Mental Health in College

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College can be a challenging or overwhelming time for everyone. The combination of new academics, life away from home, performance pressure, and adjusting to college routines while preparing for a career can become too much for many college students.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Mental health challenges are pervasive. Fortunately, increased public awareness around the importance of mental health and wellness means better support is available.

This page is a resource you can refer to whenever you need it. Here, you can find information on common challenges, what to look for in college support, and top organizations offering help so you can get the support you need in college and beyond.

The Fall 2024 American College Health Association report showed that 43.9% of college students reported one or more mental health challenges. And roughly one in five, or 21.6% of college students, reported both depression and anxiety, although actual numbers could be significantly higher.

College students can face a range of mental health issues, although the most common include problems related to stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, and PTSD. But these challenges don’t end with graduation. The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation reports that one in five people lives with a mental illness.

If you are one of the many college students with mental health conditions, the resources below can help you identify your needs and find proper support so that you can thrive.

It’s never too early to ask for help for mental health conditions. Celebrity and athlete mental health advocates and popular media may have given you an idea of what mental health struggles look like. But you don’t need to wait until you can’t manage the situation to ask for help.

Signs that you might need extra support include:

Most colleges have student services, student support, and medical services to help you address your current challenges and find a path forward. Regular check-ins with a counselor, mentor, mental health professional, support group, or student buddy can help you stay on track without getting lost or overwhelmed.

As a college student, you may have access to free or low-cost mental health and counseling support services. College is a great time to use these resources and build on your strengths. You can find resources in your student portal online or with the help of student services.

Standard student support services that many colleges offer include:

Not all mental health services are created equal. Some colleges are known for their increased awareness and exceptional accommodations for students who need mental health support. It’s okay (and smart) to prioritize mental health when choosing a school.

You can look for a variety of support services for mental health, especially if you have a previously diagnosed condition.

Look for:

There are more resources than ever to give you the support you need. Even before you enroll in college, or if you need extra support, the organizations below give you online support, hotlines, and research to help you live your best life.