How to Manage Mental Health Challenges for College Students: Tips and Support Strategies
The college years are often called “the best time of our lives,” but, what happens when mental health challenges start to get in the way? College is full of new experiences, personal growth, and opportunities, but when anxiety, depression, or other struggles take over, it can make it hard to fully enjoy your college years. From adjusting to new routines and social pressures to managing academic demands and financial worries, many college students find themselves dealing with anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed.
The reassuring truth is that mental health is like physical health: with the right support and care, things can get better. This blog is for young adults and parents who want to understand how to navigate these mental health challenges—and when to seek help.
The Mental Health Crisis Among Young Adults
Concerning Statistics
According to a 2022 report, On Edge: Understanding and Preventing Young Adults’ Mental Health Challenges, from Making Caring Common (MCC) at Harvard Graduate School of Education, young adults in the U.S. experience twice the rates of anxiety and depression compared to teens. Some key findings include:
- 36% of young adults report experiencing anxiety, compared to 18% of teens.
- 29% experience depression, compared to 15% of teens.
Why Are So Many College Students Struggling with Mental Health?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a few key issues are at the root of many students’ mental health struggles. The following MCC statistics highlight the importance of accessible and proactive mental health care during these formative college years:
Feeling Lost and Lack of Purpose
- 58% of young adults report feeling a lack of direction in their lives.
- Many students grapple with establishing a sense of identity and meaning during these years. With so much pressure to succeed academically and socially, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important.
Academic and Financial Stress
- College is costly, and managing the financial burden while focusing on studies can be daunting. Even with scholarships or financial aid covering tuition, housing, and books, daily expenses can still be a significant source of stress. In fact, 56% of students report financial concerns, which can compound the emotional strain as they juggle tuition, living costs, and loan repayments.
- Pressure to perform academically and professionally impacts 51% of young adults.
Societal Stressors
- Broader issues like political tensions, climate change, and gun violence are on the minds of many students. Nearly 45% of young adults say these societal issues weigh on their mental health.
Isolation and Loneliness
- College can be a time of personal growth, but it can also be incredibly lonely, even with so many people around. In fact, 44% of young adults report feeling that they don’t matter to others, and 34% experience loneliness, which can exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety. These feelings of isolation are especially pronounced in the first year when students are navigating new environments, social circles, and the pressures of academic success.
Leaving Home and Relationship Challenges
- A 2020–2021 Healthy Minds Study across 373 campuses found that over 60% of college students faced at least one mental health challenge. The survey also revealed that 83% of students reported their mental health struggles affected their school performance.
- According to a study published in APA‘s Emotion Journal, stress experienced during college can also be linked to leaving home and social and relationship challenges. The transition to college often involves leaving behind familiar support systems, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and homesickness. Many young adults are also experiencing social and/or relationship challenges for the first time, including the complexities of romantic relationships, breakups, or feelings of rejection. These emotional hurdles can weigh heavily, especially if they occur during critical developmental years.
Understanding the emotional challenges young adults face—whether related to relationships, family, or the struggle to build new social circles—allows us to better support their mental well-being. By acknowledging the emotional complexity of the college experience, we can provide the resources necessary for students to thrive both academically and emotionally.
Why College is a Crucial Time to Pay Attention to Mental Health
College often marks the first time students live independently, bringing new pressures and responsibilities:
- Adjusting to unfamiliar social environments and intense academic demands.
- Managing feelings of isolation while transitioning to greater autonomy.
Additionally, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that “mental illnesses often first appear during late adolescence and early adulthood.” It emphasizes that conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders commonly emerge during the ages of 18 to 25, which is why addressing symptoms early is crucial for long-term mental health management and well-being.
Dr. David Schreiber, Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, CEO, Compass Health Center, explains, “The college years are a critical period for mental health because they mark the transition from adolescence to adulthood, a time when mental health conditions can first emerge. During this stage, young adults face new pressures—from academic expectations and social dynamics to financial concerns and the challenges of independence. It’s a time of change for young people, and without the right support, these pressures can take a toll. Addressing mental health early on can help prevent these challenges from escalating, allowing students to focus on their growth and success, both academically and personally.”
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention plays a critical role in preventing the cascade of effects mental health challenges can have on education, relationships, and personal development.
When mental health conditions are left untreated, they often affect more than just emotional well-being. Students may struggle to complete coursework, maintain relationships, or even show up to class or get out of bed. On the other hand, seeking support can help students regain balance and thrive both academically and personally. Acknowledging that you need help can be incredibly difficult, and asking for support can feel even harder. But remember, there is no shame in struggling with your mental health. Think of it the same way you would if you were dealing with significant back pain—would you hesitate to speak up and seek help then?
Why Early Action Matters
The earlier young adults address mental health concerns, the more effective treatment can be. Evidence-based therapy and psychiatric care at this stage equip students with coping skills, support systems, and healthier ways of managing challenges down the road.
