Mental Health Among College Students: What’s Going On and Solutions

Written By Baypoint Counseling

By Andrea Gonzalez
Published on 4/28/25

Mental health has been an issue for a while now, and it keeps being a growing concern on college campuses across the U.S. With factors such as academic pressure, financial stress, and social challenges accumulating, a significant amount of students are reporting mental health struggles across all age groups. According to a recent national survey, over 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem during the 2020–2021 academic year (American Psychological Association, 2022), and these numbers keep increasing yearly. 

As mental health becomes a bigger part of the college experience, it is important to start understanding the causes and coming up with effective coping strategies so that students can survive these years and enjoy them. 

So, the questions are, what is going on and how can we fix it? 

Why Are College Students Struggling With Mental Health?

There are different linked factors that are driving the mental health crisis in higher education, such as:

1. The Academic and Performance Pressure

College students often face intense academic demands, this is a common and known fact. Between balancing exams, research papers, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs,  students can begin to experience chronic stress and burnout. The pressure to succeed, both academically and personally with the pressure of preparing for life after college, adds another thick layer of anxiety (MCPHS University, 2023).

2. Financial Stress

Tuition and living expenses are expensive and they keep increasing as months go by. With these rising expenses, financial insecurity is a major source of anxiety for many students. According to a report by CNBC, more than 70% of college students worry about money, and that financial stress can significantly affect academic performance and mental well-being (CNBC, 2022). Majority of full-time students are also working either part-time or even full-time, and the stress that comes from both finance and academics are factors that bring stress levels up, affecting mental health. 

3. Social Media and Comparison Culture

Social media has its pros, but it also has cons. While it offers connection and entertainment, it also adds to feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Constant exposure to unreal images of seemingly perfect lives can intensify depression and anxiety, especially among Gen Z (Herald Sun, 2024).

4. Lack of Coping Skills and Support

Unfortunately, there are many students who enter college without strong emotional support or stress management tools. Some campuses lack adequate mental health support services or face long wait times, leaving students unsure where to turn (OurMidland, 2024). It is so incredibly important to offer students the support they sometimes don’t know they need. Offering resources is a must, but sadly, many campuses lack these. 

Solutions Students Can Incorporate Into Their Lives

While colleges have the power themselves to expand access to mental health care, there are also other strategies students can adopt to improve their well-being. Here are several solutions based on research:

1. Prioritize Physical Activity

Regular physical activity, nothing incredibly complicated or crazy,  has been proven to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Something as simple as a 20-minute walk, yoga session, or gym workout can boost mood and improve focus (Vogue, 2024). It is said to aim for at least 30 minutes of movement most days of the week. Exercising is one of the top recommendations by psychologists as a solution people can incorporate into their daily lives, even cost efficient!  

2. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Research shows that mindfulness-based practices help students stay present, reduce stress, and improve emotional resilience. Even just five to ten minutes of meditation daily can improve mental clarity and reduce anxiety levels (The Guardian, 2024). The good thing about this method is that it could be completely free and it can be done at any time! There are certain apps that can also help students meditate, such as Calm and Insight Timer, if they are new to meditation and need guidance, as well as Youtube, which contains millions of meditations for different situations! 

3. Create a Healthy Routine

Establishing a balanced daily schedule that includes sleep, healthy meals, study blocks, and social time helps create a healthy structure. Consistency is also extremely important! Having a consistent routine when it comes to sleep, in particular, plays a critical role in emotional regulation and cognitive performance. When there are weird sleep patterns, psychologists tend to look for mood disorders, meaning that spending some time regulating sleep patterns can do wonders! 

4. Use Campus Resources

Most universities now offer free counseling, mental health workshops, and support groups. Take advantage of these resources before things feel overwhelming. Northwood University, for instance, has expanded mental health services to meet growing student demand (OurMidland, 2024).

5. Build Real-Life Connections

Strong peer relationships are a powerful defense against mental health challenges. Things like joining student clubs, attending events, or finding a study group. Building a community can significantly improve feelings of belonging and reduce isolation, especially for those students who left home for college, as they can feel lonely, so building these communities and connections can be wonderful for them! 

6. Limit Social Media Use

This one might be hard for some people, but being mindful of screen time and unfollowing accounts that trigger anxiety or comparison can bring such peace to someone. Try it! Replace mindless scrolling with activities that promote well-being, such as reading, journaling, or spending time outdoors. Find new hobbies, and the amazing thing about hobbies is that you don’t have to be amazing at it, it’s just fun! 

7. Seek Help Early

Mental health concerns are real issues, don’t look at them as weaknesses. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to speak to a counselor or therapist. The good thing is that here at Baypoint Counseling Center we offer help! 

Lastly…

Mental health challenges in college are real, but so are the tools to defeat them. With the right strategies and support, students can take control of their well-being and build habits that serve them far beyond graduation. Addressing mental health isn’t just about solving a problem, it’s also about creating a foundation for a healthier life, and it is important to start early! You’ve got this! 

Sources:

Baypoint Counseling
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