By: Jada Law, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY – College life has been seen associated with personal growth and exploring a new world that features self-discovery and independence. However, to some students that concept may be a fantasy, and their reality could be the effects of mental health issues on their day-to-day life.
“I have been trying to figure out how to have a healthy mental while in college but, I think I haven’t fully figured out how to be completely mentally stable,” said University of Illinois Chicago student, Ray Cave.
The recent mental health crisis amongst students enrolled in higher education has been on the rise lately.
According to the Healthy Minds Survey, a study conducted with over 90,000 students across 133 campuses in the United States, found that 44 percent of students were reporting symptoms of depression, 37 percent claimed that they have had anxiety before, and 15 percent stated that they were considering committing suicide. These percentages are reported to be the highest rate in the 15-year period this study has been conducted.
Students explained how college became a contributor to their mental health decline.
“One time I remember struggling with my mental health was when I changed my major,” stated Columbia University student, Kennedy Smith. “Trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life and how I wanted to go about it often left me feeling stressed.”
Lewis University student Devin Kennebrew added his experience with being the stage manager for his school’s musical production.
“I felt like my mental health was going to get tested,” Kennebrew said. “It was a lot of restless nights and time away from some friends, my girlfriend, and my family.”
In terms of college students getting help, research done by Active Minds states “67% of people 18-24 with anxiety or depression won’t seek treatment.”
“A lot of students, family, society, sometimes feel it’s not necessarily a strength to ask for help.” said Mental Health Counselor at Lewis University, Jill Whitaker, “It’s okay to ask for help.”
Whitaker then went on to emphasize the importance of developing self-care practices in college.
“We all have to decide…who we spend time with, what we do and what we put into our bodies… understanding in a deeper way who you are as a person and how to take care of yourself.”
Some students have started implementing their own self-care practices when they’re struggling mentally.
“To regulate my mental health, I listen to music or write in a journal,” says Lewis University student, Katie Winters.
Smith added “I like to allow myself to forget about homework and assignments. Oftentimes I head back home and see my family and friends as a reset.”
“Sleep really is something that helps me a lot because it helps me relax,” stated Kennebrew
Some college students made suggestions on how higher education institutions can improve on helping students who are struggling mentally.
“I think that colleges should allow students more leniency when it comes to mental health days because it can be a lot to adjust to and understand,” Smith stated.
She went on to explain how back-to-back classes, midterms/finals, and picking out a schedule to ensure you graduate is a heavy burden on one person. Schools acknowledging this and its effect on mental health should be the first step they take.
“If students see their college is open and willing to have uncomfortable conversations, I think it would help a lot to remind students they are not alone and have resources,” said Winters.
Mental health among college students has statistically seen an increase over the past years with students saying its cause is a plethora of issues, mostly pointed to higher education institutions. Finding resources on campus, picking up healthy self-care practices, and seeking out professional help can lead to a healthier mindset and overall improve well-being in the long run.
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