Typical student or early signs of serious mental trouble?

Recently, we’ve been hearing a lot about “college students flooding the mental health centers” and new clinics popping up near campuses designed to help students cope with anxiety, depression, and related disorders.  According to WSJ,* 17% of college students are diagnosed with or treated for anxiety last year, and as of this Spring, 13.9% were diagnosed and treated for depression.  This is up more than 10% for both disorders.  

While these numbers are alarming, when it comes to your own child, what should you know?Sometimes, it is difficult to decipher whether your student is showing initial signs of serious mental trouble, or he/she is now more comfortable asking for help to cope with the stress of competitive learning environment.  It is especially difficult when you are unable to see the day-to-day episodes of the mental breakdowns.

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Psychological “First Aid Kit” – What’s included?

When a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s natural to feel confused and helpless. Throughout your life, many of us learn how to give first aid in an emergency for all types of situations…. except for those involving mental calamities.  Yet, many of us find ourselves in a situation where help is clearly and eminently required, and you have no idea where to start or who to call.  Here are a few tips and tools that should be included in your psychological ‘first aid kit’…

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World Mental Health Day – October 10

Today marks World Mental Health Day, which aims to raise public awareness around mental health issues and the importance of mental wellbeing.   World Health Organization (WHO) declared the theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day –  “psychological first aid”.  

Psychological first aid includes support that ensures anyone in acute distress to receive basic support including health, mental health, and social support.  It’s a good reminder for all of us to remember, one out of four of us experience psychiatric problems, and that mental crisis requires a first aid as would any physical injury.  

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