Why Are So Many Young Adults Struggling With Mental Health Issues Today?

Mental health is a major concern on college campuses today. According to the American Psychological Association, more than one-third of first-year college students are impacted. Even though schools have made serious investments in mental health resources, colleges are still unable to handle the surge of mental health services needed.

The American Freshman annual survey from 2012 found the fewest numbers of freshmen describing themselves as emotionally healthy, and that women reporting this was at its highest point, 40.5%, since the question was first asked in 1985, at which time the levels were less than half the current numbers.

Anxiety and depression continue to be the most common self-reported conditions, but other common issues include stress, eating disorders, ADHD, personality disorders, mood disorders, sleep issues, gaming addictions, and substance abuse.

What is causing this rapid influx of anxiety, depression, and more?

Researchers are trying to understand what’s behind this crisis, but there isn’t a simple answer.

While every student is unique, studies have reported that some factors causing young adults to suffer from mental health issues can be many factors. For example, genetics and family-of-origin patterns predispose many to mental health disorders more than others; however, the world we live in, as well as technology, can also influence our mood, deeper psychology, fears, and negative coping behaviors.

With the ever-growing statistics of young people needing mental health counseling, colleges are less equipped to handle the influx of students seeking help. Unfortunately, most universities say they are overwhelmed by the increase in students asking for help. As colleges try to meet the growing demand, some students are slipping through the cracks due to long waits for treatment and a lasting stigma associated with mental health issues. Even if students ask for and receive help, not all cases can be treated on campus.

That’s perhaps why, for many students, mental health issues creep up for the first time when they start college. (The average age of onset for many mental health issues, including depression and bipolar disorder, is the early 20s.)

The subject of mental health issues is a growing concern among parents, professors, and college counselors. What is the best way to help?

An Alternative to Treatment on College Campuses

The Arise Society is a transitional living, supportive therapeutic college environment. College students – who have not been succeeding academically or are too overwhelmed with the everyday college life – come to us for a limited period of time.

We are located in the center of Utah, adjacent to Utah Valley University’s campus. Our beautiful state offers a safe environment with an abundance of outdoor activities. From hiking and swimming in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Utah’s natural beauty creates exciting experiences, while promoting feelings of tranquility throughout every season.

Our team of trained professionals helps guide students to get back on track with personalized therapeutic support, academic support, and social support. Our participants come from colleges around the country to seek treatment, to gain experiences to cope in the real world, to have access to a mentor 24/7, and get academic support while they attend UVU. After completion of our program, our students can transfer back into their previous college to graduate.

The number of students needing help may be higher than ever, but young adults who come to The Arise Society can get better, regain a sense of confidence, independence, and health as they move forward in life.

The Arise Society helps young adults that are struggling with anxiety, depression, gaming or other motivational issues. We provide personalized academic, therapeutic, and social support in a “real life” setting that gives our students the skills to reach their fullest potential.