{"id":37200,"date":"2018-02-10T06:00:44","date_gmt":"2018-02-10T14:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=37200"},"modified":"2018-02-05T14:50:30","modified_gmt":"2018-02-05T22:50:30","slug":"are-you-a-graduate-student-feeling-stressed-counseling-can-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/are-you-graduate-student-feeling-stressed-counseling-can-help-021020184","title":{"rendered":"Are You a Graduate Student? Feeling Stressed? Counseling Can Help!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AWith greater access to treatment, more people find they can take on the monumental venture of earning a degree. Yet once they are in school<\/a>, their risk of mental health problems increases. Graduate students in particular may struggle to manage school, finances, and self-care. The combined stress<\/a> can be devastating to mental well-being.<\/p>\n

The American Psychological Association says the need for mental health care on campuses is increasing. A 2015-2016 report from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health surveyed college counseling centers across America. The report showed an increase in student hospitalization, medication use, and suicide<\/a>. More than 55% of the centers saw increases in salary budgets to meet demands for care. But some clinics still face challenges in meeting students\u2019 needs. They may have limited hours of service or high costs of care.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, almost a third of PhD candidates may be at risk for mental health concerns. Around 34% of graduate students may already experience moderate to severe depression<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Researchers continue to study the specific differences between undergraduate and graduate students\u2019 health. Further surveys may determine how to improve psychological care for each population. The goal is to promote mental well-being in colleges and universities.<\/p>\n

Risk Factors for Mental Health Concerns in Grad School<\/h2>\n

Some populations are more at risk of developing mental health concerns. As the population of graduate students grows more diverse, so do mental health needs. Minority and international students may need help with multicultural issues<\/a>. LGBTQ+ students can also face discrimination<\/a>.<\/p>\n

These populations can benefit from seeking mental health treatment on campus. Yet not all students may feel represented at their school\u2019s counseling center. Around 71% of counseling center staff members are white. The number of openly LGBTQ+<\/a> counselors is limited. Counseling centers could better serve minority students by hiring more diverse staff.<\/p>\n

Another risk factor is academic performance. Students who feel they are behind in their classes are more likely to report stress and anxiety<\/a>. The Graduate Assembly of University of California, Berkeley rates academic performance as one of the top three predictors of depression in graduate students.<\/p>\n

Yet catching up may be easier said than done. Many graduate students have responsibilities outside school such as childcare or employment. In a 2014 survey, graduate students cited job outlook, financial stress, loneliness<\/a>, and alienation from mentors as contributing factors to depression and negative well-being.<\/p>\n

Graduate students can help improve mental health outcomes by learning what signs to watch for. Any of the following symptoms may indicate a larger mental health concern:<\/p>\n