College is often described as “the best years of your life” — but for many students, that’s far from the whole story. Behind the excitement of independence, learning, and new experiences, an increasing number of students report struggling with mental health issues. Between academic demands, social pressure, financial stress, and the constant presence of social media, it’s no surprise that mental health challenges are on the rise across college campuses.
As a therapist who works with young adults, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming college life can be. But here’s the encouraging part: more and more students are reaching out for support. The stigma around student mental health is slowly breaking down, and help-seeking behavior is becoming more normalized — even celebrated.
The Growing Need for Mental Health Services for College Students
According to the Healthy Minds Study*, mental health concerns like anxiety and depression are some of the most common challenges college students face today. In fact, rates of students seeking mental health treatment on college campuses have steadily increased over the past decade. This rise doesn’t necessarily mean students are struggling more than before — it may also reflect growing awareness and a shift in attitudes toward therapy and self-care.
While mental health stigma hasn’t disappeared, many students now see therapy as a helpful, proactive tool — not a last resort. Colleges and universities are responding by expanding their mental health services, offering access to therapists, crisis resources, and wellness programming.
The downside to this increase in demand for counseling services means not every student who needs support is able to access on-campus mental health care when they need it, especially at schools with limited resources or long waitlists. Many college counseling centers have also had to set limits on how many sessions each student can have before being referred off-campus. That’s where mental health organizations like LynLake Centers for Wellbeing come in, as they can provide mental health services to students who would rather not (or simply cannot) wait until something opens up at their college counseling center, or who have met their session limit for the school year.
How Mental Health Challenges Affect College Life
Mental health problems can affect every part of a student’s experience — from academics and sleep to relationships and daily functioning. Anxiety and depression, in particular, can make it harder to focus in class, maintain motivation, or feel connected to others.
Even more concerning is the number of students reporting debilitating mental health symptoms, including suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm. The Healthy Mind Study suggests that 13% of college students have experienced suicide ideations in the past year. Beyond that, 38% deal with moderate to severe depression and 34% experience moderate to severe anxiety. These numbers underscore the importance of proactive support, crisis care, and open conversations about mental health.
When a student receives mental health support early on — whether through therapy, group support, or other campus-based services — they’re more likely to cope in healthy ways and avoid reaching a breaking point. Mental health treatment isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s about helping students build resilience, feel empowered, and navigate college life with more confidence.
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
It’s impossible to talk about student mental health without mentioning social media. While it can offer connection and community, it also plays a role in increasing mental health issues. Students often compare themselves to curated, filtered lives online, leading to self-doubt, anxiety, and a sense of isolation.
But here’s the nuance: social media can also be a powerful platform for breaking down mental health stigma. Many students use it to share their experiences, advocate for wellness, and support their peers. Colleges and universities can harness this influence by promoting mental health resources and encouraging open, honest conversations in digital spaces.
Making It Easier to Seek Help
Despite progress, barriers still exist. Some students worry about being judged, aren’t sure if they can afford therapy, or simply don’t know what services are available. That’s why it’s so important for colleges to not only provide mental health services, but also clearly communicate how to access them. This means not only providing inclusive and confidential on-campus services, but also becoming familiar with off-campus resources and providers who are experienced in working with the college student population.
Mental health is a public health issue, and the more it’s integrated into campus culture — through education, events, peer support, and faculty engagement — the easier it becomes for students to reach out.
Everyone on campus can play a role: staff, professors, RAs, and friends can all help normalize conversations around student mental health and guide others toward support.
Taking the First Step
If you’re a student facing mental health challenges — or someone who cares about one — know this: you are not alone, and support is available. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, academic stress, or uncertainty about the future, talking to a mental health professional can make a real difference.
Many colleges offer free or low-cost mental health resources. These may include counseling centers, group therapy, telehealth options, and referrals to off-campus providers. LynLake Centers for WellBeing, with locations near most colleges and universities in Minneapolis and St. Paul, proudly serves Bde Maka Ska, Saint Louis Park, and nearby communities with a team of mental health providers dedicated to helping college students thrive.