The Health and Wellness of Today’s College Students

1. The Health and Wellness of Today’s College Students Jon Brunner, Ph.D. Executive Director Counseling and Health Services Judi Gibbons, Ph.D. Clinical Director Counseling Services

2. FGCU Health and Wellness Services • Prevention & Wellness Services (health education) • Student Health Clinic • Counseling Center (CAPS) • Testing Center • Adaptive Services for Students with Disabilities

3. Millennial Students: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly(Born between 1982 through to today) They tend to: • be the most protected and supervised generation and have lived sheltered & structured lives. • have passionate and nurturing parents and were raised to see themselves as being special (emphasis on self esteem) • be more inclusive and tolerant of religions, ethnicity and sexual orientations (they are the most ethnically diverse generation) • be conventional, rule oriented and accepting of authority (tend to be followers and conformists) • acknowledge and respect positions, titles, and rules (but frequently challenge). • be technologically savvy (self-taught through experimenting and exploring)

4. Millennial Students: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly(Born between 1982 through to today) They tend to: • communicate electronically; they live, learn, and relate through technology (new tribalism) • multi-task well • not learn from failure • have exposure to vast information but go less in-depth. • be as intent on their education as their parents (they have been pushed by adults to study hard and to succeed) • be interdependent on friends, family, teachers, role models • value their interpersonal relationships highly and success in these relationships is primary (high value on peer bonding) • be the most stressed and anxious generation ever

5. Tough Times for Some Students Consider the titles of popular books about college students: • When Fear and Hope Collide • College of the Overwhelmed • Generation on a Tightrope

6. The Data is In!! • CORE Survey • National College Health Assessment II • The Association for University and College Counseling Center Director & National Counseling Center Directors Surveys of 2011

7. Counseling Center Director Surveys of 2011 • Average mental health staff to students was 1:1879 • Over a third of counseling centers reported having a waiting list • 91% reported they believed that the trend of students with severe psychological problems continues to be true on campuses • 40% of the clients treated had severe psychological problems

8. Counseling Center Director Surveys of 2011 Survey Highlights • The average number of students seeking services was 11% with the percentage going down as the size of the institution goes up. • 25% of counseling center student clients were taking psychotropic medications • 16% of clients have suicidal thoughts/behaviors (.6% died from suicide) • Frequency of presenting concerns:

9. The NCHA II Survey - Fall 2011National Results(FGCU Results) • 81% felt exhausted (not from physical activity) (82%) • 74% of students found some aspect of their life being traumatic/very difficult to handle (79%) • 44% reported Academics (53%) • 35% reported Finances (41%) • 31% reported Intimate relationships (36%) • 28% reported Family problems (33%) • 25% reported Sleep difficulties (30%)

10. The NCHA II Survey - Fall 2011National Results(FGCU Results) • 50% felt overwhelming anxiety (52%) • 45% felt hopeless once during the year (49%) • 36% felt overwhelming anger (41%) • 30% reported being “so depressed that it was difficult to function” (32%) • 7% seriously considered suicide (6%) • 5% intentionally injured themselves (6%)

11. What gets in the way of college student success?

12. The NCHA II Survey - Fall 2011National Results(FGCU Results) • Stress- 29% (32%) Sleep Difficulties- 20% (25%) • Anxiety- 20% (23%) Cold/Sore Throat- 15% (20%) • Work- 13% (17%) Concern Family or Friend- 11% (14%) • Relationship Difficulty- 10% (13%) Depression- 12% (12%) • Internet/ Games- 12% (12%) Extracurricular Activities- 10% (7%) ADHD- 5% (6% ) Top Impediments to Academic Performance

13. What about Relationships & Sex National Results(FGCU Results) Violence & Abusive Relationships: • 18% reported receiving a verbal threat (24%) • 10% reported an emotionally abusive intimate relationship (14%) • 9% reported unwanted sexual activity (10%) • Overall one in four college women still report being a victim of unwanted sexual activity Sexual Behavior: • 68% had a sexual partner in the last 12 months (73%)

14. ConfirmingStudy Birth Cohort Increases in Psychopathology Among Young Americans, 1938-2007: A Cross-temporal Meta-analysis of the MMPI • An article written by Twenge, J. M., Gentile, B., DeWall, C. N., Ma, D., Lacefield, K., & Schurtz, D. R. • and published in Clinical Psychology Review, 30, 145-154 (2010). • (Is psychopathology rising in emerging adults?)

