Statistics on Mental Health

Over the last 10 to 20 years, college counseling centers have seen a shift in the
needs of students seeking counseling services from that of developmental and
adjustment issues to more severe psychological problems.

Depression, anxiety, substance use, and eating disorders are increasingly

common mental health issues on college campuses.

International students, students with disabilities, transfer students, and

freshman are at particular risk.

Many more students are coming to college with existing psychiatric

conditions and treatment histories.

The 2010 National Survey of Counseling Center Directors:

91% of directors reported an increase in students with severe psychological

problems in increase from 74% in 2007

85% of directors reported an increase in the number of students arriving on

campus on psychiatric medication.

The following issues were noted as increases in the last 5 years

70.6% Crisis issues requiring immediate response

68.0% Psychiatric medication issues

60.0% Learning disabilities

45.7% Alcohol abuse

45.1% Illicit drug use (Other than alcohol)

39.4% Self-injury issues (e.g. Cutting to relieve anxiety)

24.3% Eating disorders

23.2 Career planning issues.

The severity of mental health issues on college campuses is evidenced by the fact
that suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.

Late adolescence and early adulthood is often a time when certain psychiatric
disorders first emerge such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Psychological difficulties that go untreated can have negative consequences on
multiple levels of a persons life and cause impairment in academic, occupational,
social, and other areas of functioning.

With appropriate treatment, most psychological disorders can be treated.

The mental health of college students impacts not only the individual, but can also
have an effect on the university community as a whole.