Page 16 - Educ Guide
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The threat of
anxiety and
depression
among college
students
The moment young people arrive Depression Anxiety
on college campuses and begin their Depression among college students A 2017 report from Penn State
lives as college students marks a may have been exacerbated during the University’s Center for Collegiate
significant milestone. College provides COVID-19 pandemic. A 2020 survey Mental Health found that anxiety is
many young people with their first conducted by the Healthy Minds Network one of the two most common reasons
taste of independence, and that in collaboration with the American college students seek mental health
newfound freedom can sometimes College Health Association found that services (the other is depression).
feel overwhelming, especially when it’s the rate of depression among college In fact, the Anxiety and Depression
coupled with academic challenges that students has increased since the onset of Association of America reports that
are much more rigorous than they were the pandemic. Though students typically 13 percent of college students have
in high school. have readily available access to mental been diagnosed with a mental health
According to data from the National health professionals on campus, that condition linked to anxiety. Anxiety
Alliance on Mental Illness, 80 percent access has been compromised during among college students can be
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of college students feel overwhelmed the pandemic as students, counselors triggered by social and/or academic
by their responsibilities as a student. and educators learn and work remotely. pressures. Being in constant fear,
NAMI data also indicates that 50 College mental health counselors experiencing frequent headaches,
percent of college students rate their were available via video conferencing exhibiting shortness of breath,
mental health as below average or during the pandemic, but students may difficulty concentrating, constant
poor. Anxiety and depression are two not be aware of that, while others might feelings of stress or irritability,
mental health issues that affect many be uncomfortable discussing their mental irregular heartbeat, and muscle
college students as they try to juggle health in dorm rooms or apartments they pain or tension are some symptoms
the various demands associated share with fellow students. Symptoms of associated with anxiety.
with being students. Anyone who depression include feelings of sadness Help is available to students
suspects they or a student they know or hopelessness, loss of motivation, dealing with depression or anxiety.
is experiencing either of these issues sleeplessness, trouble concentrating, Mental health professionals on
should reach out to a mental health changes in appetite and body weight, campus can be invaluable resources
| professional immediately. and loss of interest in social activities. as students try to overcome issues
Sunday, June 27, 2021 that can affect their quality of life
while on campus.
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