College Students Face Less Mental Health Stigma, Survey Reveals

College Students Face Less Mental Health Stigma, Survey Reveals http://www.news.utoronto.ca Though 90 percent of college-aged adults in the poll recognize mental disorders can put someone at an increased risk of suicide, the author of the press release stated they may not fully grasp the risk associated with certain mental disorders, as only 52 percent recognize anxiety disorders as a risk factor for suicide. About 91 percent recognize the impact that life situations like bullying and relationships have on suicide risk, and about 61 percent of them see suicide as a way to escape pain. The majority of college-aged adults (96 percent) reported they would take action if someone close to them was thinking about suicide, but 57 percent admitted that some factors may stop them from trying to help, including the following reasons as noted in the press release: If they would make them feel worse (39 percent of college-aged adults); If there may be nothing they could do to help (27 percent); and If talking about it might make the person attempt suicide (25 percent). “More than 90 percent of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable illness such as clinical depression, and often in combination with anxiety or substance use disorders and other treatable mental disorders,” says Mark Pollack, MD, ADAA Past President and Grainger Professor and Chairman, Department of Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center, in the press release. “Effectively diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders and depression, especially when they occur at the same time, are critical to intervening and reducing suicide crises.” The release stressed early diagnosis, intervention and treatment of mental disorders as critical to preventing suicide, as the vast majority of people with mental disorders can be helped with professional care. Several standard approaches that have proved effective include therapy, such as behavior and interpersonal therapy; medication, including serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants, beta blockers, etc; combination therapy; and complementary and alternative treatments like stress and relaxation techniques. Those seeking help have numerous options, including: *Visiting your campus health/counseling center. *Finding a mental health professional near you. *Contacting your health insurance provider to understand treatment options covered under your plan. *Talking to friends and family. Also, you can call the National  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time. ADAA is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD through education, training, and research. To learn more and to read about the symptoms of anxiety and depression and the warning signs and risks of suicide, visit  www.adaa.org.