ERIC Number: ED220002
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1982
Reference Count: 0
Student Mental Health Services in Higher Education.
Blai, Boris, Jr.
Facts about mental and emotional illness and implications for student mental health services in higher education are reviewed. Psychoses, which are types of mental illness that are usually quite severe, are discussed in terms of symptoms, as are neuroses, which cause severe distress and impair coping with living conditions but are not as debilitating as psychoses. Examples of childhood experiences that may result in mental illness are briefly discussed. Based on a literature search of the Educational Resources Information Center database, 41 citations directly related to this topic were found. The citations are reviewed and categorized as follows: functions, facilities, and services of college mental health centers; staffing of college mental health centers; clients of college mental health centers; and evaluation of college mental health centers. The 41 documents suggest that while some institutions offer comprehensive mental health services, many do not. Some constructive things a student might do as self-help are identified: talk it out, escape for a while, work off anger, give in occasionally, do something for others, take one thing at a time, shun the "superman" urge, go easy with criticism, give the other person a break, make oneself available, and schedule recreation. It is suggested that if more in-depth help is needed, professional assistance of a counseling and guidance service may be helpful, or treatment by a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health professional may be needed. A bibliography is appended. (SW)
Descriptors: Affective Behavior, Ancillary School Services, College Students, Coping, Counseling Services, Emotional Disturbances, Emotional Problems, Higher Education, Mental Disorders, Mental Health, Psychological Characteristics, Psychological Services, Psychopathology, Psychosis, Psychotherapy, Student Adjustment
Publication Type: Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A