It is known that the prevalence of epidemics accentuates or creates new stressors including fear and worry for oneself or loved ones, constraints on physical movement and social activities due to quarantine, and sudden and radical lifestyle changes. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus the mental health of various affected populations. Such negative stigma surrounding mental health diagnosis and care has been found to correlate with a reduction in adherence to treatment and even early termination of treatment.

Despite the increasing need for mental health care services at postsecondary institutions, alarmingly, only a small portion of students committing suicide contact their institution counseling centers, perhaps due to the stigma associated with mental health. In 2018, slightly over 50% of students reported anxiety as the main reason for seeking services. Consistent with the national trend, Texas A&M University has seen a rise in the number of students seeking services for anxiety disorders over the past 8 years. The 2019 Annual Report of the Center for Collegiate Mental Health reported that anxiety continues to be the most common problem (62.7% of 82,685 respondents) among students who completed the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms, with clinicians also reporting that anxiety continues to be the most common diagnosis of the students that seek services at university counseling centers. Mental illness can affect students’ motivation, concentration, and social interactions-crucial factors for students to succeed in higher education.

Mental health issues are the leading impediment to academic success.

Jing du tamu resume