Striving to achieve the perfect balance can be quite difficult for college students who are overwhelmed with school, work, getting enough sleep and maintaining a social life. All of these things can simultaneously put pressure on a student, causing them to stress out. Times like these are when students should remember that taking care of their mental health is very important, as it will help lead to a successful life.
Recently, a study regarding mental health among college students was conducted by the combined efforts of the Healthy Minds Network at the University of Michigan, Wisconsin HOPE Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Association of Community College Trustees and Single Stop where it was revealed that students may not be getting the care that could potentially help.
College students are at the age where their mental health plays a critical role. With so much going on in life it is very easy for students to be oblivious of their mental health and take action.
Ten community colleges across the nation found that 49 percent of more than 4,000 community college students surveyed are either experiencing a current or recent mental health condition, but only less than half of these students are receiving any mental health services whatsoever and as days go by, the study says, it’s more likely for students ages 25 and under to have a mental health condition go untreated.
“Mental illness can impair academic success and quality of life, there is a clear need for greater attention to and resources for mental health services and programs on community college campuses,” stated the study.
Surveys done at multiple colleges across the country, who remain anonymous, have shown that over the years the number of college students who suffer from mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety continues to soar. The survey concluded that one in three college students’ experience common mental health problems. This shows that many students struggle with mental health issues but not all are getting the correct care that they need.
The Health Center here at Moorpark College has an abundance of resources to help out any student that is facing any sort of challenge including an opportunity rarely afforded as each student is entitled to six free therapy sessions per semester. The is a prime opportunity for any student that may be having trouble or needs someone to confide in. Students should act upon a chance such as this one because a therapy session could greatly improve their mental health and life.
The Student Health Center understands that each individual is unique, focusing on treatment pertaining to a student’s own situation. Counseling Psychologist Dr. Laura Forsyth has ways of approaching each and every student here at Moorpark.
“Students can come in and sometimes they really need to talk it over to get some perspective on their specific situation,” said Forsyth. “Along with that we train and teach all the functional things that help people be stronger and more flexible as we help teach anxiety management, stress management, depression management, mindfulness relaxation and many other aspects as well.”
Students could benefit greatly from therapy sessions said Health Educator Alison Barton, who believes there are many positives that can come out of taking care of ones mental health.
“If they participate well in their care, they should be able to improve their ability to cope with the stress of student life,” said Barton. “A balance within and between these factors is important to the ability to learn and be successful as a student, and in later life as well.”
Mental Health plays a major role in a student’s overall health and student health center coordinator Sharon Manakas is aware of how crucial it is for students to take care of their mental health along with their physical health.
“We need to keep it on the forefront and be willing to talk about it,” said Manakas. “Decreasing the stigma that still is associated with mental health conditions and prevents students from accessing much needed care.”
As we go through our daily lives it is important that we prioritize our mental health along with our physical health and find the right balance in life, especially considering the continued stress of school. Whether it be a big problem or a small problem, students should take advantage of the therapy sessions offered at Moorpark as it could benefit not only their mental health but their overall quality of life. The Student Health Center encourages students to stop by and take advantage of them and other opportunities there as mental health is a key factor in living a very healthy and happy life.
