{"id":20115,"date":"2023-01-13T10:56:32","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T15:56:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20115"},"modified":"2023-03-03T14:49:58","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T19:49:58","slug":"mental-health-in-college-a-guide-for-students-and-families","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/mental-health-in-college-a-guide-for-students-and-families\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health in College: A Guide for Students and Families"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Mental health challenges are becoming an increasingly prevalent issue on college campuses. During the 2020-2021 school year, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0165032722002774\">60% of college students<\/a> met the criteria for at least one mental health problem<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Additionally, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acha.org\/documents\/ncha\/NCHA-III_FALL_2021_REFERENCE_GROUP_EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY.pdf\">almost three-quarters<\/a> of students reported experiencing either moderate or severe psychological distress<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during that year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most notable factors that may be contributing to this trend. According to a 2020 survey, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7473764\/\">71% of college students<\/a> reported experiencing increased stress and anxiety due to the pandemic<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most commonly mentioned pandemic-related stressors for students included concerns about their health and the health of loved ones, social isolation due to distancing requirements and greater difficulty concentrating on academics.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr class=\"squiggle\" \/>\n<h3>What stressors can affect mental health?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a variety of different stressors that can affect the mental health of college students, some of these are specific to college life, while others are universal and may be common among people of all age groups. These stressors include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relationship breakups\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Academic pressures\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor grades\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial stress\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social status pressures\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling alone or homesick\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling marginalized, misunderstood or like you don&#8217;t fit in\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concern or worry about your family members at home\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of day-to-day support from community or family members\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug and\/or alcohol use\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inadequate sleep\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling overwhelmed\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grief\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gender and sexuality questioning\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conflicts with friends\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty in extracurricular activities, such as frequent losses in sports\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unmet expectations\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to remember that this list is not exhaustive, and college students could be impacted by any number of stressors not discussed here. Keeping track of the specific stressors in your life can help you manage them more effectively and protect your mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Common mental health challenges on campus<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re struggling with your mental health, it\u2019s critical to accurately identify the type of problem(s) you may be dealing with, as different conditions often require different approaches to treatment. Just like any group of people, college students can experience a wide variety of mental health challenges. Below are some of the most commonly reported mental issues on campuses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Depression<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression has always been a fairly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/mental-disorders\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common mental health concern<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for people in all age groups. However, rates of depression and anxiety among college students have been increasing rather quickly, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research has found that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bmjopen.bmj.com\/content\/11\/12\/e047393\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one in three undergraduates reported experiencing significant anxiety and depression<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during their first year of study. Some of the most common <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org\/hometown-health\/speaking-of-health\/college-students-and-depression\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">symptoms of depression in college students<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of energy\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of interest in extracurricular activities\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in eating or sleeping habits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden emotional outbursts\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling overwhelmed\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thoughts of suicide or self-harm\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students must seek help if they find themselves experiencing these symptoms, as untreated depression can lead to a number of negative outcomes for college students; including declining academic performance and increased risk for substance abuse, self-harm and suicide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Anxiety<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety is an extremely common problem on college campuses. One 2018 study found that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acha.org\/documents\/ncha\/NCHA-II_Fall_2018_Undergraduate_Reference_Group_Data_Report.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">63% of college students had experienced overwhelming anxiety<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The same report found that 23% had been diagnosed and\/or treated for anxiety by a mental health professional within the past year. Some of the most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/anxiety-disorders\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common symptoms of anxiety<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restlessness\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty concentrating\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep disruptions\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uncontrollable feelings of worry\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent unexplained pains such as headaches, stomach aches and muscle aches\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common causes of anxiety for college students can include academic pressure, poor sleep patterns, busy schedules, stressful life events and coping with a new environment (particularly for first-time students). If it\u2019s left unchecked,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mind-and-mood\/recognizing-and-easing-the-physical-symptoms-of-anxiety\"> anxiety<\/a> can interfere with daily life and adversely affect the body in several ways<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; such as increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and coronary events.