More U of M students reporting mental health conditions, especially women

Results from a new survey at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities show a rising number of students reporting mental health conditions. The numbers are more staggering for female students. 

Almost 2,500 graduate and undergraduate U of M students responded to the survey, directed by Boynton health. The survey is conducted every three years. 

“If we really want students to succeed in their academics, we have to have the adequate resources to address that. And that shouldn't just be clinical services, that's kind of the traditional approach. It really needs to be a broad public health approach,” said Dr. Gary Christenson, Chief Medical Officer of Boynton Health. 

In 2015, 32.7 percent reported a mental health diagnosis. In 2018, that number jumped to 42.2 percent. 

In this year’s survey, 48 percent of female students reported a mental health diagnosis within their lifetimes. 

“This is a great opportunity to also educate individuals on how to manage their own stress, their time, their relationships, etcetera. That's the kind of education that doesn't show up on the transcript, but policymakers need to think about how do we make that happen,” Dr. Christenson said.

Despite the increase, University leaders say the statistics also include some good news. 

“We think that that number partly reflects that the stigma is decreasing in regards to mental health,” Dr. Christenson said.

The leading concerns for all students were anxiety and depression. Three percent said they had used a mental health crisis line this year. 

“I think the rate is low because we have so many accessible resources and that people are actually engaging with those resources that are preventing them from getting to that crisis level. So I suspect that we are doing better on campuses than we may be doing in the community,” Dr. Christenson said. 

The survey also revealed concerns about sexual assault. Nearly 2 in 5 female students reported experiencing sexual assault at some point in their lives. 

For a list of resources for students dealing with mental health concerns, click here:
http://www.mentalhealth.umn.edu/

For assistance dealing with sexual assault, click here:
http://aurora.umn.edu/