Many young adults feel that the normal pressures of college combined with the pandemic have had a negative effect on their education and significantly harmed their mental health. According to a 2020 survey by BestColleges.com, 95% of college students experienced negative mental health symptoms and 46% reported feeling more isolated and lonelier since the start of the pandemic. Many reported sleeping less, feeling more anxious and depressed, and 32% experienced feelings of hopelessness. With most colleges opening their campuses and returning to in-person learning, efforts must be made to support positive mental health and to help students heal, process, and recover from past events.
Across the nation, college administrations are looking for ways to support mental health and increase the mental health services that are provided. Colleges are adding recreational options and providing additional offerings in counseling centers and are fostering a sense of togetherness while practicing social distancing. Here are additional steps that can be taken to support mental health:
Living with mental illness can be challenging, but resilience gives someone the ability to adapt to the challenges that accompany this. Having resilience does not imply that someone will not experience difficulties; however, by harnessing inner strength, individuals can begin to feel empowered and learn from their experiences. As students return to college, the American Psychological Association is recommending these strategies to become more resilient:
Most importantly, getting help when needed is vital to building resilience. Many people will often use their resources, but sometimes more is needed. At Yellowbrick, we specialize in the treatment of emerging adults who are struggling and their families. Our treatment model is guided by an understanding of the essential developmental challenges of emerging adulthood:
Treatment at Yellowbrick represents the start of establishing a life plan corresponding to individual needs, while supporting individuals in the difficult, often risky and painful, process of change and growth.
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.