College can be stressful and overwhelming. Academics, relationships, family stress, personal issues, and financial stress are a few factors that contribute to college being stressful. Over the years, there has been a rise in mental health disorders in young adults and an increase in college students dealing with various mental health issues. 8 in 10 college students experience frequent bouts of stress. 41% of students report experiencing anxiety, while 1 in 3 students report prolonged periods of depression (College Students and Depression: A Guide for Parents 2022). Anxiety, stress, and depression can harm one’s relationships, academic performance, and overall physical health.

Struggling with mental health in college can be very challenging. College students struggling with mental health issues may have difficulty concentrating, low energy levels, trouble sleeping, low motivation, poor time management, and may isolate themselves from others. 80% of college students felt overwhelmed by all they had to do in the past year. The effect mental health has on the body can be detrimental to college students who are in class each day and have a heavy workload to manage. Due to the draining nature of mental illnesses, many students seek professional treatment for their mental health issues. Therapy/counseling allows one to talk about their emotions with a professional. Around 61% of college students seek counseling for anxiety, depression, academic performance, family issues, and relationship problems (Stress in College Students).

Another way to destress and ease anxiety is through physical exercise. Physical exercise allows people to blow off steam and take pride in something other than academics. Exercising can lower stress levels, as it can reduce cortisol levels. Exercising can reduce anxiety as endorphins are released by your brain while exercising. Exercising can also improve sleep, energy levels, and social well-being as one may become connected with peers through physical activity (Take Charge of Your Mental Health By Getting in Better Shape 2020). Exercise, therapy, and other forms of self-care can help one reduce and work through mental health issues. 

Mental Health on college campuses is an important topic. College is a period of growth where adjustment and stress will occur. Finding healthy ways like exercise or self-care to calm stress and anxiety can be beneficial for one’s overall health. Mental health challenges can be isolating, yet nobody is alone in their battle. Don’t be afraid to seek out treatment or confide in others.