College Campus Blues

Parents of children away at college definitely do not need anything else to worry about, however, that does not mean that they won't get something. A new study shows that a growing number of students are reporting or exhibiting symptoms of mental illness. This number could be attributed to increased stress levels due to admissions/academics, or simply because universities are being forced (because of litigation regarding suicides and the like) to pay more attention to the mental health of their students. It is estimated that more than 1100 college students commit suicide each year. In the 2003-2004 school year at NYU, four students fell to their deaths off of the roofs of buildings. As alarming as that is, the problem is also more subtle. It is reported that thirty percent of students believe that they are suffering for anxiety disorder or depression. Also, 40% of students reported feeling so depressed that it made it diffucult to function at least once a year. Something has to be done about the enormous amount of pressure that is put on college students. Every year, students are expected to be able to handle more and more work and meet more and more deadlines. While I am by no means encouraging complacency, I think that students should not ever feel so overwhelmed by school that it makes it difficult to function. If a student cannot function, how can they learn and effectively live up to their potential--that is still the goal of college, correct?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5626585/site/newsweek/