We are sold the idea as young adolescents in high school that college is this fun, upbeat adventure and the next step in life to get us further to our life goals. While it is true that college can be an amazing experience where we meet our greatest potential, there is not a lot of information given to us about how it can take a toll on the mental health of students.
Right after high school, students are thrown into the deep end with not knowing what it is that we want to pursue in life and on top of that, there are life lessons dealt to us with little to zero preparation for. With a lot of responsibilities being thrown at us almost immediately, trying to take care of our own mental health seems to be often neglected by ourselves because everything else is perceived to be more important than some anxiety and what not.
In a study done by Healthy Minds Study in 2023, it surveyed 96,000 students across 133 different campuses for the academic year of 2021-2022 through a web survey and it shows that 44% of the students who took the survey struggle with depression, 37% have reportedly struggled with anxiety, and 15% have either had suicidal thoughts or heavily considered taking their own life (as shown in the chart above).
While schools may provide resources to combat these struggles students are facing on their own, there is an unhealthy stigma that surrounds mental health awareness and guidance. Depending on how the student was raised, mental health can be minimized into problems that are just a part of a normal life and are not as serious as everyone makes it out to be. In reality, mental illnesses, when not taken care of, can lead to bad habits, manifest themselves into physical symptoms, or potentially damage relationships and opportunities in life.
If someone is unsure whether or not they or a loved one is struggling with depression or anxiety, it is crucial to look out for common symptoms. This can include: anxiety, stress, changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, isolation, emotional outbursts, decline in grades and schoolwork, and lack of energy.
Being mindful of these symptoms is beneficial because although you, yourself might not have a struggle with mental health, understanding these symptoms can help prevent your peers/loved ones who do deal with these issues from further damaging their health, or even suicide, because you are able to notice before it is too late.
If you are dealing with depression, anxiety or thoughts of suicide, it is important to know you are not alone. If you attend CSUSB, our campus has resources through our Counseling and Psychological Services on the main website, or you can call (909) 537-5040 to schedule an appointment. If unable to schedule an appointment or you need to speak to someone immediately, you can call or text the suicide prevention hotline at 988. Remember, you are not alone and you matter.
