The pressure to make good grades, homesickness, financial challenges and unresolved family issues are factors that drive students to seek help while at college. However, campuses around the country are concerned about the large number of students whose mental illness goes unaddressed.
In recognition of World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Week, campuses are increasing their efforts to ensure that students are aware of programs and services available on and off campus to help them fight anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI’s) 2012 report, 75 percent of lifetime cases of mental health conditions begin by age 24; more than 25 percent of college students have been diagnosed or treated by a professional for a mental health condition within the past year; more than 80 percent of college students felt overwhelmed by all they had to do; and 45 percent have felt things were hopeless. In addition, almost 73 percent of students living with a mental health condition experienced a mental health crisis on campus, yet 34 percent reported that their college did not know about their crisis.
While just about every U.S. college or university offers counseling and other support services for students, those working in the field want to do more to ensure that students don’t suffer in silence.
NAMI supports campus training and the creation of affinity communities and peer support and has campus clubs at 50 universities, with 170 more under way. The NAMI chapter at Notre Dame has been involved in activities including a two-mile suicide prevention walk, putting on educational programs, bringing speakers to campus, providing stress reduction tips on social media and volunteering with neighboring mental health programs.
NAMI also provides support and materials to campuses and has partnered with the National Panhellenic Conference and the North American Interfraternity Conference. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
