Mental Health Issues

Common problems that interfere with academic success

UTPA Counseling and Psychological Services, UC 109counseling@utpa.edu

www.utpa.edu/counseling 381-2574

Depression Indicators:

– Isolated and withdrawn– Crying or tearfulness– Feelings of worthlessness,

helplessness, hopelessness– Feelings of guilt– Lack of self-confidence– Loss of interest in future activities– Fatigue and lack of energy– Change in eating habits– Change in sleeping habits– Persistent physical complaints– Loss of concentration– Thoughts of suicide or attempts

SuicideSome motivations:

– Wanting an escape– Cry for help– Wanting punishment– Wanting to end a

conflict perceived as unreasonable

– Responding to a voice, or “command hallucination”

Anxiety• Excessive anxiety and worry

occurring more days than not• The person finds it difficult to

control the worry• Possible changes in sleeping

patterns• Feeling restless or “on edge”• Being easily tired• Difficulty concentrating or mind

going blank• May be more irritable than

normal

ADHD

• Making careless mistakes in work• Failing to give close attention to details• Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks• Trouble organizing schedules or activities• Forgetful in daily activities• Often losing things necessary for tasks

Substance Abuse• Abrupt change in work or school

attendance or discipline• Sudden decline in quality of work

or grades• Change in attitude or irritability• Deterioration of appearance and

grooming• Association with known substance

abusers• Borrowing money or stealing• Secretive• Wearing sunglasses or long-

sleeved shirts at inappropriate times

Eating Disorders• Anorexia Nervosa

– Body weight less than 85% of what is minimally normal

– Intense fear of gaining weight– Distorted thinking about body

and weight

• Bulimia– Binge-eating and then

vomiting, using laxatives, diuretics, enemas, fasting, or excessive exercise at least 2xwk for >3mos

• Compulsive Overeating

Relationship Issues• Grief or loss of a

relationship• Expectations of a

healthy relationship• Abuse and

codependency• Communication skills• Couples counseling

                           

        

Family Conflict• Impaired communication• Overprotection• Discipline problems• No time for family• Financial dilemmas• “They don’t understand” (how much I have to study)

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.

Robert Collier

Questions, concerns, comments?

UTPA Counseling and Psychological Services, UC 109counseling@utpa.edu

www.utpa.edu/counseling 381-2574