As the fall semester begins, so does anxiety and stress for most students. Pressure for success, learning individuality, balancing work and social lives and moving from home have led mental illness to rise as a topic of concern for young adults. The U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health found that 11.9% of college students suffer from a type of anxiety disorder and that suicide is the third foremost cause of death amongst young adults.
“We’re seeing an increase in acuity in anxiety and depression nationwide in college students. Some students are reaching clinically diagnosable levels of depression and anxiety,” said Chris Anderson, the director for Student Wellness at St. Bonaventure University. “It’s common for all of us to be down or anxious at times. But it’s not healthy if those levels interfere with daily functioning and don’t improve with time.”
September was National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is currently the second most common cause of death among college students. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death in the world for people aged 15 to 24, with someone committing suicide about every 40 seconds.
“There can be a variety of warning signs including isolation and withdrawing from normal routines. A person may actually talk about it,” said Anderson. “There are some other clinical indicators that we look for as mental health professionals.”
Although there is no perfect formula to follow, it is important to discuss such serious issues.
“It’s a myth that by asking if someone’s suicidal that it will plant the idea in their heads. That’s entirely not true. When people reach a level of despair that is very deep, they likely have already thought about it,” said Anderson. “So, asking isn’t a bad thing. As a matter of fact, asking in a sensitive and caring way offers the person a bridge or a gate into getting them the help they may need.”
Acknowledging that these emotions exist comforts people who need help. Talking in a thoughtful way can help save the life of a fellow student.
When feeling sad, anxious or just down in the dumps, there are many ways to combat such feelings.
“Taking care of yourself, not procrastinating, having one or two very close, trusted friends and knowing and utilizing what support services are available on, as well as off, campus are all good coping strategies,” said Anderson. “Using a time planner to schedule in meetings, classes, due dates is incredibly useful for coping with stress. Keeping in touch with friends and loved ones at home is also very useful. Don’t forget to pray, meditate or otherwise do things to help clear and quiet your mind.”
For people on campus who are suffering, there are places one can go for support or help.
“A person who’s feeling suicidal should feel very welcome to call our office at 716-375-2334 during working hours. They may also come right over to our office in Doyle 122. They also need to know that their RAs and RDs have been trained to give support and help them get to the help they need. Safety and Security in Robinson Hall will help connect them with someone who can help,” said Anderson. “They can also contact a Minister in Residence, speak with a friar or they can also come right up to the Student Affairs Hall and speak with any of the office personnel there, including the VP of Student Affairs, associate director of Residence Life or any of the administrative staff up there. The great folks at the Student Success Center and also in the HEOP department can also help them get connected with one of the staff here at the CSW,” said Anderson.
Work hours for the Wellness Center are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
“There’s also the TextLine. Someone can simply text ‘hello’ or ‘help’ to 741741 and a trained responder will text with them and connect them with help. They can also contact the national hotline at 1-800-273-TALK,” said Anderson.
By Kathy Williams, Contributing Writer
williakp18@bonaventure.edu