15. In plain language: • more students are characterized by unrealistically positive self-appraisal, overactivity, and low self-control. • more students feel isolated and misunderstood. • more students may be described as sensitive and sentimental. • more students are narcissistic, self-centered • general symptoms of anxiety are on the rise. • more students are predicted to experience moodiness, sadness, restlessness, worry, dissatisfaction, and instability.

16. What explains this data? • The extrinsic versus intrinsic model -- linear increase in MMPI scores…each successive generation showed an increase. • This suggests that a shift in American culture toward materialism, individualism, striving for status, unrealistic expectations, and unstable relationships may account for the increase in psychopathology in young people. “At the very least, college campuses now have a larger percentage of students with more serious mental health problems”

17. College Students Drink !! (they also use pot………..)

18. FGCU CORE Survey Comparison

19. FGCU CORE Survey Comparison • The Core Alcohol and Drug Survey was developed to measure alcohol and other drug usage, attitudes, and perceptions among college students at two and four-year institutions. • Development of this survey was funded by the U.S. Department of Education. • The survey includes several types of items about drugs and alcohol. • One type deals with the students' attitudes, perceptions, and opinions about alcohol and other drugs, and the other deals with the students' own use and consequences of use. • There are also several items on students‘ demographic and background characteristics as well as perception of campus climate issues and policy.

20. The NCHA II Survey - Fall 2011 National College Health Assessment National Results(FGCU Results)

21. Student Perceptions of Alcohol Use • 18% makes me sexier • 18% makes men sexier • 27% makes women sexier • 42% makes it easier to deal with stress • 50% facilitates female bonding • 52% facilitates sexual opportunities • 59% facilitates male bonding

22. Student Perceptions of Alcohol Use • 61% facilitates a connection with peers • 63% allows people to have more fun • 68% gives people something to talk about • 74% gives people something to do • 74 % enhances social activity • 75% breaks the Ice

23. Every year over 1,100 college students die!!

24. From suicide: • Second leading cause of death among students • One study found that if you separate accidents from alcohol related deaths…………..it is # 1 • Rate of suicide is 7.5/100,000 • The reason we do suicide awareness and intervention programs for the university community

25. Student Health Services (SHS) Location: Wellness Center SHS is nationally accredited by AAAHC Hours: **8:15 am – 4:45 pm Mon.-Thurs **9:00 am-4:45 pm Fri **Hours subject to change per semester Phone: 590-7966 Service is provided appointment only except in emergencies

26. Health Center Services • All Services Are Confidential • SHS Uses Electronic Health Records • Provides Routine Medical Care • General Physicals • Women’s Health • Vaccinations • Birth Control/ Limited Medications • Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing • After Hours Medical Advice Phone Service • Supplies e.g. (bandages, crutches,condoms)

27. Top Two Diagnostic Reasons Students Seek Health Services • Upper Respiratory Infection • Contraceptive Management

28. Student Health Services Staff and Insurance • Staffed by: • Medical Doctors • Nurse Practitioners • Registered Nurses • Students under age 18, need parental consent to be treated. (forms available) • Student Health Insurance is voluntary through Gallagher Koster Health Plans (available for the year or by semester)not required to receive services at SHS

29. The Student Health CenterA busy place! • Over 14,309 student visits in 2012 (recommend appointments*) • 9570 Female • 3749 Male • Over 45% of the student population visit the health center in a year • For over 77.5% of students the health center is their usual source of care and/or primary care provider while enrolled at FGCU** *Stats for Health Fee **Data Source ACHA Fall 2012 survey results N=405

30. The Student Health CenterA busy place! • One student sample indicated that over 20% of FGCU students do not have health insurance • 95% were satisfied that their confidentiality and privacy were carefully protected when they visit the health center** • 85.4% students report being satisfied with there visit to the center** *Stats for Health Fee **Data Source ACHA Fall 2012 survey results N=40

31. Tips for Parents • If your student is sick, tell them to go to the health center first (its free, accessible and a good first response). • If they are told to take pain relievers, drink fluids, and get plenty of rest, please encourage them to follow.

32. Tips for Parents • Remind them about after hours medical advice phone service. • There will be cost recovery charges for labs and medications. • Ask them if they are keeping up with sleep and dietary needs (FYI - nutritionist services are available at no cost).

33. Prevention and Wellness (PWS) Location: Wellness Center Hours: **9:00am – 5:00pm Mon – Friday **Hours subject to change per semester Phone: 590-7733 Students can walk in to speak with our staff, pick up some free information, ask about resources, inquire about a program or check on upcoming events. Visitors are always welcome!

