Title: Consequences of Student Mental Health Issues | Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Headings: Consequences of Student Mental Health Issues
Consequences of Student Mental Health Issues
Consequences for the Student
Consequences for Others
Consequences for Campuses
Consequences for Communities and the Larger Society
References

Content: 2
Many college students report that mental health difficulties interfere with their studies. On the American College Health Association 2015 survey, college students identified the following mental health issues as negatively impacting their academic performance within the last 12 months: 3
Stress (30% of students)
Anxiety (22%)
Sleep difficulties (20%)
Depression (14%)
Consequences for Others
Peers, family members, faculty, and staff may be personally affected out of concern for these students. Depression and anxiety can have harmful effects on relationships and work productivity. Suicide and suicidal thoughts can affect the larger campus community. Roommates, peers, faculty, and staff also experience profound grief over student suicides and suicidal behavior. Consequences for Campuses
Campuses feel the burden when students with mental health difficulties do poorly on course work and drop out of school. Colleges and universities must be prepared to address the psychological impact of suicides on other students, as well as on teachers and staff. 4
Poor student retention can mean losses in tuition, fees, and alumni donations. Consequences for Communities and the Larger Society
The community is negatively affected when students are unable to finish their degrees and contribute valuable skills in a competitive job market.