College Student Mental Health Remains Poor, Minority Report Thriving

"College students continue to report poor mental health, with more than one in three students saying they experience moderate anxiety or depression. Data from the most recent Healthy Minds Survey, published Tuesday, found that only 36 percent of college students are thriving-reporting high levels of success in relationships, self-esteem, purpose and optimism-down slightly from 38 percent the previous year. But in some areas, the data shows slight improvement since the COVID-19 pandemic, with fewer students reporting anxiety, self-harm and suicidal ideation than in 2021-22."

"The report also underscores the relationship between student well-being and academic success; 68 percent of respondents indicated their mental or emotional difficulties had impacted their academic performance at least one day that month, while 17 percent said they felt the impact six or more days. A new normal: During the COVID-19 pandemic, students reported high levels of emotional distress, anxiety and depression, sparking discussions about a student mental health crisis and the lack of available resources."

More than one in three college students report moderate anxiety or depression. Only 36 percent of students report thriving, down slightly from 38 percent the prior year. Some measures improved since 2021–22, with fewer students reporting anxiety, self-harm and suicidal ideation. Use of mental health services rose to 37 percent in the past 12 months, up from 30 percent in 2018–19. The survey gathered responses from over 84,000 undergraduate and graduate students at 135 colleges and universities between September 2024 and May 2025. Mental or emotional difficulties affected academic performance for 68 percent of respondents, with 17 percent impacted six or more days per month.

Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs