and don't pull all-nighters.
Additional facts about the mental health of college students:
- Students with mental health issues, alcohol addictions, drug addictions or eating disorders often don't seek help, even if resources are free and convenient.
- Poor students are more prone to depression and anxiety disorders, and less likely to seek help.
- Most psychological disorders occur before age 24.
- Female college students are more likely to seek help for psychological disorders, eating disorders, alcohol abuse or drug addictions.
- The incidence of psychological disorders on college campuses is rising.
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