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Stress<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress is one of the most common factors that can impact the well-being of college students. In 2022, around <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">88% of surveyed college students <a href=\"https:\/\/americanaddictioncenters.org\/blog\/college-coping-mechanisms\">described<\/a> their school life as stressful<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with exams and financial issues being the most frequently cited individual stressors. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of chronic and severe stress include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach aches\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of energy\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent chest pain and\/or shortness of breath\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feelings of anxiety or worry\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persistent negative thoughts\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Procrastinating and\/or neglecting academic responsibilities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While everyone experiences some stress from time to time, unmanaged <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5137920\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic stress can adversely affect health and well-being in many serious ways<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; including cognitive impairment, decreased immune function, sleep problems, and an increased risk of substance abuse, high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack and stroke.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Self-harm and suicide<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While they\u2019re not as prevalent as depression and anxiety, self-harm and suicidal ideation are very serious problems on college campuses. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6401540\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A 2019 survey found that 7.2% of surveyed college students reported that they had suicidal thoughts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during the past year, with 0.4% reporting that they had attempted suicide within that same time frame.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, 19.6% of students reported engaging in NSSH (non-suicidal self-harm) behaviors such as cutting during their lives. Some common signs of suicidal ideation and NSSH behaviors in college students include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in mood; such as becoming withdrawn or irritable\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in eating or sleeping habits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently crying or showing signs of sadness\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neglect of personal appearance\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently wearing long pants and long sleeves in hot weather\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drastic changes in behavior; including increased risk-taking or sudden unexpected improvement in mood.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Giving personal items away\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice any of these behaviors being displayed by a friend or loved one, it\u2019s important to reach out to them, as many students may be reluctant to seek help for these issues on their own. Dealing with these situations requires careful consideration, and you should reach out to a mental health care professional for guidance if you are unsure how to handle it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Eating disorders<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating disorders can take many forms, ranging from fasting to binge eating. While it\u2019s unclear exactly what proportion of college students suffer from eating disorders, their prevalence seems to be increasing. An eight-year of study of college students found that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0165178122004747\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eating-disorder risk increased by 13 percent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from 2013 to 2020. While the exact symptoms of eating disorders can vary depending on the exact nature of the condition, there are several signs to look for in college students:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight fluctuations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shifting relationship with food; including developing an obsession with food or becoming more averse to certain types of food, or to eating in general.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erratic moods\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of energy\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreasing interest in usual hobbies or activities\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scabbing on the backs of their hands.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently wearing layers or covering up with blankets in warm conditions\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Memory loss\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If left untreated, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chapman.edu\/students\/health-and-safety\/psychological-counseling\/_files\/eating-disorder-files\/4-hlth-cons.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eating disorders can lead to a variety of serious health problems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> over time; including decreased bone density, tooth decay, muscle loss, severe dehydration, esophageal damage, high blood pressure, increased diabetes risk and an abnormally slow or irregular heart rate.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the stigma of eating disorders, and mental care in general, may deter you from seeking help, there are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/navigating-virtual-eating-disorder-treatment\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">virtual eating disorder treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> services available that can enable you to access care more comfortably and privately.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you believe you or someone you know is dealing with an eating disorder, addressing the situation early lovingly and respectfully can help you prevent the disorder from progressing and can mitigate potential long-term health impacts.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Substance abuse and addiction<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substance abuse is another serious issue facing campus communities. While college is often associated with drinking \u201cfor fun,\u201d it is not at all uncommon for students to develop unhealthy relationships with alcohol and\/or drugs. One study found that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2783958\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nearly half of college students met the criteria for at least one substance use disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at some point between their freshman and junior year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uncontrolled substance abuse can cause significant health problems and adversely impact the well-being, relationships and academic performance of students. While they can be difficult to detect in some cases, there are several potential indicators of substance use disorders that you can look for:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in eating and\/or sleeping patterns\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deterioration of personal appearance\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deterioration of finances\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently bloodshot eyes and\/or fluctuating pupil sizes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secretive behavior\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty with personal relationships\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently getting into trouble with school officials, police, teachers and\/or peers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neglecting responsibilities\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If suspect you or someone you know may be dealing with a substance abuse issue, it\u2019s important to reach out for help as soon as possible. In many cases, college students with substance use disorders will be reluctant to ask for help on their own, but research also shows that students who received prompting from friends or family were significantly more likely to seek treatment than those who did not.