Keep Mental Health in Mind When Weighing College Acceptance

With admissions decisions rolling out this month to many eager college applicants, this is a good time to step back and consider some of some of the shifting dynamics that parents and students rarely think about in advance. Going off to college is, without a doubt, a life-changing experience. But like all major life changes, it can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting. Adjusting to a completely new environment with different social norms and without the support of family and childhood friends — on top of new academic pressures — can have a significant impact on students’ wellbeing. The public has become increasingly aware in recent years that college students face many mental health challenges, and that these can often interfere with academic performance. Such issues can result in students failing courses, taking medical leave, or even withdrawing from school entirely. In fact, a National Alliance on Mental Health survey of college-aged individuals diagnosed with a mental health condition found that 64 percent were no longer attending college because of a mental health-related issue. As a professor and a clinical psychologist, I welcome the national dialogue around mental health issues on campus. I also know that faculty and staff play important roles in keeping college students healthy and productive. Not only is it good to know what kinds of programs exist on campus before accepting a college’s offer, but it’s worth letting these play a role your col...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Children and Teens College Research Stress Student Therapist Students Success & Achievement Academia Academic Achievement college acceptance High School Higher Education Psychology student stress university Source Type: blogs