College students don’t have it easy. Between academic pressures, financial hurdles, roommate conflicts, career planning, and establishing an independent life, there is a lot weighing on the shoulders of students today. So, if you are feeling consumed by it all, or that stress is swallowing you up, you are not alone. Today, almost 60 percent of college students are struggling with their mental or emotional health.  

Now, it’s important to note that there is a difference between having a bad day and having a mental breakdown in college. Bad days happen to us every now and then, and can even occur for several days in a row. However, you typically can go about your life while dealing with these feelings of sadness, anxiety, and, occasionally, negative thoughts. A mental breakdown, on the other hand, makes it very difficult to function. It is a period of intense and overwhelming distress that makes it hard to carry out daily tasks (let alone get out of bed). 

Are You Having a Mental Breakdown in College? Signs that Need Attention

While the term ‘mental breakdown’ (also known as ‘nervous breakdown’) isn’t a formal diagnosis, it typically mirrors and stems from mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Common signs of a mental or nervous breakdown include:

• Sadness and hopelessness
• Sense of worthlessness and inadequacy
• Inability to concentrate or focus
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• Eating too much or too little
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Intense anxiety and/or panic attacks
• Emotional outbursts, such as uncontrollable crying
• Detachment and disconnection from reality
• Withdrawal from loved ones and social happenings
• Neglecting obligations like school and work
• Intrusive and overwhelming thoughts
• Complete ‘shutting down,’ with inability to get out of bed or speak to others 

When you are having a mental breakdown, the symptoms feel all-encompassing. They become so intense that you can no longer cope with them effectively – essentially, it’s an overload of stress that exhausts and burns you out. But while the mental breakdown can feel unwavering, know that the intensity of it only lasts for a few days or so. 

However, keep in mind that a mental breakdown typically happens when a person is struggling with other, deep-seated issues. If you believe you are having a mental breakdown, it’s likely that you’re also struggling with a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. Because that’s so often the case, we recommend seeking help not solely for your breakdown, but also for the other symptoms you might be navigating internally: persistent anxiousness, feelings of overwhelm, fatigue, racing thoughts, lack of energy, irritability, and sleep disturbances are just some examples that might weigh on you regularly. 

What Causes a Mental Breakdown in College?

Most often, mental breakdowns stem from an underlying mental health condition like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, major depression, and more. However, these mental health disorders are not necessarily what causes the breakdown to occur. Mental breakdowns are typically caused by a build-up of stressors and an inability to cope with those stressors effectively. 

For college students specifically, there are a number of stressful situations and issues that cause mental health issues. For some students, these factors can quickly pile up and cause a mental breakdown to occur. Examples include:  

• A heavy academic workload, and trouble balancing multiple assignments/classes
• Immense pressure to succeed and get good grades (whether from family, or self-inflicted) 
• Procrastination on assignments, falling behind on classwork, and stress around catching up 
• Struggling with financial commitments, such as tuition costs and living expenses in college
• Balancing academic responsibilities with part- or full-time jobs
• Having to make new friends and build relationships in an unfamiliar environment
• Loneliness, particularly for students going to college far from home
• Challenges with roommates and living situations
• Uncertainty about the future and fear of not finding a vocational path
• Pressure to secure a professional career and make a post-graduation plan
• Pressure to pick the “right” field of study when starting out in school
• Burning out from an overload of classes, work, and other obligations
• Lack of sleep (college students on average get 6-7 hours of sleep, versus the 8-10 they need)
• Poor nutrition, due to convenience or low cost nature of unhealthy food options
• Social media and comparison culture, leading to feelings of inadequacy
• Struggle finding support and guidance in a new environment
• Separation from family or family responsibilities
• Feeling lost or overlooked in a sea of college students

It is stressors like these—combined with genetic and early life factors—that often lead young adults to develop issues with their mental health. And it is not uncommon for mental health issues to emerge during these younger years. Studies show that most mental illnesses (about 75%) emerge by the age of 25. Anxiety disorders are most prevalent among college students, followed by depression.

What to Do if You’re Having a Mental Breakdown in College

If you are experiencing the signs of a mental breakdown, it is crucial to seek help immediately. Consider:

• Reaching out to a mental health professional or counselor
• Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or support group
• Calling a crisis hotline or emergency services if your situation is severe

Professional support is so important for college students battling a mental health problem, because it allows you to get to the root of what’s causing it. A mental health professional can help you understand what led up to your mental breakdown and what might trigger another one in the years ahead. More notably, this professional can teach you the coping skills and stress management techniques needed to navigate mental health challenges like this, down the road.

Of course, being in college poses its own challenges when it comes to seeking help. Whether you are in your first year at school or a more senior student, living on campus and away from family members can make it hard to build a new and trusted support system. 

So, where can college students turn to, when they are facing mental health struggles? 

Well, campus resources are an excellent place to start. Your college or university should have accessible and free mental health resources for students, including counselors and clinicians. They can help provide you with the safety and assurance you need right now. While they may not specialize in mental health disorders, they can refer you to other providers or ensure you get the level of therapy you deserve.

If you are uncomfortable heading to a school counseling center, you can also consider speaking with a trusted professor, coach, academic advisor, or mentor at your school. Alternatively, you can turn to your primary care doctor or other healthcare professional for support.

But if you do not know where to turn, you can always call Turnbridge for support. Turnbridge is a mental health treatment provider that specializes in the unique experiences of teenagers and young adults. We understand where you are, right now, and can offer you the guidance you need and deserve. Call us today at 877-581-1793 to speak with a treatment specialist about your options.

 At Turnbridge, you do not need to put your life on hold to receive treatment. You can attend our collegiate recovery center, where we will help you continue your college education while your mind and body heal. Learn more here.

How to Navigate Life After a Mental Breakdown in College

Getting treatment is just one step in overcoming and moving past a mental breakdown in college. While the right treatment will teach you about your triggers, as well as the skills for coping with them, there are additional steps you can take to prevent another breakdown from happening while in school.

• Rebuild a healthy routine, and create more consistency in your day-to-day life  
• Learn how to set boundaries, and say “no” to things that will overburden or overwhelm you
• Communicate and delegate, and do not be afraid to ask for help or support when in need
• Practice stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, and journaling
• Practice self-care, including getting adequate rest, eating healthy, and exercising regularly
• Spend time outdoors often, and reap the mental health benefits of nature
• Reconnect with people who support and lift up your mental well-being 
• Find a mentor, support group, or therapist you can turn to in times of need
• Get continuing care for your mental health, whether that’s ongoing therapy or medication
• Set goals for yourself, and make them achievable and measurable
• Be patient with yourself, too, and know that recovery is not linear
• Know when to ask for help again, if symptoms of anxiety or depression return

Recovering from a mental breakdown can be a transformative process. By addressing the root of your issues, learning coping skills, and building a positive support network, you can emerge stronger, more self-aware, and better equipped to handle the ups and downs of college life.

Remember, Turnbridge is here for you. If you or your loved one is having a mental breakdown in college, do not hesitate to call us at 877-581-1793 today.