Students and Mental Health (College Student Grief Awareness Day)
April 20, 2023 is National College Student Grief Awareness Day. In 2022, 77% of college students experienced moderate to severe psychological distress. What’s the connection between students and mental health decline? Geo Psychological Testing explains this mental health epidemic:
The financial burden of tuition and student loans
College can be the best four years of one’s life — but the expenses that come with campus life can be burdensome. From tuition and textbooks to housing and meal plans, the expenses add up. Students who receive little to no financial aid may have to work while in school or take out thousands of dollars worth of student loans.
The financial burden of higher education causes students a lot of stress and anxiety, especially if they’re uncertain how they’re going to pay for it all. College expenses are a huge factor in the poor mental health of students.
The pressures of academic performance
Students are told that college can make or break their future — to get a good job upon graduating, they must get good grades and gain experience through internships while studying. There is a lot of pressure for students to perform well academically, and this has been ingrained in them from a young age.
With the opinions of professors, parents, and future employers weighing heavily on their shoulders, it’s no wonder the majority of college students have struggled with their mental health.
Uncertainty about identity and the future
At 18, students are expected to decide what they want to do for the rest of their lives. They’re told to pick a degree program and career path that will sustain them until they’re able to retire. For some, this is an easy choice. However, not everyone is ready to make such big decisions at 18. Many students are still on a path of self-discovery.
The prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that controls impulse control, reasoning, and problem-solving—is not fully developed until the age of 25. That means college freshmen aren’t even fully developed when they’re asked to make a huge—and costly—life decision. With so much growth to be had and their future on the line, it’s no wonder college students often struggle with depression and anxiety.
Dr. Hirshenbaum has over 10 years of experience doing psychological testing. Her psychological process is very thorough and comprehensive. She utilizes the gold standard assessment tools to get more information about all areas of concern. Interested in learning more? Contact Geo Psychological Testing today!
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