64% of students with mental health issues drop out

Mental health may be a larger factor in college student success than previously thought. A majority of former students with mental illnesses dropped out for a mental-health related reason, according to a survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

"For some, the stigma associated with mental illnesses keeps them from seeking the help on campus that may allow them to suitably deal with their issues and stay in college", said Christopher Scott, associate clinical director of the UH Counseling and Psychological Services.

“There is evidence that some students are reluctant to seek help for mental health concerns. This often varies depending on the students cultural background or gender,” Scott said. “Anecdotal evidence suggests that students are increasingly willing to seek assistance with mental health needs.”

To read the full version of this story via The Daily Cougar click here.

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1 in 3 employees face excessive pressures at work

A survey by Towers Watson has suggested that one in three employees faces excessive pressure at work due to long hours and pressure brought on by the economic downturn. The firm’s Global Workforce Study, which surveyed 32,000 employees worldwide, found 34% are often affected by excessive work pressures.

The HR Review said that the research "raises huge concerns over our country’s health and well being at work. Several years of economic uncertainty have led to increased anxiety around job security with workers putting in longer hours than ever, raising concerns of ‘burn-out’ among British workers. Businesses should act now to avoid a ‘work until you drop’ culture turning into the norm with workers becoming increasingly unproductive, something our economy can ill-afford at the moment."

To read more on the story, click here.

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NHS shakeup tackles disparity between mental and physical health services

NHS patients should wait no longer for mental health therapies than they do for treatments for their physical conditions, the government will announce.With more than 6 million people suffering from depression or crippling anxiety but only 75% receiving any medical help, the government is to propose that NHS mental health patients have a "parity of esteem" in doctors' surgeries.

The policy will be formally announced on Tuesday as part of the mandate for the NHS commissioning board, the means by which the health service will be held accountable to parliament under its reforms. The contract with the NHS will specify that mental healthcare should be on a par with physical care –  that it "values mental and physical health equally".

Read more via The Guardian here.

Depression in pregnancy 'risk to future mental health'

More than a third of women who become depressed during their pregnancy have suicidal thoughts, suggests a snapshot survey carried out by the Royal College of Midwives and Netmums. The poll of 260 mothers with antenatal depression found they were at greater risk of worsening mental health problems then women with postnatal depression.Only 22% sought help from their GP. Experts say women with the condition need more support.

The Department of Health has announced that £25m will be made available to improve maternity facilities for mothers and babies, and an NHS information service for parents is to include videos on how to spot signs of postnatal depression. Antenatal depression, which occurs during pregnancy, is less known and talked about than postnatal depression, which happens after the birth of a baby.

Read the full article via BBC News here.

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