A core class: Mental Health 101

More American college students are using campus mental health services than ever before, according to a study out this week. Liberal arts colleges reported nearly a fourth of their students sought some mental health service while 13 percent of students at larger universities did, according to a survey of college counseling centers by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.

In a recent Pennsylvania State University study, 60 percent of college health center directors reported record numbers of students accessing mental health care and for longer periods of time.

While other factors play into those numbers -- a bumper crop of college freshmen, for example, and more students entering college on psychiatric medication -- the bottom line is that young people are voluntarily seeking treatment in record numbers. How terrific if young Americans break through the stigma that has long and foolishly surrounded mental health care.

College may be portrayed as a heady blend of freedom, intellect and partying, but it can also be a lonely and overwhelming time. Anxiety and depression can appear or resurface.

Both colleges and parents can make sure young people know what mental health services are available to them and feel comfortable accessing them.

Leaving college willing, able and ready to take care of their own emotional health would be one of the best lessons students learned on campus.