Student Mental Health: Awareness in Universities and Colleges

Research shows that almost 50% of those of college-attending age in the USA live with a psychiatric disorder. When comparing those who attend college with those who don’t, the former was found to have a higher rate of alcohol use disorders. 

Student mental health in the US is on the decline. With the majority of mental health disorders affecting those within college-attending years, 75% of conditions are thought to be developed by the age of 24.

Evidence suggests that the Covid-19 pandemic has also played a large role in the worsening of student mental wellbeing in recent years. 

During the pandemic, 48% of college students showed moderate or severe levels of depression, and 38% showed signs of anxiety. When asked if their poor mental health was a result of the pandemic, 71% answered yes. 

Why are students more susceptible to developing poor mental health?

Young people at university and college are under a lot of pressure. The frightening statistics are the product of many different factors contributing to why students experience so much difficulty with mental health.

1. Experiencing stress

Life as a student is not easy. Higher education demands a lot of mental exertion, but the trials of university are not strictly limited to achieving high grades. 

In addition, young people might have to work in order to fund their studies, care for a dependent family member, or maintain strong relationships with people back home.

Managing these stresses alongside studying can be a lot to handle, and anxiety can get high when students struggle to keep on top of their many responsibilities.

2. Moving away from home

For many, going to university means moving away for the first time. It can be an exciting time, but it can also cause many to experience spells of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Students can experience intense homesickness, struggle to handle their own finances, and find it hard living with other students. Especially in the first year of studying, meeting lots of new people can spark intense social anxiety and obsessive worrying. 

3. Inexperience

Students are often young people, having had little experience living independently or experiencing life without the support of parents or family. At university, students can lose touch with their normal support networks, not seeing friends or struggling to talk to family.

As a result of this, many students can develop mental health problems. Those who already have anxiety or depression can also experience dips, with their usual routines being interrupted by moving away from home or having to attend lectures. 

You can read our extensive give to looking after your mental health here.

Common mental health conditions amongst students

While there is no limit to what mental health problems a student can develop during their time in university or college, some of the most common conditions include:

Substance abuse – Alcohol plays a big part in the student experience, and excessive partying can sometimes lead students to struggle with their consumption level. They can come to depend on it for comfort or to calm themselves.