What To Know About Student Life And Your Mental Health

As you progress from middle school to high school and beyond, you may face new challenges in your academics, relationships, and responsibilities. These challenges can be exciting opportunities, but they may also contribute to mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. To help you understand how student life can affect mental health, this article takes a closer look at what school is like from high school to graduate school. We’ll also explore common mental illnesses among students, tips for balancing life as a student, and more. If you’re a student experiencing mental health challenges, consider seeking support through in-person or online therapy.

What is life like in high school?

In the United States, most students start high school between the ages of 13 and 15. Completing high school usually takes four years. High school studies tend to focus on a wide range of general subjects, like math, English, and history, although some high schools focus more on specific areas, like music, science, or performing arts. Your life as a high school student may involve the following:

• Attending classes on a schedule
• Completing homework assignments and projects
• Taking tests and quizzes, for which you may have to study outside of class
• Studying for and taking standardized tests like the SAT and ACT
• Attending events like dances and pep rallies
• Getting involved in sports
• Applying to colleges 
• Participating in clubs, student leadership organizations, or other extracurricular activities

Student life on a college campus

If you want to deepen your studies after high school, you may decide to pursue an undergraduate degree. These degrees typically allow you to explore a specific subject, like business or film, and usually take four years to complete. Undergraduate studies can be a way to gain independence and prepare for life and work after school. Life as an undergraduate student may involve the following:

• Building a schedule around your chosen major
• Attending lectures, recitations, labs, and smaller classes
• Living in on-campus dorms or off-campus apartments
• Managing your own chores, meals, and finances
• Studying abroad in other countries
• Taking midterms and final exams
• Joining campus organizations such as clubs, Greek life, and sports teams
• Taking on internships or part-time jobs

Understanding the graduate experience

Graduate studies, also called “postgraduate studies,” are more advanced programs that may take two or more years to complete after you finish your undergraduate degree. Graduate degrees are usually necessary for some careers, like law and medicine, and can require a significant amount of work outside class. Life in a graduate program may involve the following:

• Taking highly specialized courses 
• Participating in smaller, more intimate class discussions and workshops
• Doing independent research projects
• Choosing an academic advisor to mentor you in your studies
• Applying for grants and other research funding
• Working on campus as a lecturer, research assistant, or administrative assistant
• Finding a balance between studies, work, family, friends, and hobbies

Challenges you may face as a student: Engagement, academics, and more

High school, college, and graduate school can all be unique places to grow, explore your interests, and learn more about the world. However, student life can also pose challenges at each of these stages of your academic journey. Below are a few of the most common.

Campus social dynamics

Navigating your social life, making friends, and finding a community can be intimidating in both high school and college, especially if you’re new to your school. A recent survey found that 28% of U.S. teens reported experiencing pressure to fit in socially. College students may face similar challenges, especially if they attend school far away from the social group they built during high school. The desire to fit in may lead students to become more susceptible to peer pressure, potentially leading to unhealthy behaviors like alcohol and substance use. 

Bullying

Bullying is another challenge students may face. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 19% of high school-age students reported being bullied in 2021 and 2022.

College students may not be immune to bullying, either. Some studies have found that upwards of 43% of college students have experienced bullying at school. 

Academic stressors

In high school, students may face high levels of pressure to get into their chosen colleges. Meanwhile, university students may also experience pressure to perform well for future jobs and graduate school opportunities. As a result, students may take on fuller schedules and more advanced classes, which can be challenging and time-consuming. Studies have found that academic pressure can be a major source of stress for students around the world. 

Student engagement

Student engagement generally describes a student’s level of curiosity, motivation, and passion for learning.

Even with classes taking place in person again, students’ engagement levels appear to be lower than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. Lacking interest in the coursework can make it harder to focus and stay committed, especially for high school students, who may have less control over their schedules. 

Mental health considerations for students

The above challenges, and others, may raise the risk of mental illness for both high school and college students. According to the CDC, approximately 29% of high school students experienced poor mental health in 2021.

Among teens and adolescents, common mental health concerns include the following:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Eating disorders
• Self-harm
• Substance use

College students may face mental health challenges, too. A 2021 study found that nearly 75% of college students experienced “moderate or severe” psychological distress.

A more recent study found that four in 10 college students had recently considered dropping out, with “emotional stress” being the most common reason.

Meanwhile, in a 2018 study, researchers found that graduate students appeared to be six times more likely to experience depression and anxiety than the general population.

Tips for balancing your life throughout your school experience

Balancing your studies, social life, mental health, and other responsibilities can seem challenging. However, using the right strategies may help you effectively manage the demands of student life. The following tips are designed to help you strike a healthy balance, from high school to college.

• Aim to eat nutritious meals, get seven to eight hours of sleep per night, and get regular physical exercise.
• Be realistic about what you want to accomplish each week, and break larger goals into smaller daily tasks.
• Briefly read through your class notes at the end of each day to absorb the material more easily. 
• Use a planner or calendar to plan your days, factoring in your classes, extracurriculars, and time for studying and hobbies.
• Take advantage of your instructors’ office hours to get help with challenging material and advice for studying more efficiently.
• Don’t feel bad about taking time to relax and recharge, which can make balancing a demanding schedule more sustainable. 
• Socialize as much as you can with people who can support you emotionally and academically.
• Write down your long-term academic and career goals and put them somewhere visible to use as motivation. 
• Remember that it’s okay to ask for help if you’re struggling. 

Resources for students, from student affairs to mental health services

Being proactive can be a first step toward taking control of your life as a high school or college student. However, student life may still become overwhelming from time to time. This section provides a list of additional resources and places to turn when you need help. 

Student affairs, support, and other academic resources for students

Even with all the right coping strategies, school can be stressful. Academic support and campus resources like those listed below may help you manage your schoolwork and extracurriculars more effectively. 

• Tutoring: Colleges and high schools often offer professional or peer tutoring, which may be helpful if you’re struggling with a specific subject. 
• Study groups: Working with a study group, either through your school or on your own, can be a way to receive peer support and advice. 
• Student success centers: Many colleges have student success centers where students can get help with time management, career counseling, scheduling, and academics.
• Your academic advisor: If you’re in graduate school, your advisor may be able to give you suggestions on how to manage your time, approach your research, and balance your schoolwork and personal life. 
• Your guidance counselor: In high school, your guidance counselor may be able to suggest strategies for managing your classwork, offer alternative testing options, and help you build a sustainable schedule. 

Mental health services for students who experience challenges

It’s okay to need other forms of support, too. Whether you’re experiencing mental health symptoms or you want to be proactive about your well-being, several mental health resources are also available. 

• Your school psychologist: Many high schools employ psychologists to provide counseling, support, and other mental health services to students in need. 
• Campus counseling: College student health centers frequently offer mental health services like counseling and psychological referrals. 
• Your doctor: Your primary care doctor may refer you to an appropriate mental health provider and, if needed, prescribe medication. 
• Helplines: Hotlines like the Crisis Text Line and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be quicker ways to get real-time support. 
• Online therapy: Online therapy platforms offer live therapy sessions over voice call, video call, or in-app messaging. 

Finding time to go to in-person counseling can be a challenge with a busy schedule. With platforms like BetterHelp, those who are 18 or older can see a therapist at a time that works for their schedule without having to leave the house. If you’re struggling to balance your life as a student, online therapy may offer more flexibility than traditional counseling. 

Studies have found that online therapy may improve students’ mental health. In a 2022 study where 34 college students in need of mental health support received counseling over the internet, online therapy appeared to effectively reduce psychological distress and increase life satisfaction.