Rethinking College Student Mental Health
The challenges facing young adults are frequently discussed on social media and in news outlets. Still, few venues adequately explore the complexities of college student mental health, a recent article in The Conversation explains. The reality is that when it comes to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of the rising generation, there is both good news and bad.
Alarming Rates of Depression, Suicidal Ideation in Young Adults
Recent data show that the percentage of college students who thought of committing suicide climbed from 6% in 2007 to 13% in 2024. Additionally, the percentage of those who had a plan to carry out the intention tripled.
The study also found that rates of depression, including severe depression, and self-harm have increased in the last decade. And these disturbing trends are disproportionately impacting young persons of color, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives.
As shocking and disturbing as this is, though, it may not present the complete picture. The same study also found that suicidal ideation among young adults actually declined in 2024, following a peak in 2022 and 2023.
More good news revealed students experiencing anxiety also declined from 2022 to 2024. This data is incredibly positive because it’s the first time there’s been a two-year decline in rates of anxiety among American youth.
Care Needs Still Outpacing Availability
Despite the glimmers of hope for college student mental health, there are reasons for concern. In 2024, the number of students taking antidepressants and other psychotropic medications grew by 26% from 2007. Furthermore, the demand for mental health care at colleges and universities has outpaced enrollment growth.
Young people continue to struggle with depression and social anxiety. Most young college students are grappling with multiple stressors, from academics to financial burdens to peer pressure, which they may cope with in unhealthy ways.
The study found, for example, that more than a quarter of college students had engaged in at least one binge drinking episode within the previous two weeks.
So, where is the good news?
Although the symptoms are still ever present, the silver lining is that fewer students are considering self-harm measures. Many students are thriving and showing a decrease in academic distress that was prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The surveyors also found a decline in students who felt lonely and isolated.
College Student Mental Health a Work in Progress
Do we have work to do regarding college student mental health? Absolutely. Yet, perhaps we should focus on data and not doom theories or dread rhetoric, which often makes us more anxious.
Mental health professionals can use this data to formulate plans to support students. When we follow the data, it puts us in a much better position to design plans that work without falling prey to the victim mentality.
Whether you or a young person you love is experiencing mental distress, addiction, or both, help is available. Don’t wait. Reach out today.
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Inside Brian Wilson’s Mental Health Journey
The world lost a music icon on Wednesday when Brian Wilson, one of the founding members of the Beach Boys, passed away. But while his music is known and celebrated around the world, Brian Wilson’s mental health struggles remain widely misunderstood.
Wilson was a visionary who created groundbreaking and influential music, such as the album Pet Sounds, released in 1966, that featured unconventional instrumentation and innovative production techniques.
Pet Sounds was the acknowledged inspiration for the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Behind the scenes, though, the musical genius and rock icon was tormented in both body and mind.
A Lifelong Fight for Sobriety and Mental Health
Although the family didn’t release a cause of death, it was well-known that the celebrated musician dealt with lifelong health issues that included addiction and significant mental illness. Wilson was placed under a conservatorship due to dementia last year after his wife of almost 30 years, Melinda Ledbetter, died.
At the tender age of 22 in 1965, Wilson began hearing voices, known as auditory hallucinations, which he said were “heroes and villains.” At the time, Wilson eschewed his loved ones’ advice to seek professional help, opting for self medication with alcohol, drugs, and food.
As the band grew in popularity in the 1970s, journalists who interviewed Wilson and many who knew him viewed his behavior as bizarre. It wasn’t until he was older that he received the medical diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder.
An Unexpected Diagnosis: Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder includes a mix of mood disorder symptoms, such as depression or mania, with schizophrenia symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.
Schizoaffective disorder presents as two types: Depressive schizoaffective disorder, which includes major depression, and bipolar schizoaffective disorder, which includes severe depression with bouts of hypomania.
Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder vary depending on the type. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the main symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech or thinking, bizarre or unusual behavior, manic behavior, depressive episodes, difficulty functioning in social situations, such as work or school, and a lack of interest in one’s hygiene and appearance.
According to Yale Medicine, schizoaffective disorder is rare, affecting about 0.3% of the population, or three out of 1,000 people over a lifetime.
The iconic Wilson explained in a 2006 interview with ABILITY Magazine that he had fought negative and derogatory voices in his head for 40 years. He further explained that the voices began about a week after taking some psychedelics, which can exacerbate symptoms in people with schizoaffective disorder.
