Eleventh International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Eighty-six percent of students with mental illnesses withdraw from college prior to completing their degree, compared with forty-five percent withdrawal rate for the general student population. Sixty-six percent of college students stated mental health as the most prominent issue they face today. Despite many reports suggesting significant increases in the number of college students seeking treatment in campus counseling centers, while presenting with increased severity of chronic mental health issues, little is known why students seek counseling and their lived experience. Qualitative methodology consisting of social constructivist and phenomenology were chosen for this study. This study compared the differences between two self-selected samples: postsecondary students who self-report anxiety and/or depression and either utilize the campus counseling center or do not, in relation to persistence to graduation. The comparison study provided rich data on the barriers, coping strategies, and impact that mental health has on the students’ ability to graduate and if the campus counseling center provides assistance in their academic pursuits.