College is a time of change and excitement, but for many students this life transition can trigger mental health problems that can often become overwhelming. According to recent research, college students are coming forth with more mental health problems than they did a decade ago.

A 2003 study of Kansas State University’s counseling center found the number of students seen each year with depression doubled, while the number of suicidal students tripled over a 13 year period. And, a 2003 National Survey of Counseling Center Directors found more than 80 percent of colleges report they are seeing more students with serious psychological problems than they were five years ago.

In an effort to help with the challenges of this time, the National Mental Health Association’s “mpower: musicians for mental health” youth awareness campaign and NMHA’s 340 affiliates, are distributing free materials for college students, parents and campus counseling and health services encouraging young adults to be mindful of their mental health.

“College can be a stressful transition for young adults, especially incoming freshman” said Michael Faenza, MSW, president and CEO of NMHA. “If stress or feelings of uncertainty become unmanageable, students should talk about their concerns with someone they trust or contact the campus health center, college counseling service or a mental health professional.”

mpower’s free materials for college students, parents and campus counseling and health services include:

• Fact sheets on adjusting to school, oxycontin abuse, depression and alcohol use
  
• Activity planner designed to help college organizers promote mental health on campus
  
• mpower: musicians for mental health public service announcements for college radio
  
• How to put on a concert to raise awareness of mental health issues
  
• Summary of NMHA’s “Safeguarding Your Students Against Suicide” report.

For copies or for more information, call the National Mental Health Association at (800) 969-NMHA (6642), or visit www.mpoweryouth.org.

“mpower: musicians for mental health” is a youth awareness campaign sponsored by the National Mental Health Association that works with musicians to change youth attitudes about mental health and fight the stigma facing the 1 in 5 youth with mental health problems.

The National Mental Health Association is the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research, and service.

Source: National Mental Health Association