Although Brian Wilson’s mental health proved a lifelong battle, playing instruments, singing loudly, and loving his wife and children as much as possible helped him combat the negative voices in his head.
If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental illness and a co-occurring substance use disorder, there is hope. Reach out today by calling
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Why Men’s Mental Health Still Gets Ignored
Men’s mental health has long been overlooked, even as awareness around mental health in general continues to grow. According to a recent article in Psychology Today, the issue of mental health care for men remains a little discussed and widely misunderstood issue.
And so as we celebrate Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we seek to train a spotlight on what has for too long been hidden in the shadows.
The Masculinity of Mental Health Care
Although we’ve come a long way, many mental health practices still focus largely on women. That leaves men searching for help, struggling to find answers and often feeling misunderstood. They may find themselves unable to express the stressors, burdens, and traumas they’re laboring under from day to day.
But there’s a definite link between mental health conditions and trauma. That is not only true for women, but for men, too. Consider issues like childhood abuse, violence, and various other past events that could shape mental health development.
Cultural norms surrounding masculinity can put unnecessary pressure on males seeking assistance.
With society frequently telling men to be strong and work through issues, the advice sometimes turns to men looking for unhealthy ways to cope. That may mean using drugs or alcohol to numb the symptoms and avoiding the problems of developing anger issues and becoming violent. Without a healthy support system, these men may not know how to channel their emotions.
There is a growing awareness surrounding mental health and how crucial it is to find treatment. Still, men may feel stigmatized and avoid being vulnerable. Some have expressed concerns with providers who don’t seem to understand or specialize in men’s issues.
Reversing the Stigma of Men’s Mental Health Care
So, what is needed to help men get the help they need? The critical aspect seems to be more awareness. Challenging long-held stigmas and old beliefs regarding how men are supposed to behave can dramatically change how mental health care for men is approached.
The more communities and families recognize that mental health is not gender-exclusive, the sooner we can work together to find viable solutions to these problems. The goal is to include mental health care across genders in order to deconstruct cultural stereotypes that claim that men’s mental health care undermines their masculinity.
When men feel accepted and safe opening up, it could lead to better healthcare accessibility and a healthier and happier future for men and the women and children who love them. If you are struggling or you know someone who is, you can use our platform to access gender-specific mental health and dual diagnosis care, or reach out today at
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Iowa City Recovery Center Reimagines Mental Health Care
An Iowa City recovery program is fighting the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction and in the process they’re reimagining what the healing journey looks like. The aim is to meet clients where they are, whether on the streets, in jail, in the hospital, or at home, and offer individualized and innovative care to usher them into the future they want and deserve.
The GuideLink Center provides round the clock walk-in services and inpatient care. Those experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis can get immediate access to care, which means a much-needed alternative to hospitalization or potential incarceration.
Their programs are designed to put an end to the revolving door of emergency care by helping clients start early on the road to recovery. Those who come to The Center for crisis care are linked to a comprehensive system of mental health care providers, addiction recovery specialists, social workers and case managers.
The treatment approach is based on the premise that everyone faces a different battle with mental health and addiction. For instance, many need crisis intervention outside of the typical business hours. Their clients come from all walks of life and bring an immense variety of needs.
Some are college students navigating the pressures of academic life. Others are new moms dealing with postpartum depression. Many are experiencing severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. And still others are unhoused persons who need urgent attention that cannot wait.
The staff believes increased options provide better outcomes, and that’s what they are striving to do. The facility can intake those intoxicated and offer medically monitored detox, mitigating a potential arrest. The center works with local law enforcement to help justice-involved persons with addiction or mental illness get into treatment rather than facing jail time.
So far The GuideLink Center’s approach is making a profound difference in the community. The Center reports almost 8,000 clients served and over 6,000 program admissions since they opened in February 2021.
And national campaigns such as the observation of Mental Health Awareness Month, are expected to lend further support to important community-based services such as these. With the proper support and increased access to effective treatment, those struggling with addiction or mental illness can put their pasts behind them and learn to thrive in their home, workplace and community.
Keith Urban’s Addiction Battle Takes Center Stage
Keith Urban’s addiction battle takes center stage in a recent article–and it’s a story he hopes will save lives. Many celebrities have admitted to using drugs and alcohol as a means of coping with their fame.
Some celebs have even discussed close calls where they almost didn’t make it through the haze of addiction. In the recent interview Urban describes how he battled demons of his own and how he feels about being sober for 19 years.
