Students
Successfully Coping with Mental Illness on College Campuses
By
Aug 11, 2007 - 2:20:50 PM

Successfully Coping with Mental Illness on College Campuses

Rutgers psychological counseling center offers tips, hope


(HealthNewsDigest.com) - New Brunswick, N.J. – According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, daily functioning and ability to relate to others. Mental illness often results in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.

According to Mark Forest, associate director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Rutgers, a mental illness diagnosis does not mean a student’s life will result in devastation. “Many students can function very well with support in the form of counseling or, if needed, medication,” Forest said. “Research has shown that up to 37 percent of people ages 15 to 24 have a diagnosable mental illness.”

Rutgers-New Brunswick has a centralized counseling center where students from any campus can receive services at any of the five counseling sites. Extensive services are provided, including short-term individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, intake assessment, referrals, psychiatric support and assistance to address substance abuse. In addition to CAPS, other sources on campus for counseling include Sexual Assault Services and Crime Victim Assistance and a student-run chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

There are several signs that indicate when a student may be battling with mental illness.

Students, faculty and parents should be aware of the following indicators of someone experiencing mental illness:

Marked changes in academic performance or behavior
Uncharacteristically poor performance and preparation
Excessive absences or tardiness
Repeated requests for special consideration, especially when this represents a change from previous functioning
Avoiding or dominating discussions
Excessively anxious when called upon
Disruptive classroom behavior
Intense emotion or inappropriate responses
Behavioral or interpersonal problems
Asking instructor for help with personal problems
Complaints from other students
Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
Tearfulness
Irritability or angry outbursts
Problems with roommate or family
Change in personal hygiene or dress
Dramatic weight loss or gain
Disjointed thoughts
References to suicide, homicide or death
Expressed thoughts of helplessness or hopelessness
Overt references to suicide
Isolation from friends or family
References to suicide or homicide in verbal statements or writing

www.rutgers.edu

www.HealthNewsDigest.com

© Copyright by HealthNewsDigest.com