Anthony Guerrero
The Paw Print
College students are among some of the most highly stressed individuals in our society. They are constantly under pressure to meet deadlines and live up to family expectations, as well as balancing friendships and romantic relationships. They also, unfortunately, must sometimes endure unethical professors, administrators, and counselors. With all these factors taking their toll on the average 19-22 year old, the stress can eventually lead up to serious mental health issues.
College students are among the highest demographic for experiences with depression, suicide, and general anxiety disorders. Fortunately, there are warning signs, and plenty of treatment options for the proactive individual to use if they find themselves struggling with any of these issues.
However, many individuals can also enter this state because of a chemical imbalance in the brain. There are also separate issues that can contribute to igniting depression such as hyperthyroidism, a condition in which individuals might show the same signs as depression or anxiety, but are experiencing this because of a physical impairment rather than a mental disorder.
To rule out the different causes, a trip to your doctor is the first step along with simple blood tests to rule out any physical illness. Once a diagnosis has been made, the best treatment option for the individual will be decided. Treatments may range from psychotherapy, to changes in lifestyle, diet, and exercise, or treatment with anti-depressants.
There is no shame in seeking treatment or being on an anti-depressant. Many individuals experience such a disorder in their life, and many are treated and then live active, happy, fulfilled, productive lives. However, caution should be used in those under the age of 24. There is a significant amount of research that shows a correlation between suicide and the use of anti-depressants. Usually, the benefit of using an anti-depressant significantly outweighs any risks associated with their use. Only a patient and their doctor can make a decision about what is best for them.
Anxiety is another common disorder that affects college students. With the high stress levels involved in college life this is not that unordinary. Symptoms include a sense of panic, hyperventilation, elevated heart rhythms, heart palpitations, sweating, hot flashes and more. Though not necessarily serious, the feeling can become overwhelming and very troublesome to the patient.
Treatment options range from the patient simply dealing with it until the feeling pass, to treatment with anti-anxiety medications, such as Xanax, or in some cases doctors prescribe anti-depressants, to treatment with heart and blood pressure medications. Simple breathing exercises can also help in dealing with feelings of anxiety, such as breathing in through the diaphragm, then exhaling, repeating 2-4 times, then proceeding to breathe normally.
If you are experiencing any of the mentioned feelings of anxiety and or depression speak with a health care professional immediately. If suicidal, immediately visit the emergency room or local mental health center. There is no reason to be ashamed about seeking help.
For more information about this visit http://www.onlinecolleges.net/for-students/mental-health-resources/
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