College is a time of exploration and discovery, but it can also be an experience that feels isolating or stressful, leaving some students dealing with feelings of anxiety and depression. As mental health in college students appears to decline, colleges and universities across the country are finding unique and innovative ways to support college students’ mental health.
At Florida Technical College, we take pride in offering resources designed to support our students’ well-being. We are committed to prioritizing mental health through various initiatives and partnerships. By fostering awareness and advocating for mental health, we aim to enhance the overall college experience for our entire community.
The Importance of Mental Health in College
College students must balance a wide range of responsibilities, all while trying to complete the requirements needed to earn their degree. For students who begin pursuing their degree immediately after graduating from high school, college can be an overwhelming time. They are transitioning into adulthood, managing their independence for the first time, and sometimes working a part-time job while completing their courses either in-person or online. Modern students beginning a degree program after having earned professional experience may find themselves balancing professional responsibilities, family life, and coursework, which can be daunting at times.
Recognizing the different stressors college students are experiencing as well as understanding the role their mental health will play in their overall success allows college and university administrators to develop personalized services for all students on campus.
The Rising Concern of Mental Health Issues Among Students
Mental health disorders and symptoms of anxiety and depression in college students are on the rise, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the American Psychological Association, more than 60% of students during the 2020-2021 school year met the criteria for a mental health disorder diagnosis, and nearly 75% of students reported that they were experiencing extreme stress, anxiety, or depression. Administrators now consider these mental health concerns to have reached crisis levels, which is leading many colleges and universities to begin developing new and innovative resources to help students improve their mental health and well-being.
How Mental Health Affects Academic Performance and Relationships
A student’s mental health and well-being can have a significant impact on both their personal lives and their academic lives. Some of the consequences of poor mental health in college students include:
- Decreased energy level and inability to concentrate, which can directly impact academic performance.
- Decreased motivation, preventing students from going the extra mile to succeed in their courses.
- Higher instances of insomnia, which can negatively impact energy levels and overall mood.
- Increased stress on friendships and relationships, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation or loneliness.
Common Mental Health Challenges Faced by College Students
Mental health challenges and disorders among college students are steadily rising. Since 2013, symptoms of mental health disorders and occurrences of mental health challenges have increased by more than 50% among college students.
By recognizing the unique mental health challenges that college students face, universities and colleges can work to develop mental health services impactful and beneficial.
Anxiety and Depression: The Leading Issues
The most common mental health disorders reported among college students are anxiety and depression. More than 44% of college students across 133 college campuses reported feelings of depression in the 2021-2022 school year. Of those, nearly 15% reported that they had considered suicide. These stark numbers highlight the very real concerns that college students are facing, and they amplify the importance of advocating for mental health services on college campuses.
Signs of anxiety and depression in college students may be:
- Changes in eating habits.
- Changes in sleeping patterns.
- Social isolation.
- Panic attacks or feelings of anxiety.
- Extreme fatigue or persistent lack of energy.
- Loss of interest in activities or experiences that students once enjoyed.
- Persistent feelings of being overwhelmed.
Rates of anxiety and depression among college students are on the rise for a variety of reasons. This includes the rising cost of education, the pressure to succeed, and the demanding schedule that they must maintain to balance classes, work, or personal obligations.
Stress From Academic Pressure and Future Uncertainties
For many students, college is the first step toward their new life, but the future is uncertain during these tumultuous times. Political unrest, social change, environmental change, and a shifting economy can shatter a student’s confidence, leaving them feeling stressed or upset about the future. Intense academic pressure and an inability to envision what the future may look like can have a detrimental impact on any college student, regardless of their strengths or abilities.
The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health in College
While the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and concerns is slowly lifting, college students may still feel uncertain about where to go or who to turn to if they are experiencing the signs and symptoms of anxiety, depression, or another type of mental health concern. When colleges work to create innovative and accessible mental health services for their students, and actively raise awareness about those services, they can help shatter the stigma surrounding mental health in college students.
Breaking Down the Barriers to Seeking Help
One of the best ways to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking care for mental health disorders is to increase awareness of and accessibility to mental health services in higher education. Colleges should not only work to create mental health services that align with the lifestyle and availability of students, but administrators and staff members should also strive to ensure students are aware of the services and how to access them.
Some strategic and innovative ways to remove barriers to mental health services include:
- Increasing the availability of telehealth services, such as remote mental health counseling.
- Providing crisis care on campus that is available to students
- Creating private spaces within the community where students can participate in remote counseling.
