Mental Health Services: Rising Numbers In Students Seeking Help, But There Are Other Options Aside From Counseling

There is a growing number of students struggling with their mental health. According to several universities, there has been an increase in the amount of students who have been seeking counseling services in colleges, as a way to help maintain favorable mental health in children. 

What Is Mental Health?

Per MentalHealth.gov, mental health includes one's emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences one's feeling, thinking and behavior. It also determines how one manages stress, interact with others and make decisions. Several factors contribute to one's mental health, including biological and environmental factors, experiences and history of mental health problems.

Students Actively Seeking Counseling

The Guardian reported that there is a rising number of students who wish to attend counseling in their schools. However, counseling services are also struggling due to the high demand and low funding that lead to prolong waiting and isolated appointments, which leave some students disappointed.

"I was trying to arrange an appointment and I never heard back," one student said of her experience. "I didn't see a counselor for the whole semester because no one got back to me. When you don't feel good anyway, it's hard to chase people up and I felt let down."

The student acknowledged the efforts of the counselors. She said that in spite of her unfavorable experience, the school was trying to do best. The pupil further noted that due to lack of staff, the exisitng school counselors were always booked with appointments.

Other Methods To Try

For students who are suffering the same, do not be disheartened because there are other options to get through the issue without meeting a counselor. Here are some of the things that you can do.

Seek peer intervention. Often times, students with mental health difficulties feel lonely but with peer support groups, this can be lessened because one will never feel alone. "It's support provided by and for people with similar conditions, problems or experiences," Student Minds explained. "Because people who have faced and overcome adversity can offer support, encouragement and hope to others facing similar situations." 

Take time off from university. If the school has become overbearing, the best option is to take time away. Spend time with your friends and family to escape the pressure and recharge yourself. "Taking time off from the university can give a student time and space to focus on themselves," noted Student Minds.

Keep a journal. According to HereToHelp, writing your thoughts, goals, concerns or question is very helpful. Also, it will help you track your progress in your recovery and help you reflect whenever you look back on your experiences.

What other alternatives for counseling do you have to suggest? Share it -- you might just save a life.