Most mental illnesses start at an early age, with three quarters of all lifetime cases beginning by the age of 24. Yet young adults are among the most reluctant people to seek help.
Santa Barbara County and Santa Barbara City College are teaming up in an effort to tackle mental health issues among students.
Research shows the average age of the onset of these issues, like major depression and anxiety disorders is between 16 and 25.
Suicide has become the second leading cause of death among college students, rising steadily during the last few years.
A study shows those between 18 and 24 are the least likely of adult age brackets to seek mental health help on their own.
Researchers say early intervention is critical in successfully dealing with mental health issues. A program at Santa Barbara City College, under its Wellness Connection banner, provides peer to peer support as well as free counseling for every SBCC student.
Alison Malmon, the founder of a national nonprofit organization called "Active Minds," which helps college students deal with mental health issues, says the subject needs to come out of the shadows, and we need to talk openly about it like we do diabetes and cancer.
