Add as a preferred source on Google

Survey Reveals College Students’ Mental Health Concerns

  • By Matt Jones
  • 08/18/21

A new survey from the National Society of High School Scholars conducted among incoming and matriculating college students revealed that almost half (44.1%) anticipate dealing with mental health issues in the coming semester, either their own or those of people around them. Further, more than half (52.8%) said that preparing for the fall 2021 semester was more stressful than preparing for fall 2020. Less than a quarter (21.7%) said they faced the same level of stress as last year, and just 6.7% said preparing for this year was easier than preparing for the last.

The conducted survey received 290 responses. Results indicate that for the upcoming semester, 17.2% of students anticipate facing mental health issues themselves, 13.1% for people around them (such as roommates, classmates, and professors), and 44.1% are prepared for both. While only 25.5% said they didn’t anticipate encountering any mental health concerns, a wide majority (82.1%) said they know where to go to receive support.

“Although there is still a stigma associated with the topic of mental health for many, our youth have been able to rise above that negative perception and recognize the importance of tackling mental health concerns as openly and directly as we do any health issue,” said James Lewis, NSHSS President. “It’s encouraging that while students are bracing themselves to deal with mental health issues, the vast majority know where to go for mental health support. As the school year gets underway with continued uncertainty and unpredictability, we need to be sure those resources are easy to find, easy to use, and easy to share with other students.”

When asked what they’re looking forward to upon the return to school, anecdotal answers included meeting new people, making new friends, getting a fresh start, and learning new things.

“Students are telling us loud and clear that they want a new beginning with social interaction and new learning opportunities. They are excited about their futures and eager to be engaged in their college experiences,” Lewis said.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • UNL Kiewit Hall

    Designing for Engineering Excellence: Integrating Sustainability and Wellness at UNLs Kiewit Hall

    Kiewit Hall at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln exemplifies how academic institutions can integrate sustainability and wellness into modern learning environments. With an integrated and collaborative team approach, Kiewit Hall addresses enhanced learning and creativity, physical health, and mental wellness, and fosters a sense of community through innovative design, operations, and policy solutions.

  • North Dakota State University Completes Music School Renovation

    North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D., recently announced that construction on the Challey School of Music has finished, according to a news release. The university partnered with Foss Architecture & Interiors for design and Kraus-Anderson for construction services, and construction began in July 2024.

  • Colorado State University Global, SCTE Launch Online Certificate Program

    Colorado State University Global (CSU Global), based in Denver, Colo., recently announced a partnership with CableLabs subsidiary the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) to launch an online certificate training program for broadband professionals, according to a news release.

  • Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

    The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students.

Digital Edition