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While ADHD was originally thought of as a childhood disorder that people outgrew with age, it is now known that at least <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3441934\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">half of children with ADHD experience symptoms well into adolescence and adulthood<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Students with ADHD may experience a range of symptoms that can impact their college life and their transition to adulthood, including:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inability to focus\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inattention to detail\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impulsiveness\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of organizational skills\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restlessness\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low self-esteem\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extreme impatience\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty keeping quiet\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tendency to engage in risk-taking behaviors\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If they\u2019re not properly managed, behavioral problems associated with ADHD can significantly impact students\u2019 academic performance, put a strain on their personal relationships, and contribute to other issues such as substance abuse, anxiety and depression. Fortunately, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3520745\/#:~:text=Outcomes%20from%20351,omitted%20relevant%20studies.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">current treatments can substantially improve long-term outcomes for people with ADHD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>When should you seek help?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeking help for a mental health challenge can be a daunting prospect for college students. Additionally, mental health issues can be difficult to diagnose, and it may be unclear if and when professional intervention is necessary, or which type of care will be most effective.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suspect you or someone you care about may need help with a mental health challenge, watching for the following changes in mood, behavior and physical appearance can help you determine when it\u2019s time to reach out:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mood changes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Extreme fluctuations in mood, feeling sad for long periods, constantly feeling worried, sudden apathy toward former interests, difficulty relating to others.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Physical changes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Dramatic changes in sleep patterns (either sleeping too much or too little), constant fatigue, changes in sex drive, changes in eating habits, nausea, sweating, and increased heart rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Behavioral changes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Suicidal ideation, self-harm behaviors, withdrawal from friends and family, delusions, hostility toward others.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While these changes can be important <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/5-signs-you-might-need-a-therapist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs that you might need to see a therapist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or another type of mental health care professional, this is not an exhaustive list, and it\u2019s important to make note of any symptoms or behaviors that you consider alarming.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Confidentiality and mental health<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Privacy is a common concern for students seeking mental health treatment or accommodations. Even people who want to receive care may be deterred from reaching out due to the fear of being discriminated against by teachers or peers. Fortunately, the privacy of students\u2019 medical information is protected by two major federal laws:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>HIPAA<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/hipaa\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a federal law that protects the privacy of patient health information. It establishes strict rules for the disclosure of patient information by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/hipaa\/for-professionals\/covered-entities\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HIPAA-covered entities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hipaajournal.com\/does-hipaa-apply-to-schools\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">colleges are not generally considered to be HIPAA-covered entities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they can be protected under HIPAA in some cases if they provide health care services to students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>FERPA<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.ed.gov\/policy\/gen\/guid\/fpco\/ferpa\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. The law is designed to keep education records private between students and institutions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under FERPA, any psychological treatment records disclosed to the school are considered education records as well, including records from school counselors and outside providers. These records are then protected by the law and become unavailable to anyone other than the professionals providing care to the student.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Utilizing campus resources for mental health<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, many colleges and universities offer a variety of on-campus resources that can help support students\u2019 mental health. Even services that aren\u2019t directly focused on mental health can still provide struggling students with comfort and valuable guidance. While the exact resources you\u2019ll find on campus may vary from institution to institution, several services are common at many colleges:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Campus counseling or health center<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A significant number of colleges now have counseling and health centers that offer on-campus mental health services to students. At these centers, students can receive various services from trained mental health professionals; including one-on-one counseling, group therapy, crisis assessment and referral services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many health centers may also offer wellness workshops and may conduct outreach designed to help students <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/how-to-spot-health-misinformation-online\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spot health misinformation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as well as raise awareness of mental health issues. Staff at these centers understand the unique mental health concerns of college students and know how to tailor their approach to treatment accordingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Resident advisor<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While they\u2019re not trained professionals, resident advisors can still be helpful resources for students struggling with mental health. Discussing mental health issues in college can be difficult, and some students may feel more comfortable addressing this subject openly with a trusted peer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if students don\u2019t want to discuss mental health directly, RAs can provide them with experience-based advice and guidance about managing the various aspects of college life. Additionally, resident advisors at most colleges are required to have extensive knowledge of the health services available on campus and should be able to direct students to their school\u2019s counseling or crisis center if they need additional care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Academic advisors or other trusted faculty members<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trusted faculty members such as professors and academic advisors can also be highly valuable resources for students with mental health struggles. In addition to providing guidance and allowing students to express their concerns about mental health, academic advisors can help them determine what accommodations they may need, and assess if their current accommodations are appropriate.