A Moment of Decision
The singer reportedly always had an inner voice that told him one day he’d either stop using or lose himself and everyone else in the process. He credits his wife, Nicole Kidman, for staging an intervention that led him to get treatment. He suggests that it was this loving but direct confrontation about his addiction that enabled him to finally see clearly and stop the rollercoaster of substance use.
The year was 2006, the same year he married Nicole, and the decision was made easier because he knew it was time to stop or lose his new bride, the love of his life. Urban knew that he had to make a drastic change or risk losing the person he had always searched for. He suggests that he knew intuitively the intervention was his one chance to get it right.
Paying It Forward
Since gaining his sobriety, Urban has also paid it forward by helping other artists pave a path to recovery. Singer Brantley Gilbert credits Keith Urban with helping him come through similar problems.
We know that not everyone is as fortunate, but seeing people who seemingly have everything fight addiction and win may help others recognize that they too can come out on the other side.
Addiction is tough, but you are tougher. Keith Urban’s addiction battle shows how strong the human spirit can be and that there is a life waiting that is so much better. If you or someone you love needs help, reach out today at
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San Diego Meth Seizure Tops 7,700 Pounds
Nearly 8,000 pounds of San Diego meth were recently seized according to reports. This marks one of the largest drug busts in the area in recent years. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office reports that the operation was a joint effort between its Border Crimes Suppression Team (BCST) and the U.S. Border Patrol.
More than $5M in Narcotics Seized
Investigators observed three vehicles being loaded around 7 p.m. on Monday with suspicious bundles believed to be narcotics. The vehicles were tracked to motels in San Ysidro and Chula Vista where law enforcement detained three suspects and conducted searches.
Authorities discovered a total of 61 bundles of methamphetamine across the vehicles. Laboratory tests confirmed the substance which had a total weight of 7,704 pounds and an estimated street value of approximately $5.5 million.
The suspects were arrested and booked into San Diego Central Jail on multiple charges including conspiracy, transportation and possession of controlled substances for sale. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Persistence of Drug Trafficking in the US
This seizure underscores the persistent presence of drug trafficking operations across the U.S. Mexico border particularly in Southern California. It also highlights the critical role of coordinated interagency efforts in intercepting narcotics before they reach communities.
Drug seizure cases of this scale are uncommon but not unheard of. Large scale busts like this one often lead to further investigations and sometimes expose even broader criminal enterprises.
The volume of methamphetamine seized in this case signals a continued trend in the trafficking of synthetic drugs which remain a major concern for law enforcement agencies across the U.S. The importance of interagency collaboration and timely intelligence grows more critical as traffickers evolve their methods.
Hundreds of narcotics distribution centers and drug trafficking hubs are opened, shut down or relocated across the country each year as law enforcement pressure and cartel tactics shift according to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program.
Large scale busts like the meth seized in San Diego not only disrupt distribution chains but also often trigger further investigations into hidden or emerging drug centers. Incidents like this serve as blatant reminders of the scale and persistence of the narcotics trade and the ongoing need for vigilance at every level of law enforcement.
Those who are experiencing addiction don’t have to struggle alone despite the persistence of the drug crisis in America. Help is available, call
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Jacksonville Drug Bust Uncovers Gator, Dogfighting
A recent Jacksonville drug bust revealed evidence of a large scale drug operation and much more. Deputies uncovered a disturbing discovery after following a tip about a suspected drug house in Northeast Florida.
Drugs, Dogfighting, and a Captive Gator
Police arrested Marquis Williams after executing a search warrant on his property that turned up a hidden store of drugs, a possible dog-fighting operation, and a nine-foot alligator.
The alligator was reportedly kept in deplorable conditions in a small, improvised holding pen.
The dogs were also subjected to inhumane conditions. They were chained up, dehydrated, emaciated, and had signs of abuse, according to the police.
Jacksonville Drug Trafficking Operation
Based on the equipment found at the scene, it appears that this Florida drug raid is tied to organized drug trafficking and a dogfighting operation.
Charges against Williams include drug possession and animal cruelty. Unauthorized possession of an exotic animal, promotion of dogfighting, and drug trafficking are all felonies in the state of Florida and if convicted Williams may face extensive prison time.
But the Jacksonville drug bust also speaks to the broad reach and profound impact of the drug trade across the US, affecting and endangering the lives not only of individuals and families but also of the animals who depend on us for their love and care.
