Schools take on stress
January 16, 2015
Colleges and universities are taking innovative steps to reduce stress and anxiety among students. A recent national survey reported that almost a third of college students said they felt so depressed during the previous year that it was difficult to function, more than half had experienced overwhelming anxiety, and almost eight percent had seriously considered suicide. On some campuses, creative attempts are being made to help students unwind, with opportunities for social mingling, informal outdoor activities, and classes in mindfulness and meditation techniques. At one university, staff and faculty bring their dogs to campus during finals week for students to pet and play with. Campus counseling centers are finding ways to stretch their resources to reach more students, for example by lengthening drop-in hours and offering group therapy options as well as one-on-one sessions.
Spark Extra! Learn about more than 55 schools that have joined the Jed & Clinton Health Matters Campus Program in support of student well-being and mental health.