College Burnout? Find Mental Health Services for Washington University in St. Louis Students

As parents prepare to send their children off to college, there’s plenty to be done—and plenty to worry about. Securing a class schedule, finding a roommate, and move-in day are all concerns that keep parents and students busy.

A college student’s mental health is another matter that worries parents, but most don’t know how to support their child when they’re far from home.

What is Mental Health and Why Does it Matter to College Students?

According to MentalHealth.Gov, mental health “includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.” Our mental state involves our thoughts and feelings, and it also impacts how we act and interact in our physical lives. Most of us experience mental health problems at some point in our lives, whether you’re a senior adult or a young child. 

There are no direct causes of mental illnesses, but several factors contribute to a person’s quality of mental health:

• Genetics
• Brain chemistry
• Trauma or abuse
• Family history
• Environmental toxins

Our mental health affects more than our thought patterns and mood. It also impacts your behaviors and your physical health at large. When one aspect of your health is suffering, you can expect your entire wellbeing to decline.

Mental health conditions contribute to physical health issues, lower quality of life, and higher death rates. For college students at Washington University in St. Louis, poor mental health means that they can’t get the most out of their college experience. 

The good news is, there is hope and healing for college students experiencing a mental illness.

Types of Mental Illnesses that Affect College Students

Mental health has been regarded with a negative stigma for years. Only recently have doctors and society at large begun to recognize and diagnose mental health disorders as true medical conditions. 

There are many types of mental illnesses that college students may suffer with:

• Addiction and substance abuse
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Suicidal thoughts
• Self-harm
• Sleep disorders
• Schizophrenia

Mental illness is a complex issue and one-size-fits-all. College students at Washington University in St. Louis may suffer from other mental illnesses or a variety of the mental illnesses listed above. 

Symptoms of Mental Illness

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if a college student is dealing with a mental illness or just having a bad day. For example, a college student may feel upset and discouraged after receiving a bad test grade, or stressed before an upcoming test. Negative emotions and thoughts are normal. 

However, when negative thought patterns and emotions occur repeatedly and affect other areas of a person’s life, they’re likely suffering from a mental illness. 

Below are some symptoms of mental illnesses to look out for:

• Loss of energy 
• Feeling hopeless
• Eating too much or too little
• Feeling numb
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Isolating yourself from others
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide 
• Being unable to perform normal daily tasks
• Intrusive thoughts
• Mood swings 
• Emotional outbursts
• Feeling confused, on edge, or jumpy 
• Achy joints

If you or a loved one develops symptoms of mental illness, don’t wait to start getting the help, attention, and care needed to begin healing and recovering. 

More Information about Mental Illnesses in College Students

Unfortunately, mental illness rates among college students are on the rise. For most students, college serves as a pivotal season of life in developing one’s career, relationships, and core values. Washington University in St. Louis is a prestigious institution and many students might feel stress living up to the academic standards. It also may be the first time they’ve been without parental support for an extended period of time. 

College involves an intense period of classes, exams, studying, extracurricular activities, and social groups. This balancing act often results in higher levels of stress and anxiety.

Mental illness rates are on the rise on college campuses. In a recent study conducted by Healthy Minds Network, depression and anxiety rates increased over 100 percent in college students from 2013 to 2021. 

These rates are staggering, and it’s easy to see why parents are concerned about sending their children off to college. 

Finding Mental Health Support in College

Parents want their children to get the best out of their college and experience and thrive during this unique and pivotal time in their lives. The good news is, there are many mental health services in St. Louis and resources for college students to get the help they need.

First, it’s important to find a quality mental health counselor for your student. Many college campuses offer an in-school counselor for students. However, because mental illness is such a prevalent issue among college students, we recommend going the extra step.

Link Primary Care offers a complete health package for college students—including basic mental health services in St. Louis. We provide our student patients with 24/7 access to comprehensive care for their physical and mental health needs. For a college student struggling with anxiety or depression, the help they need is just a few clicks away! Parents can rest assured that their college students have easy access to a trusted doctor. 

There are other ways for college students to take care of their mental health. Organization and time management can help cut down on added stress from an elevated class load. Healthy coping techniques, such as meditation or journaling, are utilized by mental health counselors to help students manage stress and anxiety. Also, it’s important for college students to be getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising to feel their best. A healthy support system is crucial for promoting positive mental health, and college is one of the best places to build one.

Affordable Mental Health Services in St. Louis

For students attending college in the St. Louis area, Link Primary Care provides comprehensive physical and basic mental health services in St. Louis. Our concierge model ensures that your child is getting the best healthcare so that they can feel their best and reach their full potential while attending college.

In addition to providing affordable physical health services—such as annual physicals and concierge appointments—we provide basic mental health services for St. Louis students. While your college student is attending their home away from home, rest assured that their physical and mental health are in good hands. Get set up today by scheduling your free 15-minute consultation call.