I recently gave a talk to freshmen about coping with final exam anxiety and afterward participated in a panel discussion about the importance of taking care of wellness and mental health. Upperclassmen on the panel talked about their own positive experiences with therapy and medication. I was impressed by how students were able to be open and vulnerable about their own struggles while offering hope and coping strategies.
With athletes like Simone Biles and performers like Selena Gomez talking about their own mental health challenges and recoveries, students experience these discussions in their own lives with less stigma. I appreciate these celebrities who promote wellness, as I think it helps students see there is help and hope.
Statistics support this improvement
Data from the last 10 years of the Healthy Minds Study, a large survey of university students, supports the idea that there has been a change in views on mental health related to stigma. Students who have depressive or anxiety symptoms are now more likely to access therapy and psychiatric services. Another bit of good news: While symptoms of mental health problems peaked during 2021-2022, likely an effect of the COVID pandemic, they now appear to be returning to pre-COVID levels. Other promising findings include:
- More treatment: A higher percentage of students who screen positive for depression or anxiety have received counseling and/or psychiatric medication now than 10 years ago. In 2014-2015, 46 percent of students screening positive for depression or anxiety received services versus 61 percent in 2023-2024. This is the highest percentage of students receiving services in the last decade. This is an extremely positive development. I don’t know if the increase in services is occurring on campus, off campus, or by telehealth, but I’m glad to see this change. And of course, I would love to see even more students with depression and anxiety get help.
- Less stigma: In 2023-2024, 7 percent of college students expressed personal stigma, agreeing with the statement, “I would think less of someone who has received mental health treatment.” In 2014-2015, this figure was higher, at 9 percent. Perceived stigma—agreeing with the statement, “Most people would think less of someone who has received mental health treatment”—has also trended downward in the last decade, from 48 percent to 41 percent. While stigma has decreased, perceived stigma continues to be higher than personal stigma. Some students I see believe their families are not supportive of their taking psychiatric medication, so they might avoid medication. It can be helpful for a psychiatric provider to talk with parents (with the consent of the student) to discuss pros and cons of medication.
- Recovery from COVID trauma: I reviewed the Healthy Minds Study findings gathered between 2018-2019 and 2023-2024. During 2021-2022, there was a peak in the percentage of students reporting anxiety (37 percent), depression (44 percent), and suicidal ideation in the last year (15 percent). In 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, these measures have trended downward and are close to the 2018-2019 levels, just before COVID-19. Current numbers are still higher than the 2014-2015 levels but at least are heading in the right direction.
Where do we go from here?
This is my wish list for 2025.
- More students with mental health symptoms will be able to access care.
- The rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders will decline in college students.
- Stigma about mental health problems will continue to decline, allowing students to be open with friends and family about their struggles and to seek treatment.
Here is a final thought and a recommendation for anyone struggling with a mental health problem: Let a trusted friend or family member know. Make them your mental health partner. It continues to be a challenge to access health care, and if you are feeling depressed, you can get discouraged more easily. Someone who is going on a mental health journey always benefits from support and words of encouragement.
Wishing my readers a New Year of wellness and mental health!
©2024 Marcia Morris, all rights reserved. Details have been altered to protect patient privacy.
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