College of the Overwhelmed: The Campus Mental Health Crisis and What to Do About It

by Richard Kadison, Theresa Foy DiGeronimo

Written for parents, students, college counselors, and administrators, College of the Overwhelmed is a landmark book that explores the stressors that cause so many college students to suffer psychological problems. The book is filled with insights and stories about the current mental health crisis on our nation's campuses and Order your copy now.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Education, Mental Health, Counselling

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2005

Reviews

[Tayler B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of my assigned reading for a graduate class in higher education, and I think it's a significant book with a lot of great information for parents, students, and higher ed faculty and staff. The information was presented in a simple, easy to comprehend format that made it a quick and informative read.

[Krystie Herndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I acquired this book at least 10 years ago, and mental health issues on campus have only increased since then, with a parallel increase in medications and websites. Nevertheless, the most helpful chapter in this nearly 20-year-old publication is Chapter 7, "For Students Only." The advice in that chapter seems timeless, even for Gen Z and beyond.

[Steve P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone involved in Higher Education with great info for parents, students and college administrators. Even though it was written before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides unmatched insight into the pressures faced by young people today.

One of the most important books I read this year.

[Christina Brandsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful information, but as I read this title in 2018, much of the content felt outdated.

[Brittnee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rated low because it is outdated as of August 2021.

[Meg · Rating 1 out of 5]

My review is probably unfair because I’m clearly not the intended audience (I read it as an educator but it’s geared toward parents) and I’m reading this in 2019, but I found it reductive and dated. What I read didn’t live up to the title and I can’t say that I got anything out of it.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book covered general problems that some college students have. I haven't learned anything new, but that's probably because I'm a 4th year psych student. In my own opinion, the book vaguely describes why college students are overwhelmed, but I expected more than what was given. I expected more scientific studies to be cited, and less of a general overview. Instead, the authors talked about basic symptoms of mental disorders.

The book honestly sounds like someone at a tablesit or orientation is trying to convince you to use their services. I think parents who are sending their kids to college for the first time will benefit the most from this. College students may find it intriguing, but I don't think there's enough information here to completely capture their attention.

The most interesting part is the discussion about forming an identity. That is extremely important during the teenage and young adult years. I wish the authors could've expanded more on that issue though. They barely touched the surface of a college student's experiences.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book to describe the many mental health issues faced by today's college students. It's written to be very accessible, even to those without a lot of prior knowledge of mental health issues. I'd recommend it for anyone who works with college students, and even parents concerned about their students.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Kadison presents research in a conversational manner, making this book a recommended read for educators, parents, and students alike. There is a chapter for parents and a chapter for students at the end of the book addressing each group uniquely.

[Peggy Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used it for a research paper...hard to just read cover-to-cover but has much useful information for those interested in counseling, and college students specifically.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this one for work... and it was only ok.

[Kristin]

Such an important issue. I was trying to become educated! Recommended at a Big 10 Conference for leaders in higher administration.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to the mental health challenges of college students. It needs updating but it’s a great starting point.

[Norris]

An astute and relatable book for college-aged students.

[Jessica Rouser · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little outdated. A newer version would be great.