Studies show students in colleges and universities need more counseling for mental health issues than ever before. Those issues include depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, alcohol abuse, self-injury and eating disorders.
Arizona shooting suspect Jared Loughner was asked to leave his community college after showing signs of weird behavior.
Even before that incident, a recent survey by the American College Counseling Association showed 44 percent of college students in counseling have severe psychological disorders. That’s up from 16 percent a decade ago. 24 percent are on psychiatric medication. That’s up from 17 percent a decade ago.
“There are students on medication that are more effective than they used to be that really enable them to be here. That's a very good thing and also there's been a change in ADA rules that allows students to be here with accommodations so they can be here on campus where in the past they might not have been able to succeed,” said SDSU's Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Sandy Jorgensen-Funk, Ph.D.
Jorgensen-Funk says students, who have already have been dealing with issues, are heading to campus. Others find they need help during their college years.
“Everything from depression and anxiety to relationship issues stresses of everyday life. As the economy has its challenges, that impacts students,” said Jorgensen-Funk.
SDSU students are not surprised by the national trend.
“I definitely know some people to be depressed,” said senior Anthony Fisher. “A lot of pressure.”
“I feel the whole cutting thing is more along the lines of high school,” said senior Jade Lewis. “But depression, I think that's true. I think a lot of people don’t want to share it though.”
“I know some people who have been here throughout the years. At least three or four that have anorexia and have an eating disorder. There’s big pressure for women out there our age,” said senior Bridget Bailey.
More pressure, but less money and a lot of legalities preventing colleges from forcing a student to get counseling.
Jorgensen-Funk says the university works to offer as many services to as many students as possible.
