Mental Health on Campus

Mental health is a growing issue in the U.S. I've blogged about mental health issues before (suicide prevention, financial stressors, and mental health in the armed services.)

This time, I'm writing about mental health on college campuses. Due to the growing number of children and teens taking medication for mental health issues, mental health has become a major concern among college administrators. They are seeing more and more freshman students arrive with not only extra-long twin sheets but also anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotic medications.

Crises such as the Virginia Tech tragedy emphasizes the need that exists for mental health services on college campuses and for more outreach and education to students.

NPR had an interesting story this morning about mental health on campuses. Financial constraints have made it difficult for colleges to pay for counselors, even though the International Association of Counseling Services recommends having one counselor for every 1,000 students.

The bottom line, for any friends or family, is to keep an eye out for unusual or uncharacteristic behaviors, as these may be warning signs of mental illness. Communicate with them, find out what's going on, and help them to get the professional assistance they need.