Introduction

College is a unique time of transition associated with major lifestyle changes. The traditional undergraduate is young and likely transitioning away from life with family and beginning to take on more adult responsibilities. These changes may lead to the onset or exacerbation of mental health issues.

Graduate and professional students also face increasing challenges to mental health. These challenges vary widely by discipline, and women and students of color report higher rates of anxiety and depression than their peers. Many graduate students are balancing coursework, teaching, and family responsibilities and experience stress over entering competitive or uncertain job markets.

Seventy-five percent of lifetime cases of anxiety, mood, impulse-control, and substance use disorders begin by 24 years of age. In 2021, more than half of college students met criteria for at least one psychiatric condition in the past year. The prolonged isolation and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened things. During that time, about half of people ages 18-24 report anxiety, about half report a depressive disorder, and almost two-thirds report both. In a 2018 report, 24% of college students reported having seriously considered suicide, and more than 9% reported attempting it.

The period of adolescence and young adulthood remains full of developmental growth. The brain, and thus behaviors, are still maturing at this age and a supportive environment helps to ensure that individuals at this stage will go on to reach their full potential.

The less traditional undergraduate is likely to be older and more likely to be dealing with work and family responsibilities outside of classes. These stressors, like those of younger, more traditional students, may affect nontraditional students’ mental health. These non-traditional learners (aged 25 and older) constitute up to 40% of students on college campuses. A 2015 study reported that these learners score significantly higher on measures of life stress, anxiety, and depression.

Up to 40% of undergraduate students have reported a mental health condition. In a 2021 survey of 3500 graduate students at 12 public universities, 67% of respondents reported low levels of well-being; 35% had moderate or high levels of depression; and 33% reported moderate or high levels of anxiety.

Mental health is as critical to learning as physical health. Research finds that students with mental health issues are at double the risk of leaving their university without graduating. Almost two-thirds of students who drop out of college said it was because of a mental health condition. Students with anxiety and mild depression have, on average, a 0.4 drop in the GPA.

On the other hand, fewer than 30% of faculty feel they are well trained to have conversations about mental health. More than 70% of them express a desire to be able to understand mental health better and do more for their students. Providing the appropriate tools and support for mental health issues is critical to the health and success of the university and the undergraduate and graduate students that comprise it.