Mental Health Matters
Special Report Mental Health Matters
Mental Health has become a critical issue on college campuses. Here at BU, Behavioral Medicine clinicians report that the number of students in crisis coming in for help has increased sharply—from 647 in the 2014–2015 academic year to 906 last year. And the number of students needing medical transports for psychiatric evaluation has also risen, from 120 in the 2014–2015 academic year to 134 last year. In light of this alarming trend, BU Today examines the state of mental health both nationally and at BU in this special three-part series. It includes recommendations for dealing with stress and anxiety and information on the many campus resources that provide help and support.”
In this series
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Chapter 1 Mental Health Matters: A Growing Challenge
Two years ago SAR student Jon suddenly experienced recurring symptoms similar to a heart attack. He was told at a hospital that nothing was wrong. His family doctor diagnosed a panic attack. Stunned, he made an appointment with Behavioral Medicine. Across the country, college counseling centers and mental health clinics report record numbers of students seeking help for such issues as anxiety and depression.
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Chapter 2 Mental Health Matters: Anxiety and Depression
BU mental health clinicians were not surprised by a Penn State study, released last spring to national headlines, finding that anxiety had surpassed depression as the leading mental health issue in college students. Depression and anxiety are two sides of the same coin, and both are treatable with therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication when indicated.
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Chapter 3 Mental Health Matters: Getting Help, Helping Yourself
Anxiety and depression are treatable, and at BU, help is close by. Even so, many students suffer in silence. But those who’ve sought help want others to know that things do get easier with help, that going to a mental health professional isn’t a reflection of a personal failing, and that they are not alone.