Mental Health Issues
Common problems that interfere
with academic success
UTPA Counseling and Psychological Services, UC 109
counseling@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– Isolated and withdrawn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
Suicide
Some motivations:
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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
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•
•
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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
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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 longsleeved 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
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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 109
counseling@utpa.edu
www.utpa.edu/counseling
381-2574