The State of College Mental Health

College student mental health is being discussed more frequently by college and university staff across the country. Campus counseling centers and health services staff are busier than ever supporting student populations with rapidly changing needs and understanding mental health cases that are growing in severity.

According to the 2015 National Survey of Counseling Center Directors, 40 percent of their clients have severe psychological problems, and 8 percent have impairments so serious that they cannot remain in school, or can do so only extensive psychological/psychiatric help. College campus health professionals dedicate their careers to providing care for students with anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, stress, eating disorders, substance abuse and relationship problems.

Some St. Edward’s University students, (like many college students around the country) face short-term crises, recover quickly and are able to resume classes and enjoy a full campus life. Getting the appropriate, early treatment is key to a student’s mental and physical well-being, and to their academic success.

Research shows that when students are treated for mental health challenges they are able continue their education. The National Survey of Counseling Center Directors (2015) finds 53.6 percent of students report that counseling helped them to remain in school and 57.8 percent state that counseling services helped their academic performance.

Typically, grades improve and the student’s outlook rebounds considerably. St. Edward’s University, through its integrated Health & Counseling Center (HCC) is uniquely positioned to help students with mental health issues recover and complete their education successfully. As an integrated center, we believe that some of the keys to our success are:

• Address student needs and concerns holistically, treating both physical and mental health care issues;

• The HCC is able to provide same-day access to care when a student is experiencing severe distress;

• Through our Wellness and Outreach Coordinator, the HCC provides programs and activities that educate about healthy living and lifestyles;

• Campus-wide programs help provide information for faculty, staff and students so they can recognize early warning signs of serious problems and aim to de-stigmatize mental health challenges.

Students who need treatment often don’t seek it for two primary reasons: stigma and stereotyping. “Stigma” describes the shame, fear and discrimination that result from stereotypes surrounding mental illness.

Dealing with stigma around seeking and receiving treatment has been identified as the biggest challenge in handling mental illness amongst students on campus. The stigma of admitting the need for help and asking for it is strong, whether it is self-imposed stigma or peer pressure.

The HCC’s goal is to operate from the premise of the African proverb: “It Takes a Village.”

As a center, we recognize and accept that we are only a small part of the mental health success that our campus community experiences. We have campus partners comprised of faculty, staff and students that work very hard to create the village that provides a continuum and community of care for all our members.

As the director of the Health and Counseling Center, I recognize that we are not perfect, and there is a tremendous amount of work that remains to be done to create a mentally healthy campus environment.

As an institution of higher education, St. Edward’s is committed to the emotional well-being of our students and understands that their overall growth is the university’s responsibility.

Dr. Calvin Kelly

Director

Health & Counseling Center