College can prove difficult for many different reasons: the most obvious is the stress and strain that come with performing well academically. But there are other stressors that prove significant. The stress that comes with balancing schoolwork combined with the stress of fulfilling other responsibilities and catering to one’s personal and social needs can lead to serious mental health issues among college students. Here are some important facts and statistics:

Common Mental Health Issues on College Campuses

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) conducted a study on college students where participants shared information about their primary diagnoses. According to these results:

  • 27% of students surveyed were diagnosed with depression.
  • 24% were diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
  • 11% were diagnosed with anxiety.
  • 6% were diagnosed with schizophrenia.
  • 6% were diagnosed with PTSD.
  • 5% were diagnosed with ADHD.
  • 1% were diagnosed with substance abuse.
  • 12% were diagnosed with *other.

College Students Are Not Seeking Mental Health Help

  • 57% of those surveyed did not access mental health services at their school.
  • 43% DID access mental health services from their school.
  • Respondents revealed why they did not receive mental health services at their college; two of the main reasons were that they didn’t know they qualified and that they feared stigma.

More Mental Health Help and Support Needed on College Campuses

  • Without proper treatment, young adults with a mental illness are more likely to receive lower GPAs, drop out of school, or be unemployed.
  • College students have stressed the need for these services on campus:
    • 65% of respondents said that walk-in health centers are critical
    • 61% preferred individual counseling
    • 61% highlighted a need for crisis services
    • 50% names 24-hour hotlines as critical to their success in school
    • 42% said peer support was essential

If you are a college student and you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health problem, make sure you receive the proper mental health help and support. There are counselors out there who specialize in helping their clients with specific disorders and those who specialize in helping young adults. In the case of an emergency, leave this page and utilize one of these services. Help is out there.