Black Hawk County Health News: Urgent Call to Address Rising PTSD Rates in US Colleges

In this article, Dr. Shelandra Bell, DO, Family Medicine, shares her expert insights of the findings and provides Iowa residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health. Why This Matters to You: There is a growing mental health crisis of PTSD among US college students. What This Means for Your Health: “PTSD can be a silent struggle for many college students. This can impact their academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life.” Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine Doctor’s Key Insights for Mental Health in Black Hawk County, Iowa: “The impact of PTSD extends far beyond the classroom. Students grappling with this disorder often face a heightened risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts. The importance of early intervention should not be ignored. By providing accessible, trauma-informed resources and support systems, we can help students navigate the challenges of PTSD and prevent long-term consequences on their physical and mental well-being.” Dr. Shelandra Bell, Family Medicine. Signup for our Free Personalized Health Newsletter. Key Findings: The prevalence of diagnosed PTSD among US college students increased from 3.4% in 2017-2018 to 7.5% in 2021-2022. This indicates a growing mental health concern in this population, including in Black Hawk...