College is a time of transition and change for young adults. While many find liberation and growth throughout this process, it can be an incredibly vulnerable time for others bringing up feelings of loneliness, isolation, and struggles with mental health. 

At Tree of Life Counseling Center, our therapists work with students in surrounding universities including Princeton University, Rider University, Rutgers University, Monmouth University and more, to help support college students through whatever they may be facing. 

Mental Health in College Students

According to the latest National Healthy Minds Survey, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation amongst college students is at an all-time high, with around 44% of those surveyed reporting symptoms of depression, 37% reporting experiencing anxiety, and 15% reporting considering suicide. 

Some of the most commonly reported mental health issues for this age group include anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, ADHD, and substance abuse. 

Specific Stressors for College Students

While all individuals face a variety of stressors on a daily basis, college students face several stressors for the first, or only time, in their lives during this specific life transition. Many students are navigating the world on their own without familial support, making college a pivotal time for identity development and personal growth. Some of the most common stressors faced by this population include:

• Academic pressures: Many college students are experiencing rigorous and academically challenging course loads for the first time and may not have developed the time management skills to cope with creating their own schedules.

• Social obligations: College students experience a shift in social structure, where they need to navigate making friends, keeping friends, and finding a support system in their new space. Additionally, during social gatherings many students are experimenting with substance use, which can impair decision making and impact their mental health. 

• Adapting to a new environment: College students who choose to live on campus are also navigating the challenges of living on one’s own for the first time. This may be the first time some students learn how to do their own laundry, prepare food, or clean their space. 

• Financial concerns: With college in the United States being a large expense for most individuals, many college students are navigating debt and working part-time or full-time jobs alongside their coursework to be able to afford college. 

• Individuation and identity development: College can be a great time for students to meet individuals from around the world, who all hold various viewpoints and opinions that they may not have been exposed to before. As a result, this can be a pivotal time for students to distinguish their own belief and value systems from that of their families or communities.  

• Global/societal concerns: Student mental health, and mental health of the general population, can largely be impacted by the state of the world around them. As college students anticipate entering the workforce, many begin paying attention to economic, global, social, political and human rights concerns and their effect/role in these situations. 

Warning signs of declining mental health in college students

If you or a loved one is undergoing the transition to college life, it is important to be aware of the warning signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health. Some changes in behavior are natural and can be attributed to finding one’s independence, but others may indicate the early signs of mental illness. Some things to look out for include: 

• Irritability, sadness, or anxiety

• Difficulty with school work

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

• Emotional outbursts

• Fatigue

• Poor self-esteem

• Social isolation

• Excessive substance use 

When should I see a professional?

If you or a loved one are experiencing mental health struggles that cannot be managed on your own or interfere with your daily life, it may be time to consult a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today