Individuals who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often suffer from anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks to the source(s) of their trauma, and more. PTSD can negatively impact a person's mental and emotional health. It can also hurt their ability to function in the world and handle various tasks they've become accustomed to.

Therapy and medications are often used to treat PTSD; though what each individual responds well to will vary depending on a number of different factors.

Unfortunately, one study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham indicates that a growing number of college students across the United States are experiencing PTSD.

Why PTSD is on the rise amongst America's college students

The findings attribute COVID deaths, lockdowns, racial tensions, and shootings on campuses as factors driving PTSD upticks. The University of Alabama at Birmingham furthermore underscores the need for preventative measures to address traumas and a stronger presence of mental health experts.

Without this support, more students attending colleges could struggle. This may potentially impact not just their grades and futures, but also their interpersonal relationships.

Traditionally, colleges and universities have been viewed as environments for young people to grow, network, and obtain an education. However, the new study out of Alabama shows that something has clearly gone awry. Significant downturns in mental health should always be taken seriously and remedied accordingly.

Extra mental health funding may be harder to come upon

As more college students wrestle with PTSD, fewer people are attending college altogether. Across the nation, higher education facilities have seen notable drops in enrollment. With these declines, it's hard to say with certainty if the funding for preventative trauma support and more on-campus mental health professionals will be available.

Americans are reconsidering the value of going to college. A major contributing factor to this is student loan debt. Just earlier this week, a report revealed that even adults older than 55 are still working to pay off these loans.

Time will reveal whether the mental health of college students gets better or worse. In the absence of significant improvements, this could further dissuade Americans from attending colleges or universities.