The Ohio University Police Department saw an almost one-third jump in the number of “emotionally disturbed person” reports in 2013, but authorities say this increase might be abnormal rather than an alarming trend.
The department classifies an emotionally disturbed person as a “person exhibiting non-criminal behavior that represents a threat to him/herself or others, suggests s/he is unable to care for his/her basic needs, or suggests s/he would benefit from treatment in a mental health facility,” according to OUPD Chief Andrew Powers. These reports are called EDPs.
OUPD received 53 of these reports in 2013 — a 31 percent surge from the 37 reports received in 2012.
“Things always tend to go in cycles,” Powers said. “It’s hard to say if that spike is significant or just an anomaly, (but) it certainly is a significant increase for 2013.”
He said he was not able to provide a specific reason for what might have triggered the jump, but that each report the department receives does not necessarily represent a different individual. Rather, there could be multiple calls involving the same person, he said.
In 2013, OU’s Counseling and Psychological Services experienced a 15-percent increase in the number of students who visited the department during drop-in hours during the first three weeks of Fall Semester, according to a university press release.
Erika Gray, a psychologist and outreach coordinator for Counseling and Psychological Services, said via email that an increase in individuals seeking counsel would not necessarily mean more people are in mental distress.
“Last year, we launched a newly revised Outreach program and increased our efforts to make students aware of our services.” Gray said. “Increases, if they exist, could be simply attributed to more awareness of the availability of services and success in our Outreach efforts.”
Powers said there are a number of factors and a combination of things that could contribute to mental health problems, such as the stress from relocating away from home or from relationships.
“The types of things that typically cause stress are more common for college-age students,” he said. “We have a high concentration of an age group that has a high concentration of mental health problems.”
Ohio University isn’t alone in seeing an uptick in concern for students’ mental health. According to a recent survey by the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors, 95 percent of college counseling center directors surveyed said the number of students with significant psychological problems is a growing concern in their center or on campus.
Powers, though, said he believes there is no cause for concern within the campus community.
“It does not mean we have more people on campus running around who are dangerous,” he said. “Not every EDP that we go on turns out to be somebody who is actually in crisis and needs to be evaluated.”
Student Senate President Anna Morton said she believes Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones has done a good job in raising awareness on mental health issues, although Morton said she still feels the matter has not been given enough attention.
“It’s really a big factor on most college campuses,” Morton said.
OUPD officer Mathew Austin said he was aware that OUPD received more calls last year.
“We try to have two people respond to that call,” Austin said. “Sometimes just talking with us is enough.”
Austin, who has dealt with several EDP incidents, believes reduced stigma and increased awareness on mental health issues might have contributed to the increase in 2013.
“Calling the police does not always have to be a bad thing,” Austin said.
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