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Off-campus resources for finding mental health services<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the assistance offered on campus, college students can also utilize the same types of mental health care services as the general public. While it can be more complicated, going off-campus for mental health care enables students to access a wider variety of services and providers as well as receive treatment on a more flexible schedule.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Primary care doctors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Primary care doctors are often a good starting point for those seeking mental health care, as they are usually qualified to diagnose mental health conditions. While they may simply refer you to a specialist for further analysis and treatment, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/do-primary-care-providers-prescribe-meds-for-mental-health\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">primary care providers can prescribe medications for mental health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in some cases. The exact approach your doctor will take can depend on the specific issues you\u2019re dealing with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Therapists\/Counselors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re dealing with stressors or mental health challenges that you\u2019d like to address, it may be tempting to confide in close friends or family. While this can provide short-term relief from angst, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/therapist-trauma-dumping\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">using your friends as therapists can damage relationships<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> over time. To protect your personal relationships and your overall mental well-being, it&#8217;s far more beneficial to consult with a professionally trained therapist or counselor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapists can help diagnose mental health conditions and develop treatment plans, though they cannot prescribe medication. The treatments used by therapists and counselors mostly consist of verbal communication with patients. This can make <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/tips-on-transitioning-to-a-new-therapist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adjusting to a new therapist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> somewhat complicated, as this process typically involves some degree of information-sharing and rapport-building.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/therapist-counselors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finding a therapist or counselor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be challenging for college students in some areas, there are a variety of ways to access care more easily, including teletherapy services that allow them to conduct <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/can-you-do-a-video-visit-with-a-therapist-in-another-state\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">video visits with therapists from out-of-state<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Additionally, there are multiple <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/7-common-types-of-therapy-explained\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">types of therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that involve different approaches, so it&#8217;s critical to research different providers and their methods carefully.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Psychiatrists<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike therapists, psychiatrists focus on both the mental and physical aspects of mental health disorders. Their work involves studying behavior and assessing chemical imbalances to diagnose conditions. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, meaning they can prescribe medication if they deem it necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can also provide verbal counseling, though they may refer you to a therapist for these services. If you\u2019re dealing with mental health challenges that you suspect may be caused by an underlying condition or chemical imbalance, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/psychiatrists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finding a psychiatrist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you identify the origins of the issue and determine an effective treatment strategy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Psychologists<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A psychologist is a mental health professional who specializes in the study of behaviors and mental processes. Their work primarily focuses on cognitive processes and the way that people interact with their environment. While psychologists do diagnose and treat mental disorders and behavioral problems, they cannot prescribe medication, as they are not medical doctors.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similar to therapists, psychologists\u2019 primary treatment method is talk therapy. They use therapy to help patients manage illnesses, addictions, stress and a variety of other problems. Students may consider <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/psychologists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finding a psychologist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if they\u2019re dealing with substance abuse issues, long-term anxiety, behavioral changes, social difficulties or trauma from a major life event.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Campus accommodations for students with psychiatric disabilities<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to counseling services, colleges can also provide several different accommodations and protections for students with psychiatric disabilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What is the Americans With Disabilities Act, and how can it protect me?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a law designed to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. It requires all colleges and universities to provide equal access to postsecondary education for students with disabilities. This law applies to all programs offered by the institution, including extracurricular activities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with psychiatric disabilities are protected under the ADA in nearly every case. The law states that individuals can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/laws\/guidance\/depression-ptsd-other-mental-health-conditions-workplace-your-legal-rights#:~:text=You%20can%20get%20a%20reasonable,You%20don't%20need%20to\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">request accommodations for any mental health condition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that would, if left untreated, substantially limit their ability to concentrate, interact with others, communicate, eat, sleep, care for themselves, regulate their thoughts or actions or do any other \u201cmajor life activity.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Academic accommodations<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the ADA, every student with a disability is entitled to individualized accommodations that meet their unique needs. For students with psychiatric disabilities, academic accommodations can take on many different forms; including preferential seating, prearranged breaks, tape recorder privileges, early access to course materials and private feedback from professors and advisors.