January 3, 2024
Focus on Student Mental Health
The American Psychological Association found that more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health program based on its Healthy Mind survey, which included the University of Utah.
And earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called for action to address what he described as an “epidemic of loneliness.” Loneliness, isolation and lack of social connection is a public health crisis, he said, experienced by about half the adults in the U.S., with impacts on physical and mental health. This is especially true among college-age people, the report said.
Such findings are no surprise to the experts on the U campus.
Focus on Student Mental Health, a five-part podcast series, looks at the most common mental health challenges for college students, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationships and social connections. It also provides information about effective strategies and resources available for students, from individual counseling to skills workshops and where to turn for help in a crisis.
“We have known for a while that students have been dealing with increased mental health challenges and this certainly was the case pre-pandemic and it continues to be the case,” Scott McAward, executive director of the University Counseling Center, said in a U Rising interview. “Although the physical isolation that came with the pandemic has in most ways resolved, there are certainly lingering effects. The idea of students’ sense of belonging or more importantly, lack of, remains a significant piece of our students’ experience. On that same healthy mind survey, over 60% reported feeling isolated from others often or some of the time.”
The series was produced in collaboration with TheScopeRadio.com, Student Affairs and the University Counseling Center.
“In Student Affairs, we recognize the profound impact unaddressed mental health needs can have on students’ academic success,” said Sherra’ Watkins, associate vice president of student health and wellness. ” This partnership has provided us the opportunity to amplify expert advice from mental health professionals and provide our students with valuable information and resources, enhancing both their overall well-being and academic journey at the U.”
Listen to the Podcast. To support mental health for students and people throughout Utah, visit the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation.
