Mental health epidemic sweeps across universities (includes video story)

Universities across the country are facing a mental health epidemic among their undergraduate students.

According to a study from the Gallup-Lumina Foundation, two out of five undergrads say they have experienced frequent emotional stress while attending college this year.

As a result, more than 40 percent of students surveyed say they have considered dropping out in the last six months.

Some of the students’ stress is caused by personal mental health problems and workload fatigue, but Florida International University School of Social Work professor Nicole Neufeld said another strong factor is the pandemic.

“I think there has always been responsibilities placed on the shoulders of college students and I think the pandemic especially…that sense of responsibility has compounded,” said Neufeld. “I always say the societal trauma that everyone faced became a ripple effect.”

University authorities are urged to look out for the signs of students struggling with mental health issues, including submitting late assignments, distractibility and struggling to attend classes.

Producer

Amanda Gray is a Cuban-American student majoring in digital media at FIU. She intends to utilize her knowledge of writing, public speaking, editing, and social media management to pursue a career in non-profit work, bringing to life her passion for communication and advocacy. Gray has enjoyed extensive international travel and uses her global perspective to highlight and serve communities.