According to the American College Health Association, more people with mental health problems are entering college. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that traditional-age students are particularly vulnerable to mental health disorders because problems of that nature tend to manifest during the late teens and early 20s. HHS estimates that 27 percent of young adults have diagnosable mental health illnesses. The media’s portrayal of Seung-Hui Cho may actually make students less willing to seek help for their problems. This is especially true if students believe they would be forced to seek intervention against their will. The higher education community must be wary not to further the stigma about mental health illnesses. Higher education officials must demonstrate a level of sensitivity to this issue and try to view mental health illnesses as innocuous and not detrimental. Finally, they must strive to create an environment where people with mental health problems feel comfortable seeking support and treatment.
— Robert Palmer is an academic advisor at Morgan State University.
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