34. Prevention and Wellness Services (PWS) • Health Education Programming • Alcohol and Drug Education • Peers C.A.R.E (Wellness Peer Education group) • Programming and Guest Speaker Services • Work with Housing, Greeks, Athletics, Student Groups, etc. • Prevention outreach (Gazebo, Cash Cab, Prize Patrol, etc.) • Social Norms campaign • MyStudentBody.com (online for all students and parents)

35. Prevention and Wellness ProgramsTotal number of programs=333 Participants=11,967MSB Accounts Created=2647 • Cookies, Coke and Conversation series (7 week series for freshmen, SV) • Cash Cab (like the TV show, but with wellness questions) • Social Hosting/Alcohol Bystander Workshop (Student Organizations/Greeks) • Tackling Mount Stressmore (stress management) • Sexual Jeopardy (sexual health) • College Chef (nutrition)

36. Prevention and Wellness ProgramsTotal number of programs=333 Participants=11,967MSB Accounts Created=2647 • Party Smart (alcohol) • This is Why I’m Hot (body image) • New Kids on the Block—Is this real life? (diversity) • Don’t’ be a Zombie (sleep tips) • Relationship Red Flag (abusive relationships/dating violence) • Eagles Aware (suicide prevention)

38. MyStudentBody.com Requirement for incoming freshman under 21 • This flyer is in each parent and student bag. • Essentials Course of MSB contains three modules: Alcohol, Drugs and Sexual Violence. Takes 1-3 hours to complete. 70% passing is required. • Please encourage your student to complete this task ASAP to avoid delays with their course registration. Your student will be getting emails (Eagle Mail) with information and instructions. They can also visit the website listed in the flyer. • Students who pass by August 31st are entered to win a FREE iPAD! • MSB or similar programs are a requirement of in-coming freshman at many institutions around the country. Becoming a best-practice in prevention. • There is a Student Center tab that includes other wellness info for students, such as nutrition and stress. • PARENTS!MSB has stuff for you too! Go to https://www.MyStudentBody.comand use school code “eaglesparent” for articles and tips to help parents talk to their students about difficult topics.

39. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)CAPS is Nationally Accredited by IACS Located: Second Floor Howard Hall, Suite 228Hours 8:00 – 6:00 Mon.-Thurs.8:00 - 5:00 FridayPhone: 590-7950Provides 24 hour Emergency Services

40. CAPS Services • Personal Counseling & Therapy • Group Counseling & Therapy • Career Counseling • Psychiatric Services • Consultation • Referral • Case Management • Outreach Programs • Assessment Services (neuropsych testing for LD/ADHD) • After Hours and Emergency On-call (24/7 availability) http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/Counseling/(mental health screening and other electronic resources)

41. CAPS Visits

42. CAPS Visits High Student Satisfaction Ratings from 2006-2011 - for example… • Over 95% agree that they were comfortable using CAPS services, would use them again and would refer others to CAPS • 64% agree that counseling made them better able to focus on academic and study requirements • 62% report that counseling made it possible for them to continue as a student.

43. Top 6 Reasons Students Come to CAPS (2008-2012)

44. When should I be concerned about my student’s mental and emotional health? • Social Withdrawal • Marked change in appearance, self care, hygiene • Excessive self criticism • Tearful calls outnumber the others • Talk of hopelessness

45. When should I be concerned about my student’s mental and emotional health? • Loss of motivation • Excessive fatigue or lethargic mood • Extreme increases in energy, rapid speech and thoughts • Inability to think and concentrate, dramatic change in grades • References to self harm or suicide

46. Parent Tips (developing the supportive partnership) • If your student has had psychological issues that required counseling/therapy and/or psychiatric medication, refer them to CAPS from the start. • Find out if going to college is fulfilling their goals. Are they happy? (monitor don’t over react). • Ask about what they are discovering in terms of a career (it is OK to change). • Ask about how their relationships are going. • Ask them how they are eating and sleeping (seriously!).

47. Parent Tips (developing the supportive partnership) • Ask about the pressure and stress they are feeling. Try to help them see through it and be supportive. • Suggest they go to the CAPS website and take whatever screening they think is relevant to how they feel. • Normalize the idea of seeking help let them know it is not a sign of weakness • Suggest they go see a counselor or therapist in CAPS. They can come just once to consult with a CAPS professional to see what we think or might suggest. • Tell them you understand college students drink, but that you would hope that it does not interfere in their academic or social life or put them or their friends at risk (explain what you mean).

48. Remember the Developmental Issues For Parents: • Competence = trusting your student • Redefining yourself = role change from caretaker to mentor • Separation = mange your anxiety • Intimacy = staying close without being over involved For Students: • Achieving confidence and identity • Separation and independence • Managing emotions and achieving intimacy

49. WELCOMEtoFlorida Gulf Coast University