However, many students struggle not just with recognizing when help is needed, but also understanding what level of care is right for them. Options like weekly therapy or group therapy are often the first step, but more intensive levels of care—such as Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)—offer a more comprehensive, specialized approach for students when they need more support. If progress isn’t made at those levels, higher levels of care may be necessary, such as residential treatment or inpatient care.
Navigating these options can feel overwhelming, but knowing what’s available is helpful in getting the right help at the right time. Our white paper can also guide you in understanding these levels of care and how to determine the best path forward for students in need.
Practical Strategies for Young Adults to Improve Mental Health
For young adults, small steps can make a big difference in improving mental health while navigating college:
- Build a daily routine that balances academic work, exercise, sleep, and social time. Even when it feels like the last thing you want to do, incorporating exercise and maintaining a routine can reduce stress and improve mood.
- Connect regularly with family and friends, or consider joining support groups to help lessen feelings of isolation. The sense of community you build can provide emotional support when things feel tough.
- Practice SEEDS: Focus on Sleeping, Eating well, Exercising, seeing Doctors when needed (whether it’s for check-ups or medications), and prioritizing Self-care/Sobriety/Spirituality. These five simple practices can provide a strong foundation for mental health, even when life gets overwhelming.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals when mental health challenges feel overwhelming. Whether it’s through therapy, group support, or other resources, seeking help early on can prevent things from escalating.
Therapy and mental health programs are invaluable tools for overall well-being and personal growth. Taking proactive steps with your mental health now can lay the foundation for a successful college experience and improve long-term health.
Exploring Mental Health Support Options for College Students
College can feel like a nonstop rollercoaster — overwhelming, unpredictable, and sometimes hard to navigate. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or anything else that’s affecting your mental health, you don’t have to face it on your own. There are programs designed specifically for college students that offer structured support, so you can manage these challenges while still staying on top of your classes and maintaining your social life.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
For college students dealing with mental health concerns, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) provide a comprehensive and specialized approach to care, allowing students to stabilize their mental health while continuing with their studies and social activities. These programs are ideal for those with moderate to severe mental health symptoms, and they offer the structure and support needed to improve emotional well-being without having to put everything else on hold. Here’s what’s included in Compass Health Center’s PHP and IOP programs:
Immediate Support
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, having immediate access to care is crucial. Compass’s PHP and IOP programs offer timely support, allowing students to begin receiving care right when they need it. You’ll receive support within 24 hours of your initial phone call and can start a program as soon as the day after your assessment.
Virtual and In-Person Options
Whether you’re living on campus, at home, or studying remotely, our PHP and IOP programs are available in both in-person and virtual formats. These flexible options ensure that you have access to the care you need, no matter where you are. In addition, we offer convenient scheduling options to fit your lifestyle, with daytime, afterschool, and evening sessions available. This flexibility allows you to receive the support you need without disrupting your academic or personal commitments.
Psychiatric Care and Medication Management
Within 24 hours of starting a program, you’ll meet with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. In both PHP and IOP programs, students receive access to psychiatric care, where medications can be prescribed and adjusted as needed to help manage conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and more.
Individual Therapy
This one-on-one component of PHP and IOP provides a private, supportive space to work through challenges. Your therapist will guide you in developing coping strategies, setting personal goals, and building resilience, helping you navigate life’s ups and downs.
Group Therapy
PHP and IOP programs include daily group therapy, offering a chance to connect with others facing similar challenges. In these groups, you’ll build interpersonal skills, practice emotional regulation, and develop stress management techniques. It’s a safe, judgment-free space to share experiences, learn from others, and gain valuable insights for managing everyday stress.
Family Therapy
Involving your loved ones in treatment can greatly enhance the healing process. Family therapy within PHP and IOP helps family members understand what you’re going through and how they can provide meaningful support.
Specialized Programs
Compass’s programs are specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by college students and young adults. Whether it’s managing academic pressures, navigating social stress, or dealing with life transitions, Compass offers specialized care for conditions like trauma, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, depression, co-occurring substance use, mental health, chronic pain and illness, bipolar disorder, and more.
If you or someone you care about could benefit from this kind of support, we’re here for you.
Comprehensive Support for Balancing College Life and Mental Health
These support services offered through Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are designed to provide the stability, coping strategies, and emotional resilience needed to manage mental health concerns. With a combination of individual therapy, group support, family involvement, and psychiatric care, these programs can help you succeed in both your personal and academic life. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone—there’s a whole network of care available to help you manage mental health while keeping up with your college journey.
Find the Right Mental Health Support and Thrive in College
College can feel like a lot to handle at times, but it doesn’t have to be something you face on your own. There are resources out there to help, whether in-person or online, that are designed to meet you where you’re at and offer support tailored to your needs.
Whether it’s stress, anxiety, depression, or anything else that’s becoming hard to manage on your own, there’s no shame in asking for help. Having the right support can make all the difference in how you handle challenges and move forward. And with the right care, you’ll find that you don’t have to navigate these years alone.
