In 2003, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, published the results of a study involving over 13,000 college students on mental health related problems over a thirteen year period of time.
The results of this survey were not only significant, but the findings indicated that the increases in college student depression, college suicidal thoughts and college sexual assault counseling were dramatic.
The number of college students seen each year with depression doubled. During the same time period, the number of suicidal students tripled and the number of students seen after a sexual assault quadrupled.
Since the early 2000’s, college students across the nation consistently report college stress and anxiety problems on a more frequent basis than relationship problems. With the dramatic increases seen in the number of students seeking help for depression and suicidal thoughts, do parents and educators need to begin asking why this trend is growing at this alarming rate?
Stressed Out Middle School & High School Students
Is Stress & Depression Brought on Before College?
In 2007, one of the largest middle and high school school climate surveys took place in the state of Minnesota. The Minnesota Student Survey involved over 49,000 6th graders, over 50,000 9th graders and over 36,000 12th graders. Some of the survey questions involved asking the students their mental health and stress related concerns.
When the students were asked if they had any mental or emotional health problems that has lasted 12 months, approximately 13% of the 6th graders, 15% of the 9th graders and 12% of the 12th graders responded “yes.” Ten percent of senior high school girls reported that they have been treated for mental or emotional health problems.
Close to 30% of all 12th graders reported that they have trouble sleeping. Over 50% of male and 60% female seniors report that they feel quite a bit of stress or pressure in their lives. The most concerning statistic in this study found that 13% of the same males and 16% of the same females reported that they contemplated suicide during their junior or senior year. Except for suicide, almost all the fore mentioned statistics increased 5%-10% since the 2004 survey!
What Can Parents & Teachers Do To Help Students Reduce Stress
Help students prioritize their goals: Students need help setting and prioritizing their goals.
- The survival skills of eating appropraitely, getting at least eight hours of sleep and practicing safe conduct and behaviors should become a goal at the top of each student’s list. Poor eating habits, a lack of sleep and participating in risky behaviors can lead to stress.
- Family and student mentor time needs to come second. Too many students go unsupervised and need appropraite mentoring from knowledgable and caring adults. The average American student speaks with a parent, on average, eight minutes or less per day. Research indicates that student who come into contact (communicate) with adults on a regular basis tend to have less stress in their lives.
- Students need to set goals that include a balance between their academics (school/homework time) with school or outside school activities and friends. Too much or not enough of academics, activities and social time can cause stress.
Help Students to Set Time Limits: Students trying to accomplish too much in one day are at risk for anxiety and stress. It not uncommon to see students in stress striving to excel in school, sports, plays and drama, clubs, student council, church activities, musical lessons all in one day. This high stress “go get ‘em” life style may not only lead to anxiety and stress, but depression and exhaustion. This is why it’s important for our students to set appropriate limits.
If you have specific questions regarding your student’s stress levels, contact the Parenting Counselor today.
my friendz dnt knw hw i feel. i always act cul n calm. n im always gvn thm support n motivatn thm wn wr stresd. truth is, im dyn insyd an i cnt tke it animre
Hi Candi:
Thanks for your comment. Your friend are there for you too. By sharing your feelings and stress with them, you will not only be helping yourself, but you will be helping them too. I also want you to do this:
If you are on a college campus, I want you to consider speaking to a campus counselor. That’s why they are there! Some colleges have faith based (church) counselors on campus. Your college Student Union will tell you where they are located.
You can also click on the “Life Save Tube” or “Parenting Counselor” and I will provide you with more ideas!
Take Care Of Yourself!
Scott
ScottCounseling.com
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