Academic Performance, The College Experience, And Student Mental Health

Prioritizing your mental health may be one of the most important things you can do for yourself during college, but it can sometimes be difficult to figure out where to begin. Understanding more about the types of mental health concerns that commonly come up in college and how to connect to resources may help you navigate any emotional bumps in the road during college with confidence.  

Common mental health concerns among college students

A college student could be affected by virtually any type of mental health concern during their time in school, but a few are especially common among this population.

Depression

Depression is more than occasional feelings of sadness; instead, it’s a clinical mental illness that typically won’t resolve without treatment. A person with depression may experience a pervasive sense of hopelessness that can impact their health in a variety of ways. 

Physically, depression can lead to weight gain or loss, aches and pains with no clear medical explanation, lack of appetite, changes in sleeping patterns (including insomnia), and fatigue. Mentally, depression is associated with difficulty concentrating, a lack of motivation, low self-esteem, and a desire to isolate oneself from friends, family members, and loved ones.  

Stress and anxiety

It’s generally rare to find a college student who is not experiencing some level of stress. Between academic pressure, financial concerns, and a packed social life, college can be quite a stressful time. Chronic stress can take a toll on your body and mind if it’s not well-managed, and it has the potential to escalate into an anxiety disorder in some cases.

Anxiety disorders are a type of mental illness that involves persistent, excessive worry or dread that’s difficult to control, which can make daily functioning difficult. Anxiety can have significant physical side effects as well, such as migraines and digestive concerns. 

Suicidal ideation and self-harm

According to the American College Health Association, which publishes the National College Health Assessment Survey Report, just over one in four college students identified with some form of suicidal ideation in the fall of 2023, and about 2% of students had made a suicide attempt in the last twelve months—making this a serious concern on campuses across the country.

Suicide is often associated with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, but you do not need to have a mental illness to experience suicidal thoughts. People considering suicide may act on these thoughts quickly or impulsively, so it’s important to connect them to mental health support as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7.

Signs of mental health challenges in college students

These signs can include but are not limited to the following. If you notice these, it’s recommended that you seek professional mental health support:

• Changes in mood, including dramatic mood swings
• Withdrawal from social relationships
• A loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Irritability
• Difficulty making decisions
• A tendency to burst into tears more easily than normal
• Behavioral changes
• A sense of self-loathing
• New or increasing substance use
• Restlessness
• Lethargy
• Trouble relaxing
• Expressing feelings that are inappropriate for the situation
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things
• A lack of emotional affect

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

The importance of engaging in self-care and seeking help

With everything you may have going on in college, it can be difficult to make time for self-care. However, finding a way is typically worth it, as self-care can be an investment with large dividends for your physical, mental, and emotional health over both the short and long term.

There are many different forms of self-care that may be beneficial for college students. One example is exercising regularly. As a college student, you might be able to use on-campus facilities like a gym or a track for free or a discounted rate, and you may be able to sneak in a workout between classes. Or, your strategy could be as simple as walking to your next class instead of taking the campus shuttle. It can be surprising how little choices like these can add up over time to improve your mood and your well-being.

That said, self-care strategies may go only so far, especially for more serious mental health symptoms. It’s important to recognize when you may need extra support. If your symptoms persist despite changes to your self-care routine, or if they are impacting your studies, your work, your relationships, or aspects of your basic functioning, it may be time to connect with a professional. 

Education and resources for student mental health

Learning more about mental health and finding resources you can access can be crucial for maintaining positive mental health in college.

Education

Enough college students are now experiencing mental health difficulties that the American Psychological Association has drawn attention to what has been deemed a “college student mental health crisis.”

Many colleges and universities are recognizing the importance of educating their students, faculty, and staff on mental health concerns to build a more inclusive and supportive environment where community members help each other through tough times. Some campuses have also developed peer-to-peer support networks where students can sign up to receive targeted instruction on common college mental health concerns so they can then be an educational resource to other students. You might explore options like these that may be available on the campus of your school.

Student mental health services

Many colleges and universities provide an on-campus counseling center that is free or low cost for students and that employs counselors who are specifically trained in the mental health difficulties that are common among college students. 

These centers can have long wait times due to the increasing demand for services, but they may also be able to provide alternative options for mental health care other than a one-on-one appointment. For example, some college counseling centers offer group therapy for students who are experiencing similar difficulties on campus due to a shared identity, like Black students or students who identify as LGBTQ+. 

Combating mental health stigma on college campuses 

Mental health stigma refers to the shame society teaches many people to associate with mental health concerns, which may lead some to believe there is something wrong with or weak about them if they are experiencing mental health difficulties. This may prevent people from seeking the help they need. Stigma can be perpetuated through outdated and discriminatory language like “crazy,” “insane,” and “mental health issues.” 

Many of the educational resources colleges and universities offer related to mental health are dedicated to raising awareness and reducing stigma. Individuals can also make an effort. For example, you may be able to help counteract stigma by being open and honest about your own mental health experiences and checking in on your friends.

Resources for student support

If your campus counseling center is backed up but you need personalized mental health support, there are additional options to explore, such as: 

• National organizations: Many of the peer-to-peer student groups mentioned above may be connected to national mental health organizations, like the National Alliance for Mental Illness, which can provide helpful information on mental health care. 
• Crisis helplines: If you are in need of immediate support, the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (dial 988) are available. 
• Online therapy: Online therapy through a service like BetterHelp can connect you to a licensed therapist with whom you can meet remotely from home or anywhere you have an internet connection.

Benefits of online therapy for students

Sometimes, even if you are on the waiting list at your campus counseling center, their available appointment times may not work with your schedule. Online therapy can help bridge the gap in these circumstances. With online therapy, you can connect with a therapist at times that work for you, including in the evenings or on weekends. 

Research indicates that there’s likely no significant difference in the quality of care a person can receive through online therapy and traditional in-person therapy. For example, one study examined a group of people experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, two of the more common mental health conditions college students face. Its findings suggest that online therapy and in-person therapy offered comparable outcomes in terms of symptom reduction.