Top 4 mental health challenges facing college students during COVID: How to recognize them and keep yourself healthy

Mental health in college students was a topic of concern long before COVID-19. Experts have been sounding the alarm about mental health in college students for years, noting that people in this age group (18-24 years) seem to suffer higher depression and anxiety rates than those in other age groups … and that those rates have appeared to rise in recent years. Parents, counselors, and others have grown increasingly concerned about the frequency of diagnoses ranging from depression and suicide to substance abuse and eating disorders.

While COVID may be taking a toll on their mental health, students have always faced a slew of psychological challenges during the college years. Anxiety in college students has been especially common. Students may feel more academically challenged than ever before, and at the same time feel the pressure of knowing that their academic performance could determine future career prospects. Their workload – classes, jobs, extracurriculars – may be heavier. They may feel homesick if they’re living on the college campus. They may be concerned about how to make friends in college during COVID. The list goes on and on.

But many observers believe the pressure of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has further damaged the mental health of college students. Like virtually everyone else on the planet, young adults are feeling the pain of social isolation as communities strive to contain the spread of the virus and “flatten the curve.” Some college students have been forced to isolate either on or off -campus, and loneliness among them is rampant. Other students have returned home to live with their parents, feeling a painful loss of independence and separation from intense friendships, important activities, and other hallmarks of college life. Many students living at home are also coping with unhealthy family dynamics, food insecurity, and other challenges.

In addition, many of today’s college students are worried about an uncertain professional and personal future. They may be concerned about the health of themselves and their loved ones, troubled by today’s polarized political atmosphere, and so on. The result: more mental health problems and the exacerbation of existing ones, precipitating what some call a mental health crisis. Inside Higher Ed recently reported a 2020 CDC finding that "a disproportionate number of 18- to 24-year-olds -- about one-quarter of those surveyed -- had ‘seriously considered suicide’ in the last 30 days. A separate study by the Student Experience in the Research University found that (young adults) in college are screening positive for depression and anxiety at higher rates than in previous years.”

Unfortunately, many college counseling centers are not prepared to deal with a college student’s mental health needs. Some higher education institutions have never offered extensive mental health services, instead requiring students to find their own way as they attempt to maintain their psychological health. Other schools have slashed existing mental health resources as part of pandemic-related cost-cutting measures designed to keep the institutions’ doors open.

Fortunately, others offer a wide array of services to support college students’ mental health and well-being. In fact, all medical visits to North Central College's Dyson Wellness Center include a screening designed to flag potential mental health concerns early. North Central’s early alert referral system also encourages faculty, staff and students to identify people who may be struggling so they can receive support. And North Central is planning to launch a 24/7 telehealth system to address mental and medical health concerns. Be sure to look for tips on what to look for in a college mental health service.

Below you’ll find brief descriptions of four of the most common mental health care issues facing college students. Many of these can be interconnected: Depression can lead to substance abuse, for instance, and suicide may follow drug addiction. These conditions may require some combination of therapy, medication or other interventions, but fortunately, the taboo for seeking this kind of help is finally diminishing. Mental health awareness is growing as more people recognize that these are necessary mental health treatments, like a cast for a broken arm, or beta blockers for high blood pressure.

NOTE: This article does not provide medical advice or opinion. Readers should consult with their physician or mental health professional to obtain medical information or advice, and call 911 in the case of an emergency.

Mental health issues in college students

If you or a loved one is coping with a mental health condition mentioned above, you’re not alone. There are many people and resources available to help, some of which are listed at the end of each section.

1) Anxiety and depression: Although anxiety and depression are two different conditions, many lay people use the terms interchangeably. The conditions often require similar treatments. In addition, many people experience both conditions simultaneously. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Overwhelming anxiety, when it presents in an especially intense or extreme form, is considered a disorder or mental illness. There are several kinds of anxiety disorder, but the symptoms of what’s known as “generalized anxiety disorder” can include difficulty focusing, fatigue, irritability, and altered sleep patterns.

Depression is a mood disorder. While everyone experiences periods of sadness, people with depression feel this way almost constantly, and have little or no interest in what’s going on around them. This goes well beyond feeling “down in the dumps.” Depression is an extreme and protracted sense of hopelessness that can last for days or weeks and interferes with daily life. Other symptoms can include problems sleeping, focusing, and engaging in normal activities; changes in appetite and weight; and falling grades or job performance.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about, contact your doctor or counselor, or contact a representative at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA offers free, confidential information and referrals in English and Spanish 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

2) Suicide: It’s critically important to take people seriously if they talk about suicide or self-harm. Thinking about suicide or wanting to kill themselves (sometimes called suicide ideation) can be particularly common among people with depression. They may think about hurting or killing themselves or others, and may be obsessed with death generally. They may also start acting more aggressive or impulsive than usual.

Call 911 or immediately find the nearest emergency room if you or someone else is experiencing suicidal ideation, suicidal thoughts or exhibiting suicidal behaviors. You also have the option of contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free, confidential support 24/7.

3) Eating disorders: An unhealthy relationship with food is the common thread that links individuals with an eating disorder. Over time, an eating disorder can lead to significant medical problems. Though researchers haven’t determined the precise cause for them yet, these conditions seem to stem from emotional or psychiatric issues and are often linked with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

The most well-known eating disorders are anorexia (when people intentionally starve themselves) and bulimia (when people induce vomiting after eating). Both can be difficult to recognize, because people with these conditions tend to try to hide their behavior. However, anorexia typically involves dramatic weight loss and a preoccupation with food and calories. With bulimia, look for signs of binging and purging. People with anorexia and bulimia often refuse to eat in the presence of others, believe they look overweight even when they’re not, and exercise excessively.

If you have concerns for yourself, or even someone else, contact your doctor. You may also visit the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website or call their helpline at 1-800-931-2237 (Monday-Thursday 11 am - 9 pm ET; Friday 11 am - 5 pm ET). NEDA also operates a crisis text line; just text 741741.