World Mental Day is celebrated every year on October 10 and is a day to bring awareness and advocacy for mental health internationally. Primarily, college students face unique challenges that impact their mental well-being. College is an adjustment for many students, requiring adjustments to academic performance and independent management of responsibilities.
This transition of independence and self-exploration can bring more challenging experiences, resulting in mental health challenges for students. According to a survey by US News, “70% of students said they have struggled with mental health since starting college”. College contributes to students’ emotional and psychological well-being by students having to face a variety of adjustments and pressures as they transition into college.
Emilee Williams González, a second-year biology pre-medicine student, reflected on her transition to college and how it changed her sense of identity.
“I know that identity is something that is ever evolving and always changing, but I feel like in college, I felt that big shift,” Williams González said. “I felt like, ‘What do I do?’
Though college is an exciting time, students often experience overwhelming uncertainty when transitioning from high school to college. During the transition from high school to college, students must navigate the academic balance of a heavier course load, a more diverse social environment, and living adjustments that are new to them. These adjustments can contribute to overwhelming pressure that could be difficult to navigate mentally and emotionally. This feeling is normal as students navigate an unfamiliar environment and new and uncertain experiences.
As students embark on their college careers, many adjust to the seriousness of their mental health.
Karine Germain, a second-year general health science student, reflects on how college has made her realize the importance of mental health.
“When it comes to mental health, college has made me take it a lot more seriously because of the stress you’re put under and the situations you are put in,” Germain said.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors” are the primary mental health challenges college students face. Journaling, practicing self-care, finding a hobby of interest, and meditation are coping skills that students can use to address and improve their mental well-being.
Many colleges and universities offer free counseling services to students. However, many students need to take advantage of these services and utilize them.
According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, “as many as 75% of students who struggle with depression are reluctant to seek help”. Often, students believe that seeking mental health services is futile and prefer to handle their problems on their own. The lack of utilizing mental health resources can contribute to a decline in student’s mental health and lead to more critical mental health issues in students.
As mental health challenges are prevalent among college students, students need to invest in mental health and develop coping skills to address these challenges. For more information on mental health services, students should inquire about counseling services offered at their university.