The College Campus is the New Norm for Mental Health Facilities

I know this is a conspiracy chamber, but I don't have concrete evidence to back up my claims, I just have my observations. I'm not trying to start a panic, or make generalizations about people with mental health issues. It's just something I've noticed in recent years.<br><br>As a college professor, I've seen a significant shift in the demographics of students* enrolling in higher education. In recent years, I've noticed more students with severe mental health disorders enrolling in college. They're not just worried about grades or relationships; they have serious problems, like hallucinations, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It's becoming more common for students to casually mention that they're seeing a therapist or taking medication for their mental health issues.<br><br>I've also seen a rise in students with intellectual disabilities, such as Down Syndrome. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, some of these students are not equipped to handle college-level coursework. It feels like we're getting more students who may not have been able to attend college in the past, but are now given the opportunity, often with disappointing results.<br><br>It seems like we're taking on more of a caretaker role, providing a safe space for students with mental health issues. I've had students who are unable to complete coursework, yet remain enrolled in classes. It's like we're baby-sitting them, keeping them occupied until they can hopefully get their lives together.<br><br>This shift has led to a change in the way we approach teaching. We're moving away from traditional teaching methods and instead focusing on providing a nurturing environment. College has become a place where students can feel comfortable, rather than being challenged academically. It's a trend that I've noticed over the past 20 years, and it seems to be accelerating.<br><br>I'm not sure what to make of this trend. Perhaps it's related to the rising popularity of antidepressants, or maybe it's due to the growing awareness of mental health issues. Whatever the reason, it's clear that the college campus is becoming a place where students can feel safe and supported, rather than solely focusing on academic achievement.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>Edit: <br>For those of you who are offended by my words, I'm sorry. I may have impeded some of my points poorly. I do not think less of students with disabilities. I think less of an educational system that allows students with disabilities to take on student loans they can not pay back. Many of my students with disabilities cannot even take care of themselves, let alone take on tens of thousands of dollars of debt. There is a huge disconnect between people who know what it's like to work in higher education and those who do not.