If you are ready to break free of the thralls of drugs and those who profit from them, help is available. Use our platform to find the most effective and affordable treatment centers near you or call
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New Bill Sparks Debate on Sober Homes in Pennsylvania
Addiction counselors are worried about the effect of proposed legislation on sober homes in Pennsylvania and their residents. The Pennsylvania State Senate bill is being described by proponents as an attempt to make sober living homes safer.
The new law would impose enhanced sentences on people committing drug crimes within 1,000 feet of a recovery home.
The bill had a first reading before the full Senate on Tuesday. Senator Wayne Langerholc said the bill is designed to deter drug dealers who might target people in recovery.
But Brady Mexton expressed concern that the bill will impact people seeking treatment. Mexton owns and operates a treatment center and fears the bill could potentially make things worse for the person who’s struggling with addiction.
Mexton notes that he understands wanting to prevent people selling drugs to people in recovery houses. But he worries whether it will help people get more treatment.
Langerholc argues that the law was designed to punish drug dealers rather than patients. He asserted that the charges that would see enhanced sentences are based on the crimes that he saw drug dealers charged with when he was the Cambria County Assistant District Attorney.
He also reiterated the clear distinction between people who are dealing with addiction and people who are trafficking drugs near recovery houses. But Mexton said that it wasn’t common at his facilities.
He say he’d rather see individuals caught with drugs placed in another form of treatment and not go to jail.
Sarah Kawasaki is the head of an outpatient opioid treatment center and chief of addiction medicine at Penn State.
She stated she doesn’t know how the police will determine who’s living in a halfway house and who’s not or who’s dealing and who’s buying. Kawasaki expressed that she doesn’t believe rules intended to make recovery homes safer should be made without consulting with professionals.
If you’re seeking safe and supportive sober homes in Pennsylvania then our comprehensive online directory can help you find the best and most affordable options near you. Recovery is possible so call
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‘Mormon Wives’ Star Opens Up on Fentanyl Addiction
A reality star’s fentanyl addiction was the subject of a popular podcast recently. Dakota Mortensen, star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, spoke candidly about how taking pain pills as a teenager led to one of the darkest periods of his life, People reports. The Mormon Wives fentanyl story has since drawn national attention and sparked conversations about addiction recovery.
A Life-Long Battle
On a June 4 episode of host Nick Viall’s popular podcast The Viall Files, 32 year old Dakota Mortensen took listeners back to how his experimentation with drugs first started on a basketball court when he was 17 years old. The show has alluded to Mortensen’s past addiction but the details of what occurred and how it affected his life before the show have not been shared.
Mortensen explained that his knees started hurting at one basketball practice and a teen working out nearby offered him some pills to help. He didn’t know what the pills were but he took them and discovered they alleviated his pain almost immediately. He became hooked from there.
He found out he’d been given prescription painkillers and began seeking out more. He started snorting the pills and smoking oxycodone at the advice of his dealer. That shift marked a transitional period in his addiction and Mortensen began seeking out harder drugs. He developed a heroin addiction and tried fentanyl for the first time on the day of his wedding.
His young wife knew of his addiction but she didn’t understand its severity or the toll it was taking on his life. He got sober for a brief period but began using heroin and fentanyl again shortly after they tied the knot. They divorced after a year and a half of marriage and Mortensen entered rehab. He relapsed briefly after five years of sobriety but he’s now been sober for more than three years.
Hope on the Other Side of Recovery
Mortensen is now focused on his personal health and wellness, though the reality star’s fentanyl addiction fight is central to his message of hope and healing. In addition to the podcast he’s also open about sharing his addiction journey on social media. His messages are filled with hope and encouragement to break barriers, reduce stigma and encourage others to seek the help they need.
Study: Marijuana Edibles Tied to Heart Disease
A new study has uncovered a sobering link between marijuana edibles and early heart disease. The study on the effects of marijuana on cardiovascular health showed some results that even surprised the researchers and brought up important questions for further research.
The data suggest that people who use marijuana chronically have lower vascular function and a higher risk of premature cardiovascular disease than those who don’t. But what was most surprising is that people who used edible marijuana experienced these risks more than those who smoked marijuana.
Marijuana Edibles and Early Heart Disease Risk
This was a small study that analyzed the health of 55 people who use cannabis at least three times per week for at least a year, whether they used medical marijuana or used it recreationally.
Researchers found that their vascular function was about 50% lower than people who don’t use marijuana chronically. Low vascular function is a major risk factor for heart disease and complications associated with it like heart attacks and strokes.
Interestingly, people who smoked marijuana had a 42% reduction in vascular function compared to the 50% reduction among people who used edible marijuana. In other words, edible forms of the drug might be worse for heart health, and this took researchers by surprise.
