Roughly 4.5 percent of Milligan students go to the counseling center on campus, a percentage that is just over the national statistic of 3.3 percent, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
“Anxiety is our No.1 reason for students coming in,” Dr. Rebecca Sapp, director of the counseling center, said. “It’s both school related anxiety and outside (factors).”
Sapp said she thinks that there are more students on campus struggling with anxiety and other mental illnesses who have not come to the center yet perhaps due to lack of promotion and availability. The counseling center is currently open only for 20 hours a week.
“I think (the Counseling Center’s hours) will increase as we are here longer,” Sapp said. “This is just our fourth full year. I think the word would continue to get out; we plan on growing.”
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States experienced a considerable jump in anxiety disorders from 2005 to 2011, but from 2011 to 2015 its had leveled off.
Perhaps this statistical increase in anxiety orders is not only in response to high work standards and societal pressures, but also because of the awareness and respect for those struggling with mental illness has increased as well.
“It’s possible that people are more aware of mental health than they used to be, and I think that people are becoming more open to sharing when they’re struggling,” Heather Jackson, director of student success and disability services, said.
The counseling center specializes in test anxiety, depression, premarital counseling and more. The counseling center is located in the Taylor-Phillips House on campus, by appointment. Call (423) 461-8500 or email counselingcenter@milligan.edu for more information and to schedule an appointment.
