College should be an exciting time, full of growth and new experiences. It can also bring stress and challenges that affect a college student’s mental health. Recently, mental health issues have become more and more common on college campuses. As of 2023, more than 60% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem, with more than 90,000 students across 133 U.S. campuses participating in the Healthy Minds survey. Balancing classes, social life, personal responsibilities and finances can become overwhelming and feel like it’s too much to handle. This growing problem has made mental health a crucial issue on campuses across the country.

Mental health issues can affect any student, no matter their background or personal situation. College is also a time when many mental health conditions first appear or get worse, as students face the stress of being on their own for the first time. Knowing about the common mental health challenges students face can help everyone identify problems early and find support. 

Most common mental health conditions on college campuses

Several mental health conditions are especially common among college students, including:

• Anxiety disorders — Anxiety is the most frequent mental health issue on college campuses. Approximately 36% of college students have been diagnosed with anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety and panic attacks are all common among students. These problems can leave college students feeling constantly worried or unable to handle everyday life due to:
• Academic pressure
• Fear of failure
• Social stress
• Depression — Depression is another widespread issue on campuses, affecting an estimated 22% of students. Students with depression may struggle to keep up with their studies or avoid social interactions due to experiencing:
• Deep sadness
• Lack of energy
• Difficulty focusing
• Withdrawing from activities
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — PTSD is usually associated with veterans, but it can also affect college students who have gone through traumatic events. Research shows that about 8% of college students have been diagnosed with a trauma- or stress-related disorder, like PTSD. While not extremely common, it’s still a significant condition. 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — OCD involves obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. These can be made worse by the stresses of college life. Around 7% of college students have OCD or another related condition.
• Bipolar disorder — Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings between depression and mania. Approximately 3% of college students are affected by bipolar disorder. Many people first experience symptoms as college students, and mood changes can disrupt their ability to stay on track academically and personally.

Suicidal ideation: A critical issue

While not a mental health condition itself, suicidal ideation is a serious current concern on college campuses. Many students struggling with mental health conditions may contemplate taking their own lives. Taking their own life is the third-leading cause of death among college students. These heartbreaking statistics show how crucial it is to recognize the signs of suicidal ideation and provide support to those at risk. Signs of suicidal ideation in college students may include, but aren’t limited to:

• Talking about death or taking their life
• Withdrawing from others
• Drastic mood swings or sudden changes in behavior
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Neglecting personal care
• Engaging in self-harming behaviors
• Substance use
• Making plans or researching ways to die

If you or someone you know is showing signs of suicidal ideation, it’s crucial to take it seriously. Offer support, encourage them to talk to a professional, or seek immediate help from campus resources or hotlines such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (text or call 988). 

Causes of mental health problems in college students

Several things can contribute to mental health challenges for college students, for example:

• Academic stress
• New environment 
• Social and relationship issues
• Financial worries
• Family and personal problems
• Lack of sleep
• Genetic predisposition
• Underlying medical conditions

How to cope with mental health conditions in college

Dealing with mental health issues in college can be hard, but there are steps you can take to help you cope:

• Reach out for support — If you’re struggling, it’s important to ask for help. Most colleges offer counseling services and mental health resources. Don’t hesitate to talk to a counselor, therapist or peer support group if you need someone to talk to. 
• Practice self-care — Taking care of your mental and physical health is key. Make sure you’re getting enough quality sleep, eating a nutritious diet and getting exercise. Taking breaks and doing activities you enjoy can also help reduce stress and keep you feeling balanced. 
• Stay connected — It’s easy to feel isolated, but staying connected with friends, family or peers can make a big difference. Building a strong support system can help you feel less alone when things get tough.
• Create a routine — Having a set routine can help you stay organized and manage your time better. Set specific times for studying, self-care and relaxation to help you reduce stress and feel more in control. 
• Limit social media — Excessive use of social media can contribute to stress and anxiety. Balance your time scrolling on social media with time spent in the moment or with friends to help you avoid the comparison trap. 

Mental health conditions are common in college, but with the right tools and support, students can manage these challenges. Understanding common mental health conditions and knowing how to cope can help you take control of your mental health and thrive during your college years. 

Find the mental health support you need during college with Lightfully U

At Lightfully U, we understand the unique pressure and experiences that college students face. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression or any other mental health condition, we’re here to help. Our deeply compassionate experts provide whole-person-centered care using our pioneering approach, our Precision Care Model. This approach allows us to use an integrated, fully personalized therapy plan using components of evidence-based techniques to address your specific needs. We see you as a whole person, not just your symptoms or mental health condition. We are here to help you on your journey navigating through these difficult times and strive to provide you with the support you need to learn to thrive again. Seeking help is a sign of strength and the proactive first step toward improving your mental well-being and achieving your goals. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.