The Dangers of Social Ideology In Campus Health Care

Miriam Grossman, MD  |  2007.04.15  |  Policy Express No 7-2

A college freshman - I call her Heather - came to me for help with her mood: every so often she had episodes of feeling down, crying easily, and hating herself. Normally, she was social and outgoing; these days she was spending hours alone in her room. Heather didn't know where this was coming from. Everything seemed to be going so well: she liked school, had plenty of friends, and got along well with her family.

She paused at my next question: did you recently begin or end any relationship? Well, yes ... I can think of one thing. I recently got a "friend with benefits," and actually ... I'm confused about that.

Little does Heather know that she is thrice a victim ...


Full Text (PDF, 1 MB) Revised September 2008 to include more recent information


About the Author: Miriam Grossman, MD, is a psychiatrist on the staff of UCLA's student counseling center, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, and author of the book, Unprotected. She is currently a Senior Fellow at the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute.

Related Subjects:

Health Care
Sexuality
Social Issues