With the school year in full swing, a lot is going on for students as they get acclimated again after summer break. Some are adjusting to a new schedule, or maybe a new school and all that entails, being in an unfamiliar place without familiar comforts if in college. These are just a few things to keep in mind, but most importantly, there is a need to discuss mental health and how it can have profound effects on one’s sense of self.
A new school year can bring a sense of change for many as students try to get into a routine to the best of their ability. For some, it can be a process to balance academics, maintaining a social life, exploring professional opportunities, etc. It can be difficult to find a steady rhythm, especially for college students as they work towards their professional goals or career aspirations. Thus, it’s not unfair to think of how college students are at a higher risk of suffering from poor mental health. It’s been reported from a 2026 national survey conducted by YouGov for UnitedHealthCare that approximately seventy percent of college students have reported experiencing a mental health concern in the last year. Such concerns include students primarily experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, and ADD/ADHD. This higher increase in mental health concerns is found to be higher in college students versus their peers who aren’t currently enrolled in school (as cited in Salmon, 2026, p. 1). Such evidence is important to note when understanding how college students experience higher levels of stress than many may realize.
To take a step further, mental health concerns among college students can take a darker turn. In this, a research survey has been conducted that found that many college students have considered suicide, with about forty-seven percent of participants reporting experiencing suicidal thoughts in their lifetime. Also, about thirty percent have experienced suicidal thoughts within twelve months before participating in the survey (Mortier et al., 2025 as cited in The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, 2025, p. 2). Information of this nature aids in understanding the mental state of college students when thinking about what changes occur at this stage of life. It can be a challenge to make sense of what direction to take in life to adjust to college as a whole.
This said, college students need to have some means of support or the opportunity to take time for themselves. College isn’t easy by any means – both academically and socially. It’s an adjustment to make sense of this new transition in life, which can present challenges for everyone. This period of change isn’t always a smooth transition. It’s hard to get comfortable in a new environment while putting yourself out there to make new friends. So, it’s not surprising to think of how college students struggle with their mental health. Imagine how stressful it can be for one, especially if they went to school out of state or don’t have family and friends close by. This stress can increase immensely, especially as midterms or finals approach. College, a time for new beginnings, can become a lonely, stressful experience without having some means of support or someone to talk to.
With this in mind, there can be greater means of support, let alone awareness of how college students can improve their mental health. For example, some students may not be aware of how to effectively practice physical self-care like getting enough sleep, having a nutritious diet, and exercising. Taking time to practice self-care can serve as a great foundation for managing stress. Students can also take steps to further in taking time to develop a schedule to manage school and life in general. Taking time to make a schedule can be a stress reliever, and knowing that it’s okay to say “no” when needed. For example, students can decline an invitation to a party if it conflicts with their schedule; they don’t need to say yes to everything that comes their way (Nosanow, 2026, pp. 3-4). Insight of this nature can make a difference. College students need to know how to practice self-care for their mental health. A simple yet effective act like getting adequate sleep can make a greater impact than many realize.
Parents can make a difference when making greater efforts to connect. There doesn’t have to be an elaborate step-by-step plan to help one’s students, but means of open communication. Parents don’t need to be mental health experts to help, just willing to connect. Taking time to have meaningful conversations about how one is feeling while fostering a safe, stigma-free environment can be a start. Parents who make consistent efforts to regularly check in with their students, offering encouragement, can see positive results (Mental Health First Aid, 2026, pp. 3-4). Something as simple as reaching out can show students that someone genuinely cares about them and how they are feeling. Support can go a long way to help students feel assured that they have someone who will be there for them.
So, take this new knowledge as a reminder to reach out to your college students, or as a student, take time to practice self-care. College is already a stressful time; take action to ensure one’s mental health isn’t neglected to make the school year more manageable. The ability to be in a positive mindset ready to tackle the school year is key, not underrated in the long run.
References
The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research. (2025, September 19). What’s Driving Suicidal Thoughts in Young People? Psychology Today.
Mental Health First Aid. (2026, September 16). How Parents Can Support College Students’ Mental Health.
Nosanow, M. (2026, May 6). Helping College Students Beat End-Of-Semester Stress. Psychology Today.
Salmon, E. (2026, May 29). Breaking Point: Why College Students’ Mental Health Challenges Are Rising Again and the Solutions That Could Change Everything. State Council Of Higher Education For Virginia.
~ Lauren Montoya
Lauren Montoya is a Southern California native with a background in sociology and liberal studies. She is on her way to becoming a licensed mental health clinician. Lauren is passionate about animal welfare, mental health, and the arts.