Mental health and college students a topic that is becoming more important to address. College-age individuals deal with mental health issues at an increased rate. In fact, according to mental health statistics, half of the college-age individuals deal with a psychiatric issue every year. This is why it’s so important that people in this age group understand how to recognize mental health and know that help is available to them. One of the things that can help college-age individuals is to learn more about some of the most common mental health issues that face their age group.
Some of the most common types of mental health issues that college-age people face include:
Substance use disorder is when people utilize addictive substances in spite of experiencing consequences due to substance abuse. Otherwise known as addiction, substance use disorder can form as the result of self-medicating other underlying mental health issues, being prescribed prescription addictive medications, peer pressure, and more. College-age individuals may be at a higher risk for developing substance use disorders as they are exposed to major life changes, peer pressure, and societal influences developed mental health issues in adolescence, and experience trauma during childhood. People who are living with a substance use disorder may or may not know that they have developed an addiction, but will still continue to use it even though they are experiencing debilitating effects that impact their lives, relationships, careers, and schooling.
Some examples of symptoms of substance use disorder in college-age individuals may include:
Another commonly diagnosed mental health issue within the college community is depression. There are a few different types of depressive disorders, but they are all characterized by experiencing episodes of severe sadness, loneliness, and despair. Living with depressive disorders can bring about debilitating symptoms that can affect how a person experiences their lives, keeps them from experiencing healthy relationships, and can negatively affect daily responsibilities like schooling.
Some examples of depressive disorder symptoms in college-age individuals can include:
Along with depressive disorders and addiction, college-age individuals are also more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Living with an anxiety disorder is more than just experiencing stress and worry – it’s when anxiety takes over your life and keeps you from doing the things you need to do like managing personal responsibilities and relationships. There are different types of anxiety disorders that are characterized by varying symptoms including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Phobias.
Some examples of anxiety disorders in young adults can include:
Are you of college age and believe you’re struggling with mental health issues? You’re not alone. Help is available to you. It can be beneficial to seek treatment that provides specific care for young adults in order to meet your personal needs and expectations for treatment. Yellowbrick offers individualized care for young adults who are struggling with mental health. Find out more about our young adult-centered services from our website.
Yellowbrick collaborates with adolescents and emerging adults, ages 16-30's, their families and participating professionals toward the development and implementation of a strategic “Life Plan.” An integrative, multi-specialty consultation clarifies strengths, limitations, and risks, and defines motivations, goals and choices.
A mental health condition that’s characterized by intense shifts in mood including both manic and depressive episodes.
People living with Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, experience episodes of depression and sadness that are debilitating to daily life.
Those living with anxiety disorders experience high levels of anxiety and stress that interfere negatively with daily life.
A mental health issue in which a person’s cognitive function is impaired, resulting in symptoms like experiencing challenges with conducting speech, reading and writing, and behavior.
Mental health disorders that negatively affect a person’s behaviors, thought patterns, and function. People diagnosed with these disorders experience challenges with managing relationships and understanding various situations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that people can develop as a result of experiencing traumatic situations, characterized by symptoms including flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and more.
A mental health condition that is characterized by specific symptoms of forgetfulness and lack of concentration, which makes it challenging to complete necessary tasks.
Mental health conditions that interfere with a person’s eating habits, thought patterns, and behaviors in negative ways.
A mental health disorder diagnosable with the DSM-5 that is characterized by both obsessions and compulsive behaviors.