Table of contents:
- A variety of the most common mental problems of college kids
- 1. Depression
- 2. Anxiety disorders
- 3. Eating disorders
- 4. Hurting yourself
- 5. Alcohol and drug abuse
- 6. Insomnia
- 7. ADHD
The world of lectures is a transitional period that requires someone to start living independently and to be able to manage everything by themselves, especially if they have to live far from their parents. The severe stress received during this time, both in terms of academic and social demands, can affect a student's mental well-being. Quoted from Everyday Health, research shows that 27 percent of college children have mental problems. What are some of the most common mental problems of college kids?
A variety of the most common mental problems of college kids
1. Depression
According to the American Psychological Association, depression among college kids has increased by as much as 10 percent over the past 10 years. Depression that is left untreated can put you at risk of suicide. In America, suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students. There are more than a thousand suicides committed by students each year.
Not only in America, there are also quite a lot of suicides committed by Indonesian students. One of them was done by a student from Bandung who ended his life because he was pressured by college assignments.
Therefore, the way to prevent depression that can be done is to always discuss various personal problems and lectures with friends you trust. This is done so that you don't feel alone and can exchange ideas when problems arise.
2. Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are excessive anxiety experienced by a person with an intensity that is quite frequent so that it often interferes with daily activities. There are several types of anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobia to certain things, and general anxiety disorder. One of the symptoms of serious anxiety disorder is extreme stress and excessive worry, which can interfere with your ability to function normally.
Research shows that about 75 percent of people with anxiety disorders generally show a variety of symptoms before they are 22 years old. Even a recent study conducted on college students in America stated that 80 percent of students stated that they were often stressed and 13 percent had been diagnosed with mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders.
If you experience various symptoms of anxiety disorders such as restlessness, increased heart rate, trembling, and difficulty controlling fear and anxiety, then immediately go to the campus health center. You can also immediately consult your parents to be able to go to a therapist if needed.
3. Eating disorders
Various eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating (uncontrolled eating) is a common mental illness in college children. Generally, the stress of being in a pile of tasks and staying away from your parents can trigger symptoms of an eating disorder.
A survey conducted by the National Eating Disorders Screening Program found that about 62 percent of women in college have an abnormal diet that can be a trigger for eating disorders.
For this reason, if you feel you have an abnormal eating pattern such as eating a lot but you vomit again or don't want to eat because you feel guilty if you eat a lot or eat a lot and are out of control, then ask the help of those closest to you to be able to monitor and control you.
4. Hurting yourself
The behavior of hurting and injuring yourself in some parts of the body that is not visible is generally behavior that is carried out in response to enormous stress and pressure. Cutting your arms with a razor, hitting your head, and deliberately not eating are ways to divert your mind from things that are stressful and traumatic.
Although some people are aware that their actions are self-injurious and wrong, many also do not realize that self-harm is not the best way to manage the emotions they are feeling.
A survey by Cornell and Princeton University researchers found that about 20 percent of female students and 14 percent of college students had done self-harm. Unfortunately, only less than 7 percent asked for help from those closest to them.
Therefore, if you start thinking about hurting yourself, then try to seek help from your closest friends and parents. Don't let these negative thoughts control you to the point of hurting yourself.
5. Alcohol and drug abuse
Alcohol is one of the substances most frequently abused by students. The abuse of alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription drugs (tranquilizers) is a major problem that ultimately contributes to accidents and sexual harassment among college students.
Excessive pressure on the world of lectures can cause students to vent themselves on things that make them temporarily calm such as alcohol and drugs.
6. Insomnia
Although it is not a mental illness, insomnia can be a symptom of various mental problems such as depression and anxiety disorders. Insomnia can also be a serious physical problem if done continuously.
Studying and doing assignments until midnight, getting up early to attend class, and the myriad of activities in the organization can leave students experiencing insomnia and lack of sleep. To overcome this, you need to have fairly strict sleep rules and avoid various stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine.
7. ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that occurs in the brain, characterized by inattention and / or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interfere with brain function and development. Generally, this condition will appear before the lecture period.
However, many people can hide or control their symptoms in middle schools. Now, during college the demands and pressure will increase, so that the symptoms of ADHD will be more difficult to control. Therefore, research proves that about 4 to 5 percent of students are estimated to experience learning disabilities.
These various mental illnesses need to be treated immediately at the beginning of their appearance. The reason is, the severity of the condition will not only interfere with academic achievement but also have a prolonged negative impact on mental health.