College students’ mental health seems to be on the mend.
Recent data from the Healthy Minds study shows a drop in depression rates among undergraduates. The number of students with moderate to severe depression symptoms has gone down from 44% to 38% in the past two years.
This shift is good news for higher education leaders who have long worried about student well-being.
While the change is small, it’s the second year in a row that numbers have fallen.
This might mean things are getting better for students.
The study also found fewer students dealing with eating disorders, self-harm, and thoughts of suicide.
At the same time, more students report feeling good about their lives, relationships, and futures.
Spreading Awareness About Student Mental Health
Efforts to educate the public about youth mental health seem to be making a difference.
Many groups are working hard to get information out there. This includes organizations like NAMI, The Jed Foundation, Active Minds, and others.
These groups aim to:
- Raise awareness about mental health issues
- Reduce stigma around seeking help
- Provide resources for students who are struggling
More students now know about mental health services on campus.
In fact, 76% of students surveyed said they were at least somewhat aware of available resources. This is the highest rate since fall 2019.
Still, there’s more work to be done.
Many students worry their classmates might judge them for getting mental health treatment. About 41% thought others would think less of someone who sought help.
Students seem more willing to support friends dealing with mental health issues than to seek help themselves.
They often feel shame about their own struggles, even though they’d happily help others.
The good news is that more young people are open to improving their mental well-being.
Even if they’re not in crisis, many want to work on their mental health. This shows growing awareness among students about the importance of taking care of their minds.
It’s a positive sign that so many students recognize they could use some support.
This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all in crisis. Instead, it might show that young people are more in tune with their mental health needs.
As awareness grows, hopefully more students will feel comfortable reaching out for help when they need it.
Continued efforts to educate the public could lead to even more improvements in student mental health over time.
