Whoever said college days are the best days of your life was either delusional or lying through their teeth. Yes, you get to experience new and exciting things. You make real connections and unforgettable memories.
And, you earn your degree. But at what cost? A 2024 survey by Wiley found that mental health issues are becoming increasingly concerning on college campuses throughout the U.S.
The findings show that 80% of students are struggling somewhat emotionally while more than a fourth struggle significantly. Anxiety, burnout and depression are the main precursors.
The COVID-19 Effect
COVID-19 may have ended a few years prior. However, it had far-reaching effects. 
About 60% of respondents in the Student Mental Health Landscape report said their mental and emotional health was negatively affected by the pandemic.
The global threat brought with it an increase in emotional disorders. According to a study published in PLoS One, the pandemic exacerbated existing mental health conditions. It fueled the rise of burnout and ADHD among students.
Despite the readily available help, students aren’t turning to college health services. Instead, they are confiding in friends and family. Others say they use social media or a therapist outside school. Less than a third use campus health services.
Rethinking the Student Support Space
Psychology Today claims an untold reality for students is that they find themselves caught in bureaucratic red tape.
Mental health practitioners, mainly psychiatrists, are only allowed to practice in their state. This places students in need of psychiatric mental healthcare in a precarious position.
Experts blame state medical licensure requirements. It compromises the care of many students with mental health disorders who receive consultations at home and when back on campus, they’re totally on their own without the required mental support.
What are the alternatives?
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (MSN-PMHNPs) are licensed advanced practice nurses who identify and treat mental health needs.
They work in hospitals, community health centers and private practices. College students who can’t afford private care can visit their local community health center and inquire about seeing an MSN-PMHNP.
Psychiatric mental health nursing requires core competencies like empathy, clinical skills and critical thinking. Coupled with RNs (registered nurses) and APRNs (advanced practice registered nurses), they are the second-largest group of behavioral health professionals in the U.S.
Students enroll in psych NP programs online to prepare for certification as an MSN-PMHNP. The collegiate nursing education program equips graduates with the competencies to provide mental and behavioral healthcare to individuals and families.
Didactic and clinical online coursework prepares students to focus on the mental healthcare needs of patients while advocating for their well-being.
Walsh University recommends choosing an MSN program that offers clinical placement service support.
Stepped-Care Model
The good news is that colleges are dedicating more resources to student mental health.
Campuses are implementing the stepped-care model whereby students who need the most help are assigned intensive care. Experts say this approach is more effective than traditional therapy.
Counseling psychologist Carla McCowan tells the American Psychological Association (APA) that conventional counseling is all about clinicians. What if they were taken out of the equation and replaced with creative solutions?
For example, students struggling academically could benefit from time management and goal-setting workshops. Peer counseling is prescribed for students dealing with loneliness or low self-esteem.
Faculty Members as First Responders
In a traditional sense, registered counselors are seen as a college’s first line of defense in the fight against mental health issues.
This does need to be the case. Faculty staff are employed to teach. However, they sometimes form meaningful connections with students and can help identify those in distress.
Staff who feel they’re not adequately equipped to deal with students in need can be given the tools. Training in mental health first aid is sufficient in responding to the signs of mental illness and substance use.
The national program can fill a critical gap. Three-quarters of faculty reported conversations with students regarding mental health in the previous 12 months, according to Times Higher Education.
Change is Afoot
If left unaddressed, mental health conditions can escalate into crises. Poor mental health also affects academic achievements and outcomes.
A student who knows their mental stability is waning but is not aware of their available resources is a tragic waste. Many of these resources are free and they may be too overwhelmed to access them.
College campuses can implement the above suggestions to create a space conducive to struggling students. It’s the change we desperately need to solve our college mental health crisis and empower the younger generation with actionable tools.