Student Mental Health Resources

Medically reviewed by Nikki Ciletti, M.Ed, LPC

Content Warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, substance use, or abuse which could be triggering to the reader. For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). For those experiencing substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. Free support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Mental health in students overview

High school and college students often face significant mental health risks and a higher chance of developing a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. On college campuses, 44% of students report symptoms of depression and 37% report anxiety. Juggling a substantial caseload of schoolwork with social life, family matters, and one’s own aspirations and goals can lead to stress and burnout.

Despite these challenges, support for students is readily available in many areas. From 2021 to 2022, 96% of US public schools reported offering students at least one mental health support option. Awareness of professional care options can help students and their families seek early intervention and guidance. Cost-effective and convenient resources like school counselors, community mental health centers, and online therapy can also be effective in supporting student mental health.

Factors impacting mental health

In school settings, the following factors may significantly impact one’s mental health:

• A heavy load of schoolwork and increased pressure to succeed academically
• Differences in life from previous school environments when one was younger
• Potential heightened family conflict
• Bodily changes
• Pressure to make and keep friends
• A lack of time for hobbies or free time
• Pressure to apply to colleges or look at future graduate programs
• Pressure to apply for scholarships
• Financial challenges
• Balancing work and academic life
• Spending more time away from loved ones
• Loneliness if struggling to make friends or keep up with social events

Some students may experience unique barriers to mental health, such as homelessness or complete isolation from loved ones. International students and immigrants can also face unique obstacles, such as learning a new language, being far away from family, balancing immigration laws, and paying for tuition out of pocket. For LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other marginalized groups, college can be difficult if there are no resources or student groups available for those in their communities.

Signs and symptoms that one might be experiencing a mental health challenge

Signs to look for that could indicate mental health challenges vary depending on the condition or challenge one is struggling with. Stress and mental burnout can often be the first sign that someone is struggling. Below are other signs to look out for:

• Dwindling academic performance
• Difficulty balancing social, professional, and academic life
• Talking about hopelessness or thoughts of worthlessness
• Asking for help more than usual
• Seeming glum, sad, and withdrawn
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Signs of a lack of sleep, such as dark eyes and yawning
• Spending more time partying or using substances
• Completely dropping out of school altogether or missing classes
• Getting physically sick more often (talk to your doctor)

Impact on academic performance

According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), mental health challenges impact a student’s “energy, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism.” In addition, students might experience lower grades and become significantly more stressed by piling up late assignments. Even those without mental illnesses may experience these impacts, as stress can reduce one’s ability to cope with stressors and demands.

Common mental health challenges in students

Common mental health challenges in students may include the following.

Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotional response, often due to a stressor or scary situation, such as making a presentation or having to juggle more than one responsibility. However, when anxiety becomes severe or occurs with no known cause, a person might be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can cause symptoms like:

• Trembling, sweatiness, and headaches
• Fear of social situations
• Extreme feelings of anxiety when no cause can be identified
• Fear of certain situations, people, or stimuli
• Extreme anxiety about separation from family or loved ones
• Panic or anxiety attacks
• Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
• Fear and worry
• Racing thoughts
• Difficulty sitting still or remaining focused

Depression

Depression is an umbrella term used to refer to several depressive disorders. Depressive disorders can include major depressive disorder (MDD), prolonged depressive disorder (PDD), and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). These conditions may cause symptoms like:

• Prolonged sadness
• A lack of motivation
• Social withdrawal
• Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Appetite changes
• Weight changes
• Difficulty completing assignments
• A lack of focus or concentration
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Stress

Stress is not a mental illness but is often a symptom of mental health conditions and a risk factor for their development. Stress is a nervous system and full-body response to stressors like a high workload, family conflict, or social isolation. In severe cases, stress may be prolonged, causing the constant release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline into the body, which can lead to illness, inflammation, headaches, and mental health challenges.

Other prevalent challenges

Other prevalent challenges in high school and college may include adjustment difficulties, facing new responsibilities, and being at risk of violent crimes like assault, which can occur frequently on college campuses. Some people, like those who participate in Greek life, may be more at risk for hazing and harmful social pressures, which can lead to adverse mental health impacts.

