Mental Health Resources for College Students

Mental Health Statistics in College Students

Mental health concerns among college students have been on the rise for more than a decade. According to the Healthy Minds Study, over 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health condition in the past year. Even more concerning—only about 40% of those students received any form of professional help.

The transition to college coincides with the age range when many mental health disorders begin to surface. Students between 18–24 are at higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance use disorders—often for the first time.

The American College Health Association found in a recent survey:

• More than 75% of students reported moderate to high stress levels.
• Over 40% experienced symptoms of depression.
• 1 in 4 students considered suicide within the past year.

Students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and first-generation college students were disproportionately affected by mental health challenges and reported greater difficulty accessing care. These numbers are much more than statistics; they represent real people, real struggles, and real opportunities for support.

How Many College Students Experience Mental Health Conditions?

The short answer: a lot. The long answer? Mental health in college students is complex, underreported, and often misunderstood. Many students don’t seek treatment because of stigma, financial barriers, or a lack of understanding about what they’re experiencing.

Mental health support shouldn’t be a last resort. With the right tools and support systems in place, students can thrive both academically and emotionally.

According to data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately:

• 73% of students experience a mental health crisis during college.
• 64% of those who drop out of college cite mental health reasons.
• The majority don’t reach out for help until they’re in crisis.

Common Mental Health Conditions in College Students

College can be a time of growth, self-discovery, and transformation—but it can also be a time when mental health challenges first begin to surface or intensify. Understanding the most common mental health conditions affecting college students is the first step toward identifying issues early and accessing meaningful support.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns on college campuses today. While some stress is normal—especially during finals or transitions—clinical anxiety goes beyond occasional worry. Students may struggle with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder, which can cause persistent, overwhelming feelings of fear or dread.

This anxiety may manifest as racing thoughts, sleep disturbances, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, or avoidance of social situations or academic responsibilities. Left untreated, anxiety can affect academic performance, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, anxiety is highly treatable with counseling, psychiatric medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches.

Depression

Depression in college students is often underestimated or mistaken for stress or burnout. But true clinical depression is more than just feeling sad—it’s a serious mood disorder that can disrupt every area of life. Students experiencing depression may notice a loss of motivation, persistent feelings of emptiness, withdrawal from friends, or difficulty maintaining basic routines like showering, eating, or attending class.

It’s important to note that depression doesn’t always look like sadness. For some, it shows up as irritability, numbness, or a lack of joy in things they used to love. Without intervention, depression can spiral into academic failure, social isolation, or even suicidal thoughts. Early treatment—including therapy, support groups, and possibly medication—can make a significant difference.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders often develop or worsen during the college years, particularly among students navigating high levels of stress, social comparison, or control-related challenges. Disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder can involve obsessive thoughts about food, exercise, and body image.

These disorders don’t just affect physical health—they also carry serious emotional and cognitive consequences, such as perfectionism, anxiety, and shame. College students may restrict food intake, purge, over-exercise, or experience cycles of bingeing and guilt. Eating disorders require specialized treatment that addresses both the physical symptoms and underlying emotional pain.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

College students with undiagnosed or unmanaged ADHD may face significant academic and emotional challenges. Symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, forgetfulness, and disorganization can lead to poor grades, missed deadlines, and low self-esteem.

In a college environment that demands independence, time management, and sustained focus, ADHD can become particularly disruptive. Many students don’t realize they have ADHD until college, and by then, the symptoms may be interfering with both school and social life. With proper diagnosis, academic accommodations, therapy, and sometimes medication, students with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and succeed.

Substance Use Disorders

While experimentation with alcohol and drugs is often seen as a “normal” part of the college experience, the truth is that many students develop substance use disorders during these years. What starts as social drinking or occasional use can quickly escalate into dependency, especially for students self-medicating anxiety, depression, or trauma.

Substance misuse can impair judgment, memory, emotional regulation, and physical health. It can also mask underlying mental health issues, making them harder to diagnose and treat. Recognizing the signs of problematic use—such as drinking alone, blackouts, or academic decline—is essential.

Treatment for substance use disorders often involves a combination of therapy, support groups, and in some cases, medical detox and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Trauma and PTSD

Many college students carry trauma with them from earlier in life—such as abuse, family dysfunction, or significant loss. Others may experience trauma for the first time on campus, through events like sexual assault, hazing, relationship violence, or accidents. Trauma can disrupt every aspect of a student’s life, leading to symptoms such as hypervigilance, emotional numbness, sleep issues, flashbacks, or difficulty trusting others.

When trauma symptoms persist for more than a month and interfere with functioning, a student may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma-informed care is essential in these cases. With the right support, students can learn to process their trauma, reduce symptoms, and reclaim their sense of safety and identity.

Causes of Mental Health Disorders in College Students

Mental health in college students can be affected by a wide range of internal and external factors, including:

• Academic Pressure – High workloads, exam stress, and fear of failure.
• Financial Stress – Rising tuition, student loan debt, and part-time job responsibilities.
• Social Changes – Navigating friendships, romantic relationships, and roommate conflicts.
• Isolation or Homesickness – Especially for out-of-state or international students.
• Identity Exploration – Including sexuality, gender, cultural identity, or beliefs.
• Lack of Sleep and Poor Nutrition – Common during busy college years but significantly impact mental well-being.
• Limited Access to Care – Long waitlists at campus counseling centers or lack of insurance coverage.

Some students may already have a preexisting mental health condition, while others may experience symptoms for the first time. Regardless of where a student is on their journey, proactive support is key.

Finding Access to Mental Healthcare in College

Many colleges offer on-campus counseling and mental health services, but availability and quality vary. If you’re a student in Georgia looking for mental health support, you have options.

Start by:

• Visiting your college counseling center website – to schedule an appointment or find group therapy offerings.
• Contacting a mental health treatment center near campus – like Serenity Grove, which offers tailored care for young adults.
• Checking your student health insurance plan – to see what services are covered.
• Joining support groups – either on campus or online.
• Talking to a trusted professor or advisor – for guidance and referrals.
• For students in crisis, calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, free, and confidential support.

College Student Resources for Mental Health in Georgia

Whether you’re looking for one-on-one therapy or just need a place to start, these centers are a strong first step toward healing.

Here are some specific resources for students attending college in Georgia:

1. Kennesaw State University Counseling Services: KSU’s counseling and psychological services offer free short-term therapy, workshops, and crisis intervention. Virtual services and drop-in sessions are available.
2. University of Georgia CAPS (Counseling & Psychiatric Services): UGA offers individual counseling, group therapy, medication management, and after-hours support. Students can also access mental health screenings and referrals to off-campus providers.
3. Georgia College Counseling Services: Georgia College provides personal counseling, group sessions, outreach programming, and crisis services for enrolled students. All services are confidential and included in student fees.
4. East Georgia State College Online Mental Health Resources: East Georgia State offers an extensive collection of digital tools and articles for students seeking mental health support, including resources on managing anxiety, depression, and academic stress.