College can be an exciting time, though for some it can be overwhelming and stressful. It is a time of learning, growth and enjoying the social atmosphere that thrives on campuses. Depression, anxiety, substance use, and eating disorders are common mental health issues on college campuses.
According to a 2008 American College Health Association survey, within the last 12 months, 30 percent of students reported feeling so depressed that it was difficult to function and 49 percent felt overwhelming anxiety. In additional, 10 percent of students also reported being diagnosed or treated for depression and more than six percent seriously considered suicide.
Major depression increases the likelihood of substance abuse, impairs functioning at school, and influences an individual’s subsequent development in negative ways. Depression can also co-occur with other disorders, including physical illnesses and other mental disorders, such as anxiety and eating disorders.
Most students can balance the mix of academic and social activities, though pressure to participate in binge drinking, drinking large quantities of alcohol most nights during the week, and drinking to feel like the part of the crowd are common occurrences. Students of legal age who consume alcohol should do so responsibly and in moderation. Unfortunately, many students engage in underage and/or risky drinking that could lead to long-term alcohol problems. These patterns include binge drinking and heavy drinking on a regular basis.
Data from several national surveys indicate that about four in five college students drink and that about half of college student drinkers engage in heavy episodic consumption. The health and social effects of alcohol misuse can be extremely serious and even life threatening both to the individual and to others.
Most students do not connect alcohol abuse with a potential mental health issue. If a student feels that alcohol has become a problem, it is important that they seek care so they can have a healthy mind and lead a healthy life. It is also important to have mental health services available on college campuses for students who need help.
Source – American Psychiatric Association
At Fairfax Mental Health, our psychiatrists treat this and other conditions. Call us at 703-830-1500 to discuss your needs or schedule an appointment.
