Mental Health on College Campuses in 2022

Living during “historic” times isn’t easy. The last two years of Covid-19—a war in Ukraine and a high-profile school shooting in the United States—have taken a toll on everyone, not just students. People everywhere are feeling these tragedies deeply.

By Patricia Roy — July 26, 2022

Tags: college life

Mental Health on College Campuses in 2022

Living during "historic" times isn’t easy. The last two years of Covid-19—a war in Ukraine and a high-profile school shooting in the United States—have taken a toll on everyone, not just students. People everywhere are feeling these tragedies deeply.

Tragic events can certainly trigger or increase the number of people seeking treatment, but mental health concerns are not new on college campuses. In fact, they’ve been on the rise for some time.

The Data

While it is true that more students are seeking out mental health services on campus than ever before, it is hard to measure the reason for this increase. According to data compiled before the pandemic by Healthy Minds Network, a research organization for adolescent and young adult mental health, approximately 39% of students suffered from a "significant mental health issue." Prevalence of issues appears to be rising among college students at a rate consistent with that of other adolescent groups. This evidence suggests at least that college students are not at increased risk of mental illness compared to their friends who do not attend college. However, reported mental illness rates differ depending on the study. Sample size and methodology can dramatically affect results.

Another factor to consider is stigma, or in this case, its declining presence. Students today report less stigma surrounding mental health than their parents’ generations. This is good news as stigma generally correlates to less help-seeking. Still, decreasing stigma doesn’t address the increased burden on college counseling centers.

And Then Came Covid

Preliminary empirical data on post-Covid mental illness prevalence is still being compiled, but one study found that nearly 90% of professors perceive an increase in mental health concerns among their students since the pandemic began. While professors are often first responders for students in distress, they are not necessarily licensed and trained as therapists, so their perceptions of mental illness are mostly subjective. Still, this is a staggering number.

Furthermore, counselor and professor burnout is real, and the pandemic, school shootings, and other latent pressures have only increased the likelihood of its occurrence. Many schools in higher education are facing shortages of counseling staff and turnover among the professoriate. As counselors and professors leave the field due to burnout, either permanently or temporarily, how will this affect you or your student? The best advice is to make a plan.

Accessing Care: Plan Before It Happens

Family Dialogue: Start now by having an open family dialogue between parents and soon-to-be college students to establish expectations and share hopes and dreams. If you are a parent, try to avoid lecturing or using judgmental language at this time. While focusing on the positive, make room for mistakes, as you can be sure they will be made. If you are a student, make a commitment to check in with family regularly. Establishing good communication habits now will benefit your relationships’ long-term.
See a Therapist: Remember that mental health IS medical health. Just as you maintain physical health with yearly check-ups, consider scheduling a mental health check-up with a licensed therapist before college begins. Even if a student is mentally stable and healthy, establishing a baseline for comparison can be a helpful guide for both parents and students themselves.
Where’s the Counseling Center?: While on campus, students should note the counseling center’s location and hours of operation even if they do not think they will need services. In addition, be sure to note what the counselors can and cannot do for you. Some students may believe they can receive full-service therapy sessions from the counseling center when this is generally not the case. The counseling center is there primarily to provide information for students to seek outside professional help. Hopefully, a student will not need the information, but just having it can alleviate some stress.
Special Accommodations: Students who are already under the care of a mental health professional may want to ask about private rooms for telehealth conferencing. Students will almost certainly have a roommate, so providing private consultation space is one way universities and colleges address the growing need for counseling. In addition, students on an IEP or receiving academic accommodations should make an appointment with their advisor or with disability/accessibility services as soon as possible.
Self-Care: Students should start practicing good self-care now. Contrary to popular belief, self-care is both more and less than mud masks and bubble baths—it’s doing little things that add up to big rewards. Self-care is not indulgence or vanity. Usually, self-care is a routine that helps you put your basic needs first. Many of the tips in the article "10 Things You Can Do as a Freshman to Ensure Career Success" are examples of self-care, but there are many, many more.
Vulnerable Community Support: Students from historically marginalized populations have been shown to be at greater risk for mental health crises due to the intersection of multiple oppressions or trauma. Be proactive. Many schools have DEI services, clubs, and events to support students, staff, and/or faculty from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as for international students, first-generation college students, veterans, and more.
Have REAL Social Interactions (i.e., not on your phone): Yes, you are going to school to learn, but part of that learning is social, and you ought to enjoy that aspect. Before class starts, put your phone away and chat with your peers or professor. Join a club or find a friendly group to have lunch. And if you find yourself struggling to make friends, reach out to your R.A., who can help you fit in socially.

Accessing Care: Plan Before It Happens

Sometimes, we may feel that the good times elude us. But good times do not happen to us; we make them happen.

A cheerful outlook and some sunshine are not enough to cure every woe, so students and their families should be informed about self-care and mental health services on campus and in their communities. Never be ashamed to seek out help. Please refer to these sources below if you or someone you know needs emotional or mental health support, and stay tuned to SAGE Scholars for more articles on mental health and college life.

NAMI.org (National Alliance on Mental Illness): chat online, call 800-950-6264, or in a crisis, text "NAMI" to 741741
MentalHealth.gov
College Mental Health Program

Patricia Roy

Patricia Roy is a writer and professor who has helped students succeed for over 25 years. She started her career as a high school English teacher and then moved into higher education at Tuition Rewards member school, Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts. Her practical guidance and enthusiasm motivate and inspire students to fearlessly explore their own passions. Professor Roy is also a freelance writer and published poet.

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