The cannabis users in this study had similar cardiovascular risks to people who smoke or vape tobacco. Researchers did note that they screened the study participants to ensure that none of them smoked or were often exposed to secondhand smoke.
Correlation, Not Causation
The study’s senior author Matthew Springer, a professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco, made sure to explain that this study found a correlation between cannabis edibles and early heart disease, but the study didn’t determine that the cannabis use causes the vascular issues.
As he explains, the study found that “cannabis users have poor vascular function, not that cannabis use causes poor vascular function.”
It’s possible that the people in the study had lower vascular function because of other lifestyle factors that often go along with marijuana use, like low physical activity or an unhealthy diet. They can only determine if marijuana use causes cardiovascular problems through much more extensive medical research. Still, this study certainly brings up a possibility that’s worth exploring.
Why It Matters
Marijuana use has been widespread for decades and it was previously thought to be fairly safe. So why are we just now finding possibly significant health risks?
The way marijuana was classified and managed as a controlled substance for so many years made it nearly impossible to study, and it especially made it difficult to study people who used it routinely because that use was largely hidden. Now that it has been legalized in so many areas, it opens the door for more research to be able to identify potential risks and other unknowns.
If you’re addicted to marijuana and are concerned about how it could be affecting your health, we can help. Explore addiction treatment centers on Rehabs.org to find help and get your health back on track.
Erie County Fentanyl Laced with Industrial Chemicals
There’s a new threat looming over northwestern Pennsylvania. Erie County fentanyl is now being adulterated with industrial chemicals. And it’s claiming lives.
Street fentanyl laced with Tinuvin 770 has been found across the county. Also known as BTMPS, Tinuvin 770 is an industrial grade corrosive. This widely available chemical is a white powder indistinguishable from fentanyl and is used as cheap filler in street pills.
The Erie County DA Drug Task Force first detected BTMPS in street fentanyl back in March. An April search warrant led to the seizure of several hundred grams worth of pills from a local dealer.
Dr. Amy Gallaher Miles of UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor called the confiscation a “wake up call.” She noted that many users believe that their dealers are their friends when in fact manufacturers and dealers of street drugs actually have little regard for their clientele’s safety.
Experts observe that Tinuvin 770 has made Erie County fentanyl much deadlier. Ingesting this chemical can lead to vision loss and skin rashes. Severe cases include infertility and harm to unborn children. In addition to physical harm, BTMPS can hamper the effectiveness of Narcan and other overdose reversal efforts.
Rick Lorah is the Deputy Chief of the Erie Police Department. He reiterated that law enforcement continues to double down on the eradication of all Erie County street drugs. Despite their efforts, BTMPS laced street fentanyl has been found across 14 states and is reportedly entering the U.S. from across the southern border.
Coast Guard Cocaine Seizure Hits $211M at Florida Port
A massive Coast Guard cocaine seizure resulted in more than $200M in illicit drugs being just offloaded at a sun-swept Florida port. And while most people think of the USCG as the military branch that searches for boats that have gone missing or make sure that partying off the coast doesn’t go too far, the reality is that they’re plaguing a vital role in disrupting the drug trafficking trade worldwide..
This recent seizure of over $211 million worth of cocaine within just one week shows the gravity and impact of the Coast Guard’s mission on the water.
The crews of the Coast Guard Cutter Thetis and a Jacksonville, Florida based helicopter embarked on patrols in the eastern Pacific ocean and between May 3rd and May 10th, they made four separate discoveries and seizures that totaled over 33,000 pounds of cocaine.
Had these seizures not happened, this cocaine would have ultimately landed in the hands of the public, potentially contributing to overdoses, violent crime, and worsening addictions that take over their victims’ lives.
The first seizure happened on May 3rd when the crew spotted two suspicious vessels west of Mexico, where they ultimately recovered 4,630 pounds of cocaine. Just two days later, the helicopter crew spotted a bale field where they found and confiscated nearly 10,000 pounds of cocaine.
The following day, the crew had the largest seizure of their patrol when they recovered 14,559 pounds of cocaine from a bale field. Finally, on May 10th, they seized nearly 4,000 pounds of cocaine from another bale field in the region.
Successes like this highlight not only the vital work that the Coast Guard does but also the astounding amount of illegal drugs that are preparing to hit the streets at any given time. It shows us just how important addiction treatment and prevention efforts are because the supply will always be there, creating opportunities that can devastate lives.
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