College mental health crisis
According to a recent study, the majority of today's college students (more than 60 percent) meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem—a nearly 50 percent increase since 2013. The depth of these mental-health issues has become so severe that it’s affecting college students’ ability to persevere in their studies. Four in 10 college students have recently considered withdrawing from college. The number-one reason why? Emotional stress. When asked what emotional stress means to them, many students told researchers that coursework can be overwhelming, especially in combination with jobs or caregiving duties. Some mentioned depression and anxiety, or concerns about paying for college.
For these reasons, it's important for students—including those who may not perceive themselves as immediately suffering from, or at risk for, mental-health issues—to know how colleges they're considering applying to support students with mental health needs, and how to access those resources once they're enrolled.
Some colleges are offering innovative programs to support student mental health. For example, the Health and Wellness Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara, is actively challenging its students to stay well. The UCSB Wellness Challenge and the UCSB Happiness Challenge both offer students the chance to improve their personal well-being. The UCSB Challenge works via an app which tells students about current wellness opportunities. When students participate in these activities, they earn wellness points, which allows them to win prizes. Colorado State University's Bikram yoga program is the result of extensive research on how the practice improves minds and bodies. The University of Oregon's Duck Nest, located in the college’s health center, runs initiatives such as meditation, yoga, healthy eating on a budget, aromatherapy, therapy dogs, wellness presentations, and more.
For more information about college readiness, applying to college, paying for college, and much more, use the contact form on my website to schedule your free one-hour consultation today!
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