Anxiety, stress and depression among college students are increasing.
The University of Missouri-Columbia reported students seeking mental health services during the last five weeks increased 35 percent over last year's numbers.
"People come in here maybe quite depressed, maybe they're really struggling with anxiety," said David Wallace, director of the university's counseling center, "but that's not something just in isolation. It has context, and that context is life."
Reducing the stress of student life is unrealistic, and many of these anxieties affect students before they go off to college.
Students' academic, athletic and artistic achievements continually are measured, and high school students face weighty decisions about pursuing additional education or careers.
After high school, diverging paths may separate friends and complicate relationships. And college brings additional concerns about career paths and student debt.
Wallace advocates increasing university mental health services to address demand. "If we're really interested in our students we need to be taking care of the whole person," he said, "not just physical, academic and career needs but their mental health needs as well."
We agree, but we also encourage high school students to avail themselves of strategies offered by school counselors.
Mary Flowers, a counselor at Helias Catholic High School, offers these suggestions for reducing stress and anxiety.
• Maintain moderate exercise, proper diet and quality sleep time.
• Treat yourself to relaxing, quiet moments through journaling, deep breathing, prayer, etc.
• Organize and prepare for the day or for an upcoming event.
• Share your concerns with a trusted parent, adviser or friend.
Life, including student life, is stressful.
But strategies to handle stress are available if students seek and practice them.