Skip to main content
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

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • Chartwells Launches Campus Dining Evaluation Framework

    Contract food-service management provider Chartwells Higher Education recently announced the launch of BLUEPRINT, according to a news release. The evaluation framework was designed to provide a data-driven and customizable roadmap towards optimizing campus dining services and, by extension, the student experience.

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.