Role of Peers and Institutions in Overcoming Stigma
Not too long ago, it was shameful to talk about feelings of anxiety or depression, with society at large viewing these experiences as a sign of weakness. Today, both college staff members and students on campus know better. Peer support and institutional support can help students feel less alone or overwhelmed by any mental health symptoms they are experiencing. Additionally, both peers and institutional representatives can play a powerful role in recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and helping students receive the help that they need to live a balanced and productive life.
Available Mental Health Resources and How to Access Them
The number of mental health resources on any college campus is increasing drastically. This is especially true as administrators, professors, and staff members work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and improve the overall experiences of students enrolled on campus. Knowing what mental health services are available and how to access them can ensure that you can enjoy every moment of your college experience, knowing that you are getting the personalized support and assistance you need.
On-Campus Services and Support Systems
Students enrolled in traditional, in-person degree programs may benefit from on-campus services. Common mental health services available on campus include:
- Counseling services
- Group therapy
- Social support systems
- Drop-in counseling
- Peer counseling
Online Resources and Remote Counseling Options
In addition, colleges and universities are working to expand their mental health services into the digital realm. Online and remote counseling services benefit both online students enrolled in classes as well as students on campus who may not have the time or confidence to take advantage of traditional mental health services. Colleges are finding new and innovative ways to make mental health services as convenient and accessible as possible, such as launching apps that offer remote counseling for students interested.
Strategies for Managing Mental Health as a College Student
As a college student, you are going to experience stressful moments. There is going to be pressure to do well on that big exam at the end of the semester. It is going to be overwhelming at times to balance your part-time job with the demands of your courses. It’s important to know that those feelings of stress or anxiety should not define your entire college experience. Prioritizing your mental health and developing strategies to help you cope with these new and exciting experiences can help you have the best possible experience as you work to earn your degree.
Developing Healthy Habits and Coping Mechanisms
Developing health habits is one of the best ways to protect and improve college students’ mental health. You can create health habits and adopt positive coping mechanisms by:
- Creating a consistent routine and sticking with it. Routines are predictable, and the structure can give you the comfort you need to transition to college life. Even college students need a regular bedtime, and you are actually better off getting a full night’s sleep than staying up all night cramming for that exam.
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Fueling your body with lean protein, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains can help you feel better both physically and emotionally.
- Exercising on a regular basis. Find an activity that you truly enjoy, such as jogging across campus or doing yoga before bedtime. Regular exercise is good for your body and your mind and can help quell those overwhelming feelings of anxiety.
The Importance of Creating a Supportive Community
By actively working to make connections with your peers and build a community within your college environment, you will find that you feel more supported and less alone, particularly during those challenging moments. You can build a community by:
- Connecting with peers in your classes, even if you are enrolled in online classes.
- Joining an extracurricular activity.
- Participating in study groups.
- Attending peer counseling sessions or group therapy.
Case Studies: Successful Mental Health Initiatives in Colleges
Recognizing the rising need for improved mental health services on college campuses, colleges across the country are answering the call. New and innovative mental health services are now available, many of which leverage the power of technology to increase accessibility, comfort, and convenience for college students struggling. These successful initiatives are helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health care and improving outcomes and experiences for students of all ages and abilities.
Programs That Have Made a Difference
The APA notes that some of the most monumental and impactful programs on college campuses include:
- The development of “Let’s Talk” programs, which prioritize rapid access for students in crisis situations. These are considered informal consultations that allow students to instantly connect with a mental health care provider and receive information and support.
- Partnerships with telehealth programs, which allow students to utilize the technology they are comfortable with to access the mental health care services they need at a time convenient for them.
- Investments in additional resources that students can use to improve their daily lives. For example, some colleges and universities are offering ongoing mental health seminars on a variety of topics, such as positive sleeping habits, self-care techniques for college students, and stress management.
Lessons Learned and Best Practices
Over the past several years, colleges and universities across the country have recognized the need for improved mental health services, and they have begun to implement best practices to ensure that students receive personalized care. Any college or university hoping to develop new mental health services should keep in mind:
- The need for inclusive services that reflect the entire campus body.
- The importance of raising awareness about mental health concerns and the signs and symptoms to look out for.
- The need for accessible mental health services for all students on campus.
Request more information about our online degree programs and the services we offer for students.
Sources
https://www.meta.app/students-meta-teletherapy/?utm_source=FTC%20College%20Website&utm_medium=Blog
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/10/mental-health-campus-care
https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/fostering-college-student-mental-health-and-resili
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4527955/
https://sprc.org/settings/colleges-and-universities/consequences-of-student-mental-health-issues/
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/parents-guide-college-student-mental-health
https://timelycare.com/blog/10-best-practices-for-supporting-college-students-mental-health/
