Mental Health Issues Affecting Today’s Students

1. Bridget Scott Hagood, Psy.D., HSPP Staff Psychologist Mental Health Issues Affecting Today’s Students Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) IU Health Center, 4th Floor www.healthcenter.indiana.edu 855-5711

2. Overview • Impact of mental health difficulties on academic performance • General mental health issues in college students • Factors contributing to trend of increasingly severe psychological problems in students • Signs of Distress; How to Talk to a Student; How to Make a Referral/seek consultation from CAPS

3. Trends across the country • Increasing numbers of students entering college with severe psychological problems. • 19% of students diagnosed or treated for a mental health condition within the past 12 mos.* • 34% prescribed psychiatric mediation at some time in their life** • *ACHA/NCHA II, (American College Health Association/National College Health Assessment) Spring 2010 • ** CSCMH (Center for the Study of Collegiate Mental Health, 2009

4. Over the last 12 mos., student reported that the following impacted academic performance * From ACHA/NCHA II, Spring 2010

5. 5% of students prematurely end education due to mental health condition • Mental health problems have negative impact on academic performance, retention and graduation rates • Common symptoms of depression = Difficulty with concentration, motivation, energy, memory, decision making, less interest & enjoyment in normal activities • Higher psychological distress = • higher test anxiety • lower self-efficacy • less effective time management / use of study resources • Less likely to persist when faced with challenge • Less likely to seek academic assistance

6. Depression and Anxiety • At CAPS 1/3 of our clients are seen for depression, 1/3 for anxiety and stress • CAPS sees 3,000 students (15,000 visits) each year • From ACHA/NCHA II, Spring 2010

7. Violent Behavior • Wake of campus shootings • With increasing urgency, college administrators and staff are dealing with students who are threatening/ intimidating in class or on campus. • Still, extreme violent behavior it is quite rare. • Best predictor of violent behavior is past behaviors. • You are part of a larger community, don’t hesitate to consult. Ask for help if you feel concerned. • Notify Dean of Students Office if in doubt.

8. Violent Behavior • People with mental health conditions are more likely to be victims than perpetrators of violence. CAPs client responses over past three years

9. Today’s students • Economic Climate / Financial stressors • Role of psychiatric medications/treatment in helping students come to college • Increasingly diverse; international students; veteran students • Decreasing stigma associated with therapy • Increasing parental involvement • Cell phone or eternal umbilicus?

10. Identifying students in distress • Change in classroom functioning • Unusual patterns of interacting • Falling asleep in class • New or repeated behavior that pushes decorum • Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses • Appears depressed, lethargic • Weight loss / gain • Writing or speaking in odd, disorganized, tangential manner

11. Talking to Students in Distress • Step 1: Choose the time and place • Step 2: Express your concern using the signs you observe • Step 3: Listen and Show Empathy • Step 4: Ask Questions • Step 5: Make a Referral Avoid judging, arguing, debating, or criticizing.

12. CAPS Services • Mon. – Fri., 8am-5pm. • Counseling (individual, couples & group) and medication • Free workshops: e.g. self-esteem, mindfulness, procrastination • Appointments: 855-5711 • Meet with counselor for an assessment • Recommend counseling and/or medication, testing, or referred elsewhere • Emergency services: • Walk-in, Mon.– Fri., 8am-4:30pm • 24-hour phone crisis service: 855-5711 • Staff: variety • Cost: 2 free each semester; $20 for additional sessions; Sexual Assault Services are free

13. Eating Disorders • these are high numbers but only 1% report purging to control weight • Because these students are at higher risk of developing full blown ED, early detection, prevention and psychoeducation may be particularly important at this time in development • COPE – Coalition for Problem Eating/Exercise

14. Substance Use • Students believe others use substances at much higher frequency than in actuality • 34.2% first year students report having 5 or more drinks in a row in past two weeks (binge drinking) • 65% of students report having used alcohol in past 30 days BUT believed 94% used in past 30days * • Psycho-education is very effective intervention • Increasing abuse of ADD/ADHD medications • 7% of students reported using stimulants which were not prescribed to them (8% male; 6.4% female)* • Most often, people prescribed stimulants have given to someone else * From ACHA/NCHA, Spring 2010

15. Veteran Students • 30% report experiencing military-based traumatic event associated with ongoing chronic symptoms • Can often feel isolated, misunderstood, alone both among peers and family • Less likely to make use of mental health services • Tendency to minimize symptoms due to stigma and shame associated of mental health difficulties • Suicide - In 90s, 10 times more military personnel committed suicide than died by hostile fire’ (rates seem to be declining) • Veteran Support Services