As the collegiate landscape evolves, so do the endless challenges students face. With increasing pressure to succeed academically and socially, mental health issues among college students have become a growing concern. Interviews with professionals direct from the front lines of mental health support—Dante Kendall, Associate Psychotherapist at Supervision Central and Consulting Services in Norfolk, VA, and Pamela Adams, Regional Integrated Prevention Coordinator—illuminate the complexities of mental health struggles today’s students are grappling with.
“Many of the clients I see who are students struggle significantly with anxiety and depression, as well as challenges related to setting and maintaining boundaries,” says Kendall. This sentiment resonates strongly among students juggling academics, work, relationships, and social lives. The combination of expectations can become overwhelming, leading to heightened levels of stress and mental unrest.
According to a recent survey conducted by the American College Health Association, approximately 2.4% to 2.9% of cisgender men, 1.9% of cisgender women, and 5.4% of transgender or gender non-conforming individuals reported attempting suicide within the past 12 months. Anxiety rates are notably high, with 17.7% of cisgender men, 28.5% of cisgender women, and 36.9% of transgender or gender non-conforming individuals reporting symptoms, resulting in an overall rate of 26.3% . Such statistics underscore the pressing need for accessible mental health resources on campuses.
Adams echoes Kendall’s concerns, highlighting another layer of complexity: interpersonal relationships. “Students frequently struggle with relationship issues, whether those be dating or friendships, and they find it hard to establish healthy boundaries within those relationships,” she explains. The intricate dynamics of these connections can heighten feelings of loneliness and isolation, making mental health support all the more crucial.
For many students considering seeking help, the barriers can feel unconquerable. Filled with misconceptions, the stigma surrounding mental health treatment is a challenging adversary. “There are a lot of myths that people come up with in their heads, such as: will I be on meds, or will I have to be sent away? A licensed professional counselor or social worker is not a doctor,” Adams states firmly. “Only a medical doctor, like a psychiatrist, can prescribe medications, but that doesn’t mean you automatically need them, and it certainly doesn’t mean you are ‘crazy’ or flawed.”
Both professionals emphasize the importance of dismantling these myths to foster a greater understanding of mental health care. “There’s a whole miscommunication, and I think particularly in our community, we need not to be afraid to ask those questions,” Adams adds, encouraging students to seek help without fear of judgment.
The necessity for open dialogue extends beyond the individual, extending into the core of campus life. With mental health initiatives and resources being rolled out across educational institutions, students must know they are not alone. From support groups to counseling services, college campuses strive to create environments where mental wellness is prioritized.
For those struggling with college life, accessing support can be as simple as starting a conversation. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers valuable resources for students navigating mental health challenges, providing everything from hotline numbers to coping strategies. Students are encouraged to tap into these resources and take their first steps toward healing and resilience.
In this era of heightened mental health awareness, the stories and experiences of college students must be heard. With professionals like Kendall and Adams advocating for understanding and compassion, there is hope that the stigma surrounding mental health will continue to dissipate.
For more information on mental health resources, visit the American College Health Association and NAMI.
Dante Kendall Contact Information: info@sccs-va.org
Tel: (757) 551-227
Pamela Adams Contact Information: pyaaka@gmail.com
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