College can be a challenging time for many students. On top of an immense pressure to succeed academically, many young adults are adjusting to new settings and schedules, establishing their independence, and juggling multiple priorities (like work, sports, or family). In a recent survey, 70 percent of students admitted to having struggled with their mental health since college began.

If you, too, are struggling with mental health—whether that be stress, anxiety, depression, or another issue—know that you are not alone.

Why are mental health issues so prevalent in college students?

Many college students feel overwhelmed by the transitions, expectations, and new obligations that come during this phase of life. Increasingly, however, students are also burdened by macro factors, like political turmoil, and personal struggles, like financial hardship or anxiety about the future. At this age, there is often a lot of uncertainty and emotional stress happening that goes deeper than campus life.

In fact, emotional stress is the leading reason why college students withdraw from school. While all students define emotional stress differently, they share common experiences that have led them towards a breaking point, such as:

• Balancing academic coursework with jobs or caregiving duties
• Pre-existing struggles with depression and anxiety
• Concerns about how they’re going to pay for college

These reasons, and mental health issues as a whole, are more commonly cited by students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, notes the National Education Association (NEA), correlating higher stress with longer stretches in school.

An article from Inside Higher Ed echoes similar results, citing the need to balance academics with personal, career, and family duties as the number-one stressor for students today. While this challenge is not new, facing college students for decades, it’s now coupled with contemporary stressors such as:

• The unprecedented use of, and reliance on, social media
• Increased loneliness and reduced social skills, following the COVID-19 pandemic
• Current economic events and hardships
• Generational differences in how we cope with stress
• External issues like climate change, campus protests and safety, as well as social injustices

So, what are college students supposed to do when faced with such high levels of stress? Where can they turn to for support?

Here’s what the experts at Goodwin University recommend.

Mental health tips for college students (both current & incoming):

1. Find a college or university that’s accessible to you.

We know how important college is for long-term success and your career. But sometimes, it can feel out of reach: there are strict or lengthy course requirements, hefty tuition costs, or scheduling that doesn’t quite match up with your job.

So, if you are still in the application process (or considering transferring schools), we highly recommend finding a college that feels manageable to you. Choose a school that works with you, not a school you have to work around. This might mean:

• Flexible scheduling options, with weekend or evening courses available
• Online, on-campus, or hybrid class formats for added convenience
• Low and/or transparent tuition costs, so that you can plan your investment
• Short-term or accelerated program options for faster completion
• Multiple program levels, including certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, to meet you where you are in your educational journey
• A centralized location, if you will be commuting to class
• Financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, and loans

At Goodwin University, for example, we’re dedicated to making your college experience as accessible as possible. While located in Greater Hartford, many of our programs are offered in flexible and online formats, making them especially manageable for those working a part- or full-time job. On top of this, we offer one of the lowest tuition costs among non-profit colleges in Connecticut—with 90 percent of our students receiving some form of financial aid.

Request more information about Goodwin today.

2. Tap into campus support services.

Whether or not you live on campus, most colleges offer counseling and mentoring services for their students. At Goodwin, for example, students have access to comprehensive counseling services at absolutely no cost. With this, students can receive the emotional support they need, as well as get referrals to mental health treatment, case management, and continuing care options if required.

And while counseling is important, it’s not the only supportive service available. Whether you’re struggling with your course load, career search, or simply to make ends meet, ask your college how they can help. You might be surprised to find that they offer tutoring services, job application assistance, or even an on-campus co-op to provide your family with food and diapers during times of need.

It can be hard to ask for help. However, when you do, you might just find a village that is wanting and willing to support you, right where you are and when you need it most.

3. Connect with others, including your college community.

Feelings of loneliness have increased among young people globally, with teens and young adults spending less time with their friends outside of school. However, these social connections are essential to a positive mindset and mental health. Studies consistently show that strong social connections are associated with better mental health outcomes, including the reduced risk of depression and anxiety.

If you have trusted friends or family members, or even a mentor at school, reach out to them for a phone call, a walk, or a cup of coffee. Additionally, consider building connections with your classmates. You are not walking this journey alone.

Even if you are not living on campus, or you’re taking online classes, there is an opportunity to engage with your college community. Local events, group trips, orientations, leadership opportunities, and volunteer experiences might be available through your institution, providing unique ways to connect with other students.

4. Prioritize your physical health.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed with assignments or exams, it can feel impossible to find time for self-care. But even the most basic actions and attention—like a healthy meal and exercise—can give you a mental health boost.

In fact, research supports this! Exercise can decrease anxiety and depression, and turn around a bad mood. And exercise doesn’t need to be hitting the gym. A short nature walk, a good morning stretch, or an after-dinner dance in your kitchen can be the stress relief you need when you’re struggling.

Nutrition is also important, which means no skipping meals! When you eat regular meals with essential nutrients and stay hydrated, you fuel both your body and mind. You’ll feel increased energy and alertness, with a stronger ability to concentrate, stay motivated, regulate stress, and stabilize your mood.

5. Find a routine that works for you.

It sounds simple, but it’s true: Putting more structure into your day will give you balance, enabling you to accomplish more. If, like many students, you’re managing a job alongside college courses, it can be especially helpful to build a consistent routine that allows for work, studies, and self-care. If you don’t have time carved out for each of your priorities, it’s easy to lose sight of them. Self-care can be as simple as taking a shower, going for a run, or hitting the hay early, but it is essential in any form.

6. Be mindful of your workload.

When you’re balancing multiple priorities, you might quickly become overwhelmed. So, think about how you can mitigate that burden. Can you break your tasks up into smaller and more achievable chunks? Can you use timers to focus and take breaks? Create to-do lists upfront?

Remember that your college faculty is here to support you. If you feel you cannot handle your load right now, talk to your professors about getting an extension or to your advisor about reworking your schedule. For example, you might consider moving from a full-time to part-time course format if that eases your day-to-day.

7. Seek professional help when you need it.

There are countless benefits of therapy. Even if you are not struggling with depression or a clinical anxiety disorder, a professional counselor or mental health therapist can help you work through your struggles and find effective coping techniques.

Those who should consider professional help more immediately are those who are feeling persistently sad or hopeless for an extended period (2+ weeks), who have trouble functioning in everyday life due to mental health struggles, and/or who have thoughts of self-harm and suicide. If you are facing any of these symptoms, we highly recommend reaching out to your physician right away.

Students can also reach out to Goodwin University for help. As a student, you have access to free counseling and wellness services. We can meet with you to talk about your mental health struggles and refer you to a treatment provider if necessary.

You are not alone—We are here for you

No one can take the next step towards their future, until they are on solid ground. As a member of the JED Campus Fundamentals program, which supports student well-being and mental health, Goodwin University will help you navigate college life, develop healthy coping and study skills, and find the balance that you deserve. With that, you can focus on moving ahead and paving a pathway toward success.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. For more information about how Goodwin is supporting student mental health, click here or call us at 800-889-3282.