College life has many benefits: new friends, new experiences, and no curfew. But it also brings stress that's related to grades, bills, time management, dating, parent conflicts and homesickness.
As a result, many students experience sadness and worry, feelings of low self-worth, school problems and/or concerns about their future success. Because it can be difficult to balance competing demands, most students also become overwhelmed by their responsibilities from time to time.
College students are at an additional increased risk for mental health problems because the onset of many psychiatric illnesses occurs during the late teens and early 20s. Yet despite the high likelihood that students will experience clinically significant distress, many do not seek treatment for various reasons.
Some may be concerned that participating in therapy would change how parents, friends or teachers think about them. They might be embarrassed that someone would find out, or they may be scared to tell a stranger about their problems and feelings. Others may believe that they do not have the time or money to see a therapist. Finally, some students believe they should solve their problems on their own.
However, psychological and psychiatric services can greatly help students cope with stress and manage more serious mental illnesses. Most people who receive help are very satisfied with their care and report much-improved mood and functioning. In addition, several factors now make mental health services more accessible.
First, seeing a specialist is confidential. That means any information shared during a session stays between the student and clinician. Clinicians are not permitted to share information with parents, professors or other school officials, and there is no indication on students' transcripts or records that they sought help. The clinician may alert authorities only if the student is at risk for suicide, is threatening to harm a specific person or in certain cases of child abuse.
Second, mental health professionals have been specially trained. Even if someone is bothered by very disturbing thoughts, it is unlikely that the clinician has not helped someone with similar symptoms. Sessions provide a "safe place" to talk about things that one might not be comfortable sharing with loved ones.
Furthermore, accessing services can be relatively easy. At UF, students can see a mental health specialist free of charge at the Counseling Center or Student Mental Health Services. Pay-for-service options are also available throughout campus. In addition, emergency services are offered through the mental health services as well as hospital emergency departments.
Although most students believe that it is normal to be stressed out in college, many students could benefit from seeing a therapist even for a short time. While some adjustment difficulties are certainly expected, a therapist can be a great ally who offers new perspectives, teaches different adaptive coping strategies and provides an outlet to discuss concerns.
Heather D. Lehmkuhl is a psychiatry postdoctoral associate at UF. Lisa J. Merlo is a licensed psychologist and assistant psychiatry professor at UF.