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students with disabilities may also request exam accommodations if necessary, such as alternate format exams, extended time, personal proctors, private testing rooms or the use of assistive computer programs such as text-to-speech software. To ensure your accommodations meet your needs, it\u2019s important to discuss your situation with your counselor and\/or care provider before making a request.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How to request accommodations<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To request and receive accommodations, you\u2019ll typically need to register with the disabilities services office at your college or university. Once you\u2019re registered, this office will send a letter to your instructors detailing the types of accommodations or modifications you\u2019ll need.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s often beneficial for you to meet with your instructors and disabilities services personnel as a group to discuss the plan. Additionally, it\u2019s important to periodically review your accommodations with disabilities services, to identify if any adjustments need to be made.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Affording mental health services<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many people with mental health complications, the perceived cost of care may be preventing them from seeking help. This is especially true for college students with limited financial resources. Fortunately, several tools and resources can help you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/your-guide-to-paying-for-therapy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pay for therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other mental health services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>On-campus resources<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While getting mental health care from outside providers may be very costly, many colleges offer a variety of free or low-cost resources for students that you can find directly on-campus, including individual or group therapy services, grief counseling, crisis intervention, mindfulness workshops and access to mental health literature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Health insurance<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While paying for mental health services can be difficult, many students may be able to get certain <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/your-health-insurance-might-cover-these-self-care-practices\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">types of care covered by their insurance provider<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In addition to public programs like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mentalhealth.gov\/get-help\/health-insurance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medicare and Medicaid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, many private insurance plans now offer at least some degree of coverage for mental health care.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the level of coverage you\u2019ll receive can vary depending on your specific plan, so it\u2019s important to research your benefits to determine what your insurance will cover, and what it will not. This can save you the hassle of disputing claims and help you get the treatment you need in less time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Low-cost options<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides insurance and on-campus resources, there are several other ways for college students to receive low-cost mental health care:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nafcclinics.org\/\"><b>NAFC<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The NAFC (National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics) is a network of free and charitable clinics and pharmacies around the country. On their website, you can enter your zip code and look up affordable or no-cost service providers near you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/openpathcollective.org\/open-path-staff\/\"><b>Open Path Psychotherapy Collective<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A network of mental health professionals that offers in-person and virtual care at discounted rates. Similar to the NAFC, Open Path\u2019s website allows patients to look up providers in or near their zip code.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>University clinics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Many university hospitals and medical schools operate clinics that allow you to talk with a therapist or psychiatrist in training for free or at a significantly discounted rate. Contact nearby medical schools or visit their websites to find out if this is an option for you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sliding scale payment plans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sliding scale is a payment structure where the cost is based on the income of the payer. In some cases, private therapists will be willing to modify their rates or pricing structure to suit your needs, but it\u2019s important to discuss this carefully with your provider.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Additional mental health resources<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019d like to keep reading, check out these resources for more information and access to additional mental healthcare services:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ulifeline.org\/\"><b>ULifeline<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Online resource focused on mental health in college. Here, you can access information about specific conditions and treatments, and look up what mental health services are available at different universities.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/findtreatment.samhsa.gov\/\"><b>SAMHSA Treatment Locator<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An online tool that you can use to find treatment facilities for substance use and\/or mental health in your area. Operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mentalhelp.net\/\"><b>Mentalhelp.net<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A website where you can find information about conditions and treatments, mental health news, online communities and links to other resources.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbrfoundation.org\/\"><b>Brain and Behavior Foundation<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A nonprofit group that provides funding for mental health research. On their website, you can find an extensive volume of mental health information, as well as event schedules for virtual events and seminars focused on mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While not all of these are exclusively geared toward college students, they can still provide valuable information and beneficial services. Utilizing every possible resource can help you get the most out of your college experience and protect your long-term well-being.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Need a doctor? Find one on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\">Zocdoc.<\/a><\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We break down how to find help for mental illness in higher education. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20116,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[12,103,19,41],"class_list":["post-20115","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-anxiety","tag-prep","tag-depression","tag-mental-health","reviewer-dr-nassim-assefi","specialist_by_city-psychiatrists"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Mental Health in College: A Guide for Students and Families - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We break down how to find help for mental illness in higher education.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/mental-health-in-college-a-guide-for-students-and-families\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Mental Health in College: A Guide for Students and Families - 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