While there is no evidence that people with mental health diagnosis are more likely to be violent, this population is at a greater risk, based on a 2015 US Conference of Mayors survey, of dropping out of school, erratic attendance, and they may have other major life stressors such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, history of substance abuse, etc.
According to Wilson (2015), 58% of campuses have seen a rise in anxiety disorders, 89% have seen a rise in depression, and 8% of college-aged students seriously considered suicide (in the previous 12-month period.
In a different study, conducted by the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors’ in 2012 it was reported that the top problems experienced by college students were, anxiety (47%), depression (40%), relationship issues (34%), suicidal ideation (18%), etc.
Additionally, one in four college-aged individuals had a diagnosable mental illness, and suicide was reported as being the second leading cause of death for this age group. (Gruttadaro & Crudo, 2012).
A psychological emergency is the result of an individual’s inability to employ effective coping skills in dealing with life’s day-in and day-out experiences. During a psychological emergency, the individual will experience emotional and physiological discomfort, and impaired social, occupational and/or school functioning.
When a psychological emergency occurs, the individual must be assessed, and immediate action is required. Other times, the person may not require immediate intervention, but may action may still need to take place.
