A new 2024 study, conducted by U.S. News, has revealed a harrowing reality affecting college students. An increasing majority – about 70% of students in 2024 – report that they have struggled with their mental health since starting college. 

What’s worse, is that most of these students do not seek professional support. Just over one-third of students affected by mental health problems in college have sought out resources to help. Yet the vast majority (63%) choose not to seek support, often because they are afraid of what others might think, worry about the cost implications involved, or have a general uncertainty about the effectiveness of treatment. Students who do seek support often do so on-campus, but typically find the college counseling services are insufficient in meeting their mental health needs.

The mental health crisis among college students is especially alarming this back-to-school season. With many students being far from home, parents are often out of the loop when it comes to their own sons and daughters’ mental health. To that end, college students might not know who to turn to for support while in school, and might be afraid to accept their struggles or voice a need for help. So, what can we do to improve these statistics and help our loved ones succeed emotionally, mentally, and academically?

First, it’s important to recognize which types of mental health issues college students are facing.

Common Mental Health Problems in College Students

In 2023, the Healthy Minds Study (which surveys 800 campuses across the country) revealed some of the most common mental health issues affecting college students. Researchers found that 41% of college students screened positively for clinically-significant symptoms of depression, while more than 1 in 3 college students (36%) screened positive for anxiety. Notably, 29% of students engaged in self-harm, while 14% reported suicide ideation in the past year. 

Of course, these are not the only mental health problems affecting college students. Many students also deal with eating disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other conditions. Based on the latest data reported by The Healthy Minds Network, close to half of modern college students (46%) have been diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetimes.

What is Hurting College Students’ Mental Health?

Mental health issues can occur for a variety of reasons, with a mix of genetic and environmental factors putting students at risk. As we’ve previously discussed, chemical imbalances in the brain, family history, and negative life experiences can all trigger the emergence of mental health struggles. And while mental health issues often arise in adolescence, college students are certainly not immune to these conditions. Most mental health issues occur by the age of 24.

So, what do college students cite as the reason for their mental health state? Unsurprisingly, college students’ mental health issues are largely linked to stress. According to a new Gallup study, a significant number – about 64%  – of college students have considered dropping out of their program due to “emotional stress” or “mental health concerns.” Almost 3 out of 4 young adults (72%) cite “emotional stress” as an important reason why they are not enrolled in college at this time.

We know that stress can negatively impact a person’s mental health and trigger the symptoms of diagnoses like depression and anxiety. College students have a lot on their plates – trying to balance independent living with academic priorities, social functions, financial responsibilities, and future planning. There is a significant pressure on college students to land good careers, earn a comfortable living, and establish themselves in society directly after graduation—stressors that can quickly pile up. As such, some students get overwhelmed and fall behind. Some avoid school altogether.

Academic stress isn’t the only cause of this mental health crisis, though. In general across America, we are seeing more and more young people struggle with conditions like depression and anxiety, largely due to the state of the world we’re living in and the stressors that come with it. Those who have experienced trauma, abuse, substance dependence, loss, abandonment, and low self-esteem are also at risk of developing mental health disorders in their young adulthood.

Solutions to Improve the Mental Health of College Students

While the rise of mental health issues is concerning among student demographics, there is good news. Mental health disorders are treatable and manageable. There are resources available to college students, even if they do not know where to turn in this moment. There are also ways that parents, educators, friends, and college counselors can help.

It’s important to note that college students are unlikely to seek treatment on their own. One way that educators, counselors, coaches, parents, and friends can help is simply by knowing the signs of distress and mental illness in young adults. For example, sudden changes in behavior (such as skipping class, forgetting assignments, a disheveled appearance, and not sleeping or eating) are often indicators that a student is struggling mentally. If you notice something off, don’t hesitate to reach out or privately ask if everything is OK. Create a safe space for open, confidential communication with this student.

For college students who communicate their struggles, it can help to have some resources on-deck. Faculty may refer students to the campus counseling center for guidance, while family and friends might research potential mental health programs or therapy options for young adults. For college students who are unsure where to turn, visiting a doctor or primary care physician is another great way to get a mental health assessment and referral to a treatment provider.

Other ways to help college students overcome their struggles, and get the help they need, include:

1. Creating open dialogues to reduce the stigma around mental health. This means normalizing mental health conversations, sharing experiences, and providing unbiased support and understanding for those who are struggling.
2. Encouraging connectedness on campus. Supportive relationships are the cornerstone of a healthy, happy life. College students should find opportunities to join organizations, participate in extracurriculars, engage in mentorship programs, and find groups that align with their interests. Therapy is also a great way to connect with others and feel heard during tough times.
3. Staying in touch, even from afar. Family and friends are some of the most important assets in a person’s life, and college students who attend school far from home may feel lonely without their usual social network. Family and friends should make a point to stay in touch and maintain open lines of communication with their loved one while in school.
4. Practicing healthy lifestyle choices. It’s a common stereotype that college students live on ramen noodles and binge drinking, but this should never be the norm. In order to be mentally and emotionally healthy, one must fuel their body with essential nutrients and avoid the abuse of substances. Additionally, regular exercise can produce the “happy chemicals” in the brain that promote good mental health. And, of course, adequate sleep is important for the brain to recover, reset, and stay stable mentally.
5. Practicing self-care. In addition to the basics – adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise – college students should also save time each day and each week for self-care. Self-care means taking study breaks, spending time outdoors, pursuing non-academic hobbies, practicing relaxation techniques, and doing things that generally promote feelings of happiness and self-love.
6. Pursuing academic advising and support. When college students are feeling overwhelmed by classes and assignments, it’s important they have somewhere to turn. Most campuses offer an array of academic advising and tutoring services, which we encourage students to take advantage of during their time in school. Tackling academic challenges head-on, and finding new ways to learn and absorb materials, can be monumental in finding success in college. At the same time, these resources can also help students find ways to balance overloaded schedules and manage stress through various time management, study, and coping techniques.

If you are a college student, or know a student who is struggling with their mental health, pursuing these solutions can begin the path towards recovery. Of course, if you are in need of support, or simply exploring your options for therapy, please do not hesitate to contact a professional. Turnbridge is a mental health treatment provider with programs dedicated to young adults. We offer academic counseling in part with our treatment programs, to help students continue their path to success while receiving the services they need.

Please call 877-581-1793 today to learn more about Turnbridge.