Promoting mental health

Having a supportive school and social environment can improve a student’s chance of success and mental wellness. Colleges can support students by offering free, low-cost, or tuition-covered mental health services. Unique services for marginalized communities, immigrants, and homeless youth can also help people seek support. Communities can support at-risk youth by offering youth services in community health centers at a low cost. In addition, family members and loved ones can support students by being present and validating their concerns instead of adding extra pressure or criticism.  

Students can value their own well-being in the following ways:

• Seeking mental health support at the first signs of chronic stress
• Normalizing mental health in conversations with peers
• Avoiding frequent substance use at events
• Sleeping at the same time each night
• Asking for tutoring help if struggling with assignments
• Signing up for disability services if struggling with a mental or physical illness impeding function at school
• Communicating your needs
• Spending time with positive social influences
• Joining school clubs or groups to make friends
• Finding a spiritual community if religious or spiritual
• Challenging cognitive distortions, such as “I’m not good enough”
• Celebrating any achievement
• Scheduling time for downtime and self-care

Self-care strategies for students

Self-care can be essential to improving mental and physical health when going to school. Below are self-care practices that may be accessible for those with a busy schedule:

• Going to the campus gym: College students might be able to access their college gym for free or at a low cost. Exercising for 30 minutes a day can improve mental health. Consider going once or twice a week.
• Spending time outside: If you live on campus at a university or college, consider spending time in natural areas, such as a community garden or grassy field. On nice days, lay out a blanket and lay in the grass.
• Eating nutritious meals: Dedicate time to having nutritious meals, whether at home, on campus, or in your area. If you live in a dorm, look for dorm-room recipes online to make nutritious college meals.
• Prioritizing sleep: Get enough sleep each night by practicing time management during the day and blocking out time for assignments from each class. Try not to pull overnighters to finish last-minute assignments. Talk to your college advisor or school counselor if you're struggling with procrastination.
• Mindfulness: Spend ten minutes daily, even in class, breathing deeply, focusing on your environment, and feeling your body's sensations. Look for on-the-go mindfulness exercises to get started.

Mental health services for students

Mental health services may be available for students through a college mental health center. A graduate counseling center may also offer low-cost services, as the providers are graduate students finishing their supervised hours and practicum. You might also be able to find guidance through sources like online therapy, community centers, or counselors who accept low-cost or government insurance plans.

Support systems for students

Having a social system can significantly improve mental health outcomes. Students can make new friends by joining social groups, finding community support groups, and meeting people at events. Those who struggle with social anxiety or difficulty making friends might benefit from talking to a therapist about strategies for socializing and coping with loneliness.

Parents and families can help students by researching resources in their area and making an effort to destigmatize mental illness in the household. Communities may support students by offering mental health education and low-cost services for all community members. Locations like libraries and community centers may consider offering classes, support groups, and hobby groups for high school and college students, such as a writing group.

Accessing help as a student

Students may not know when they’d benefit from professional help, especially if they haven’t previously experienced mental health concerns. Signs you might benefit from support as a student could include:

• New emotional challenges
• Mood swings
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Significant stress
• Difficulty paying attention in class
• Significant stress in certain classes, such as math or English
• Financial challenges
• Symptoms of conditions like depression and anxiety
• Withdrawal from social activities or family
• Extreme fear or worry in social situations
• Relationship conflict
• Traumatic events like abuse or assault

All students may benefit from reaching out for therapy. A therapist can guide students through evidence-based coping mechanisms to work through common challenges and can diagnose students who may be living with a mental illness.

Alternative support options

Mental health services can be challenging for students experiencing financial or scheduling barriers to access. In these cases, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp for adults and TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19 may be more accessible. Clients can access sessions at any time through an online platform, including outside of standard school hours. In addition, online sessions are often more cost-effective than in-person options.

Studies show that online therapy can also be effective in reducing burnout. In one study, over 26% of participants found internet-based therapy effective in reducing their symptoms of chronic burnout, which can often be associated with conditions like anxiety disorders and depression.

Takeaway

Students are at a higher risk of mental health conditions, chronic stress, and burnout. Colleges, communities, and parents can offer support by ensuring services are easy to access and that students understand the resources available. Speaking up when living with mental health challenges can be a step toward finding timely support. As a student, consider contacting a therapist online or in your area to find cost-effective and flexible guidance from a professional.