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: Consequences of Student Mental Health Issues | Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Consequences of Student Mental Health Issues
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Mental health problems can affect many areas of students’ lives, reducing their quality of life, academic achievement, physical health, and satisfaction with the college experience, and negatively impacting relationships with friends and family members. These issues can also have long-term consequences for students, affecting their future employment, earning potential, and overall health. 1
Consequences for the Student
Mental health problems can affect a student's energy level, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism, hindering performance. 2 Research suggests that depression is associated with lower grade point averages, and that co-occurring depression and anxiety can increase this association. 2 Depression has also been linked to dropping out of school. 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.