By Mackenzie Yardley
We live in a new age of awareness and support for those struggling with mental health as mental-health struggles are at an all-time high in college students.
National Education Association conducted a survey in March 2023 that showed 44% of students reported symptoms of depression, 37% experienced anxiety and 15% considered suicide — the highest rate in the 15-year history of the survey.
These high rates of mental-health issues are concerning.
College of Southern Nevada Professor of human behavior Danielle Richards said, “College students are susceptible due to the many life changes that occur during this transitional period. This time is linked to stressors and during which many mental-health problems often first occur. College students also face numerous stressors related to having multiple roles, demands and financial obligations.”
CSN student Emily Harvey opened up about her struggles. “I have had mental-health struggles in college. I’ve had mental-health struggles most of my life; however, I felt they worsened the first couple years of college because it was such a big change between high school.” Harvey improved as she managed to find balance. Harvey said she was able to get better through therapy and talking to family and friends for a good support system.
The Kaiser Family Foundation, a health care journal, found that 50% of young adults across the nation suffer from some sort of anxiety or depressive order as of February 2023.
CSN Instructor of human behavior Amy McAuley offered some solutions to those suffering. “While it is such a contrite term, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a big part of keeping our mental health intact. For some, working with a therapist or exploring medicines that can help mitigate symptoms is always a great place to start. It can be helpful to see a clinical psychologist to help narrow down what exactly might be causing certain mental-health issues. In addition to that, diet, exercise, in-person socializing and making time for self-care are great ways to help overcome some mental-health issues.”
Thankfully, CSN offers counseling for those struggling with mental health through Counseling and Psychological Services. “CAPS strives to help students pursue their academic, personal and career goals by promoting self-advocacy, self-regulation and developing coping strategies and problem-solving abilities in students,” according to its website. There are free services to all CSN students who need help.
Coyote Student News at the College of Southern Nevada 