it takes a family

By Cynthia McFarland

We tend to think of the college years as an exciting time of learning, growth and selfdiscovery. Although that may be true, it can also be a much darker period for many individuals.

Last year, 30 percent of college students were diagnosed with or treated for a mental health disorder and 22 percent were diagnosed with or treated for an anxiety disorder. Also last year, 18 percent of college students were diagnosed with or treated for depression and 13 percent seriously considered suicide, while 2 percent actually attempted suicide.

For Dr. Marcia Morris, these numbers are more than troubling statistics. They represent young men and women she sees on a daily basis as a board-certifi ed psychiatrist at the University of Florida.

If things are going to change for the positive, Dr. Morris firmly believes it will take the involvement of parents and family. This is of paramount importance because studies show that only half of students with positive anxiety or depression screens in the last year got any mental health treatment, and untreated depression is a major risk factor for suicide.

“It is critical that parents, family and friends ensure their loved ones get the mental health treatment they need, including encouraging an appointment, going to an appointment and helping navigate insurance challenges,” notes Dr. Morris. “Let your child know that talking with a therapist can be helpful for personal growth. If one is experiencing any symptoms of depression or anxiety or having any kind of suicidal thoughts, they should see a therapist or psychiatrist.”

Parents often are left out of the picture, yet their involvement is critical at a time when mental health disorders are soaring on campus.

“If a college student is seeing a psychiatrist or therapist and parents have concerns about their mental health, they can ask their child to sign a HIPAA Release of Information form so they can talk with their child’s mental health provider,” Dr. Morris adds.

A graduate of Harvard College and Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Morris is an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and associate program director for student health psychiatry at the University of Florida. She currently writes a parenting blog for Psychology Today on college wellness. Her book, The Campus Cure: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health and Wellness for College Students (Rowman and Littlefield), was published in January 2018. Join Dr. Morris as she speaks on “Curing the College Mental Health Crisis: It Takes A Family” at the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition’s Evening Lecture Series. Although Dr. Morris works with college students, the information is valuable for anyone who has a loved one with a mental health issue.

Learn More › IHMC EVENING LECTURE SERIES › Marcia Morris, M.D. › Thursday, January 24, from 6-7pm, doors open at 5:30pm › ihmc.us › (352) 387-3050