Written by Aerial Whiting
An annual survey by UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute found that the emotional health of students entering college is at its lowest point since the start of the survey in 1985, according to an article in The New York Times.The survey, “The American Freshman: National Norms 2010,” reported that 52 per- cent of incoming freshmen rated themselves last year as having above-average emotional health, down from 64 percent 25 years ago, when the survey began collecting data.The New York Times article, “Record Level of Stress Found in College Freshmen,” suggested that economic concerns may be weighing on students, especially in light of college debt, job scarcity and financial strain on parents.Disabilities Director Teresa McLeod said she agreed that the economy is likely weighing on students, citing rising tuition and a higher cost of living.”I think kids are worried about theirloans and their bills and all, and college is so out there now, so expensive,” McLeod said. “It’s just almost impossible with the Pollard and McLeod said the survey’s findings are consistent with what they are seeing at Harding. McLeod also said psychological disabilities are the most common type of disability on college campuses today.ost of living and the cost of college now, and I think kids are worried financially.”Dr. Shelly Pollard, assistant director of the Counseling Center, said other studies reflect that the decrease in emotional health has been going on for about six years and that children from fifth to 12th grade, and not just college students, were demonstrating greater levels of stress. These findings predate the recession and indicate that factors besides the economy are also influencing the decline in students’ emotional health.Over-parenting may contribute to a lack of coping mechanisms among students, McLeod and Pollard said. They said cop- ing strategies can include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, getting adequate rest, avoiding caffeine, making social time and doing an activity for pleasure.Students who have documentation of emotional dis- ability are protected under Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act and can receive reasonable accommoda- tions through the Disabilities Office. Depending on a student’s situation, accommodations might include class excuses or withdrawal from courses.McLeod and Pollard said it is not un-Christian for students to feel depressed and that those surrounding them should respond with empathy, encouragement and support.”I think as a Christian university, we need to allow people to feel the feelings thatGod gave them because those feelings are there for a reason,” Pollard said. “We don’t need to say, ‘You shouldn’t feel that way.’ Let them feel how they feel and then [ask], ‘What do I need to learn from those feelings?’Those feelings can be telling you if you’re stretched too thin — you need to backtrack, prioritize.”McLeod and Pollard said students who feel overwhelmed or depressed should speak to someone — a friend, a Bible professor, a counselor — and not keep to themselves. Pollard also said to pray.”Pray, and seek God’s help as well,” Pollard said. “A lot of times, God has put people here to help you, and that is your toolbox if you’ll just use it.”The Counseling Center is free for students and is located in McInteer 313. It can be reached at 501- 279-4347 or at counseling@ harding.edu.
