By: Chenee Tracey
Actor and comedian Robin Williams took his life on August 11, 2014 due to his prolonged battle with depression. His death sparked an unprecedented nationwide debate about the state of mental health within the United States.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness published a survey in 2013 that found that about 25 percent of the adult American population has experienced mental illness in any given year. In addition, 20 percent of youth aged 13-18 experience mental disorders. Of the 25 percent of adults affected by mental health problems, 60 percent received no mental health services. 50 percent of the youth surveyed received no treatment as well. These staggering statistics reveal that mental illness is a common occurrence and it is likely that we interact with people affected by mental illness on a daily basis.
Among the adult and youth that fail to receive treatment, there are often negative reactions and connotations when mental health is mentioned, resulting in a societal stigma when speaking about mental health. The stigma in turn contributes to a lack of medical care due to a fear of not wanting to disclose the state of personal mental health. Stigma from peers occurs as well as self-stigmatization, resulting in feelings of self-shame and worthlessness when a person discovers their mental health issues. A public poll in the UK revealed that 80 percent of people surveyed supported the statement “most people are embarrassed by mentally ill people” and 30 percent agreed that they felt “embarrassed by mentally ill persons.” As a result of the societal stigma, the affected person may keep the issue a secret, and mental illnesses go untreated or sometimes punished.
This problem is even more acute among college students as is shown in the case of a college student at Princeton University, after overdosing on his anti-depressant medicine and subsequently admitting himself to the hospital, he was barred from attending his classes or even going on campus after the administration heard of the situation. Princeton even demanded that the student withdraw from the school. Upon hiring lawyers to defend himself, the student was readmitted to Princeton for the following school year. When institutions react to mental illness and a student’s desire for self-help in this manner, it is hard for students to disclose possible mental health issues especially during college years.
However, it is precisely during the formative years of college when students need to speak up. Statistics reveal a staggeringly high number of college students deal with mental illness. A 2010 survey by the American College Health Association reports that 45.6 percent of students felt hopeless and 30.7 percent said they felt so depressed that it was hard to function. These statistics refer to depression and anxiety, but counselors are reporting that eating disorders, substance abuse and self-inflicted injury are joining the ranks as well. Some college campuses may deal with the issue as Princeton did, yet others may ignore the issue altogether.
Should colleges and universities be the sole caregiver for students with mental health problems? The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against students whose psychiatric disabilities limit a major life activity and mandates colleges and universities to provide reasonable accommodations. For example a lighter course loads and extended deadlines are possibilities provided students can meet nondiscriminatory academic and behavior standards and provided that their disability does not pose a significant risk of substantial harm. Problems with mental health qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act, so universities do have a responsibility to help their students who struggle with mental health.
However, universities should not have to bear all of the responsibility for treating mental health issues, especially if those ailments are preexisting. When matriculating, it should be made apparent if a student has problems with mental health and the extent of that student’s treatment with private family doctors. While counselors and professors have an obligation to assist students, they also have the responsibility to refer the student to outside doctors and therapists when necessary and to create an environment in which students are comfortable asking for help without fear of being expelled. In the case of the student at Princeton, a previous ailment was worsened when he started college. Although Princeton’s manner of dealing with that particular student seems extreme, universities have a reputation, to uphold and being labeled as a “suicide school” harms the school. A lot of universities view students who struggle with mental health as liabilities and find it easier to expel students from the institution. When situations such as the one involving this Princeton student occur, universities may feel caught between a rock and a hard place.
What causes this surprisingly high rate of mental illness among college students? Most college students are more susceptible to struggling with mental health freshmen year, but that doesn’t discount that problems can arise at any time. Stress factors that college students deal with on a daily basis contribute to the creation of various mental health issues. For example, being unorganized can increase our sense of helplessness as we attempt to adjust to new classwork loads, extracurricular activities, and social activities. Bad eating habits also contribute to our stress levels when we get so overwhelmed we forget to eat healthy meals resulting in poor physical health that can affect our mental health. Pressure about our uncertain future and career path stemming from internal pressure cause increased levels of stress as we plan for the future. Issues stemming from social situations such as going to parties or social gatherings involving alcohol require self-control especially on weeknights. Lastly, time management is a common theme dealing with organization, social endeavors, eating habits, and classwork.
These are just a few common stress factors that can potentially cause and worsen mood and anxiety disorders as well as depression. Recent studies at Berkeley have shown that stress can weaken the maturation process of neurons and prevents effective communication between synapses. While every person’s reaction to stress and external pressures differs, stress causing mental health issues has a strong correlation that gains even more strength during college years.
It is important to be aware of resources on college campuses when you’re feeling overwhelmed by school, work, or life in general. At the University of Georgia, the University Health Clinic provides students with a listening, objective ear as well as confidentiality if you feel scared to express your feelings to your peers for fear of judgment. Online resources also include tips for parents and friends when a loved one is fighting with mental health. Throughout the nation both students and institutions of higher learning share the responsibility of dealing effectively with mental health issues within the student body. Students should be more outspoken and self-motivating when issues arise or feelings of helplessness occur. Similarly, universities need to understand that students are more susceptible to mental health instability during college years and make an effort to be more accommodating to the student body at this pivotal point in our lives.
