The Rising Mental Health Crisis Amongst Students

    

**Trigger Warning: This article contains a discussion of mental health issues, including suicidal tendencies.

    College life can be exciting, but it also comes with stress, pressure, and big life changes. Unfortunately, this results in anxiety disorders, clinical depression, and suicidal ideation. I'm sure that most people know what these terms are but their clinical definitions might contradict your current understanding. For example, having anxiety is a normal part of life and it is completely natural to at times feel tense, apprehensive, or nervous. However, anxiety disorder is described as chronic and persistent anxiety that goes beyond the occasional worry and it can often be described as irrational (Anxiety disorders, 2024). Clinical depression is more severe than normal sadness because it is much more persistent and pertains to having much lower episodes of sadness (Hall-Flavin, 2017). Suicidal ideation is when you become preoccupied with the fleeting and/or persistent thought of death and suicide (Suicidal Ideation (suicidal thoughts)). Mental disorders such as these are becoming a massive issue today and we are starting to see it more and more. Among college students and the younger generation especially.
    According to recent studies, there has been a very steep incline in the prevalence of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Quite alarmingly, studies show that 75% of mental health issues start at or before the age of 24 and one-third of college students are prone to developing illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation (Yong Xiang et al., 2024). It is so important for students to know why these issues are more likely to develop. There has been a correlation made between many of the stresses that are brought on by college and the development of mental health issues. Stresses such as financial difficulties, tests, difficult curriculum, etc. have been shown to be direct contributors to poor mental health. 


 

   
All in all, college is stressful and can have a very positive or very negative impact on your life depending on how you handle it. Many students struggle with their mental health, and recognizing the signs early can make a big difference. Here are some things to look out for:

Changes in Daily Habits

  • Sleep Problems- Sleeping too much or too little. Trouble sleeping or constantly feeling exhausted may be a sign of stress, anxiety, or depression.
  • Eating Changes– Eating too much or too little. Sudden weight loss, weight gain, or unhealthy eating habits could be linked to emotional distress.
  • Changes in School– Skipping classes or failing to keep up with schoolwork. A drop in grades, missed assignments, or avoiding responsibilities might mean a student is overwhelmed.

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

  • Feeling constantly sad or hopeless – If a student seems down most of the time and isn’t interested in things they used to enjoy, it could be depression.
  • High levels of stress or anxiety – Worrying too much, feeling restless, or having panic attacks are signs of an anxiety disorder.
  • Extreme mood swings – Sudden shifts in mood, like going from excited to angry or sad quickly, could signal deeper issues.
  • Withdrawing from friends and activities – If a student starts avoiding social events, skipping meals with friends, or shutting themselves in their room, they might be struggling.

Risky or Unusual Behavior

  • Turning to alcohol or drugs – Some students use substances to cope with stress or emotional pain.
  • Acting recklessly or engaging in self-harm – If a student is taking dangerous risks or hurting themselves, they need immediate support.
  • Constant physical complaints – Frequent headaches, stomach issues, or body pain without a medical reason might be tied to mental health struggles. 

  

     Now, we've discussed that college is a challenging time in life and several factors contribute to these challenges. Let's explore some actions students can take and treatment options they can pursue at home to navigate these challenging times. “Self-care is crucial to maintaining one’s mental and physical health. When we practice self-care, we do so with the intention of taking care of our mind, body, and soul by engaging in activities that bring us joy and reduce stress levels.” (FitzGerald Kidwell et al., 2022). Here are some self-care strategies students can adopt.

    Self-prioritization can take many forms: maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, following a daily routine that includes regular physical activity, and exercising to alleviate anxiety. Follow a balanced diet that supports mood and energy levels. “ In addition to healthy guidelines such as eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water to stay hydrated, and limiting or avoiding alcohol and caffeine, there are many other dietary considerations that can help relieve anxiety.” (Naidoo, 2016). Incorporate meditation, limit screen time, and avoid unnecessary negative comparisons with others. Some beneficial practices include journaling to express feelings, thoughts, and emotions being experienced. Home-based strategies serve to complement public resources that assist students. School counselors and social workers furnish referrals and appropriate services, including therapy for anxiety management. “Incorporating mental health education into the curriculum can also equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their mental well-being and support their peers.” (How to Support the Mental Health of College Students | MCPHS, 2024). There are local support groups, crisis hotlines, and many more.

Here are a few direct links and numbers: 


  • The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. EST. 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or  helpline@nami.org 

  • The Clear Warm Line can be reached at 1 (800) 945-1355. Its hours are 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST every night of the year, including holidays. 

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7. Call or text 988.

  • National Helpline Treatment referral and information, 24/7. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)


References

 Bowe, K. (2023, August 22). College students and Depression. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/college-students-and-depression

FitzGerald Kidwell, Z., Bonsi, A., Ahren, S., & Scheel, J. (2022). College Mental Health Toolkit: Facts, Tips & Resources for Students. The Mental Health Coalition. https://www.thementalhealthcoalition.org/college-mental-health-toolkit/ 

Hall-Flavin, D. (2017, May 13). Clinical depression: What does that mean?. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/clinical-depression/faq-20057770

How To Support the Mental Health of College Students | MCPHS. (2024, December 16). Mcphs.edu. https://www.mcphs.edu/admission-and-aid/blog/how-to-support-the-mental-health-of-college-students 

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, December 13). Mental illness. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968

Mental Health Links | Florida Department of Health. (n.d.). Www.floridahealth.gov. https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/mental-health/links.html 

Naidoo, U. (2016, April 13). Nutritional strategies to ease anxiety - Harvard health blog. Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-strategies-to-ease-anxiety-201604139441 

Pedrelli, P., Nyer, M., Yeung, A., Zulauf, C., & Wilens, T. (2015a, October). College students: Mental Health Problems and treatment considerations. Academic psychiatry : the journal of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training and the Association for Academic Psychiatry. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4527955/

Signs and symptoms of distress in students. Wellness Center. (2024, July 31). https://www.smcm.edu/wellness/signs-and-symptoms-of-distress-in-students/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov. FindTreatment.gov. https://findtreatment.gov/ 

Suicidal Ideation (suicidal thoughts). Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/suicidal-ideation 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, December). Anxiety disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders

Yong Xiang, Chun Shuai, Yutong Zhang, & Yin Li. (2024). The Mental Health of College Students and the Level of Academic Achievement: Knowledge about Psychological Well-Being, Self-Control, and College Learning. Československá Psychologie, 68(1), 80–95. https://doi.org/10.51561/cspsych.68.1.80

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