More than 80% of college students are experiencing some level of emotional struggle, with more than a quarter reporting significant challenges. Additionally, 58% of college students acknowledge a decline in their mental and emotional well-being, according to ‘The Student Mental Health Landscape’, a recent survey conducted by Wiley, a global publisher.
Anxiety (59%) and burnout (58%) are the most prevalent issues among students, followed by depression (43%). The survey suggests that the pandemic has exacerbated this crisis, with 60% of respondents reporting a negative impact on their mental and emotional health due to the global ordeal. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the prevalence of burnout, COVID-related concerns, and ADHD since the onset of the pandemic, the report revealed.
Amanda Miller, vice president of Wiley’s Academic Publishing Group, emphasises the growing problem of student mental health on college campuses and calls for action from college officials and instructors to alleviate the strain on students, staff, and their families. In addition to emotional struggles, students face various challenges such as balancing academics with work or family commitments (59%), financial burdens related to tuition (50%) and living expenses (49%), and uncertainty about future career preparation (41%).
“The student mental health crisis is real, and evident every single day in my classroom. Students worry about on-going pressures in their current lives and their future lives. Understanding these pressures and the strategies that work to help students feel both engaged and supported is essential for all instructors,” Catherine A. Sanderson, co-author, Psychological Science, Real World Psychology and Psychology in Action, said.
Furthermore, the report also highlights issues with classroom engagement and retention, consistent with findings from Wiley’s 2023 State of the Student report, where 61% of students expressed difficulty staying engaged and interested in classes.
To cope with their mental health challenges, the majority of students (83%) seek support from friends and family. However, a smaller percentage turn to social media or blogs, or seek counselling from professionals outside of the university, with only 14% utilising college health services. Post-pandemic, approximately one-third of students are seeking more counselling for their mental health, with nearly half attributing this need to the pandemic’s adverse effects on their emotional well-being.
“Colleges should focus on well-being as a primary concern in students’ first year of entry. Offering classes that focus on teaching mindfulness, personal growth and mental health skills can provide students with the tools they need to navigate the challenges they face and make a significant impact on the mental health of the next generation,” Hayley Watson, clinical psychologist, said.