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Student Tribune

Today is World Mental Health Day

October 10th is recognized as World Mental Health Day. The World Health Organization highlights World Mental Health Day to inform others that mental health is important to everyone, everywhere. This day is an opportunity to make mental health a priority for all.

Facts:

According to the World Health Organization, Mental Health America, and the National Institute of Mental Health:

  • Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting roughly 40 million people nationwide,
  • Although anxiety disorders are treatable, less than 40% of people who suffer from anxiety receive treatment from a mental health professional,
  • 1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder,
  • In 2019, 301 million people were living with an anxiety disorder including 58 million children and adolescents,
  • In 2019, 280 million people were living with depression, including 23 million children and adolescents
  • Over 50% of Americans living with a mental illness do not receive treatment for their disorder, leaving more than 27 million people without mental health care.

Why are college students at risk for developing mental health disorders?

According to research, mental health problems are common among college students. Academic pressure together with stressors typical of starting and attending college may precipitate the first onset of mental health and substance use problems or an exacerbation of symptoms. Often the nature of psychopathology is chronic due to low rate of treatment seeking and low adherence to treatment. Expertise in developmental psychopathology, family dynamics, specific college issues, and systems of care is critical to conduct clinical treatment to college students.

The Counseling Center, Disability Services & Health Services:

The Counseling Center, Disability Services & Health Services team is committed to supporting our college community and providing the necessary tools, resources and supports to help optimize mental health for all MCC students. For more information on the resources and supports that we offer, as well as supports available within our community, please check out our website here.

Davis, Anita
Counseling Center, Disability Services & Health Services
10/10/2023