Student mental health is in crisis — here’s how to help
Summary
Universities around the world are facing a growing student mental‑health emergency. Rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and self‑harm among undergraduates have risen sharply over the past decade. A large global survey of 72,288 first‑year students found that almost two‑thirds had experienced symptoms consistent with at least one mental illness, and more than half reported symptoms in the past year. Despite this, only around 28% of students who would benefit from support access it; in low‑ and middle‑income countries that falls to about 14%.
The article summarises research and clinical experience from Brazil, Canada and the UK and identifies multiple drivers: the developmental stresses of the transition to higher education, financial and time pressures, the impacts of remote learning during COVID‑19, and exposure to crises via social media. Disadvantaged and minoritised students face greater risk, but cultural and institutional barriers often prevent them from accessing culturally competent care.
Key Points
- Mental‑health problems (mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, substance use) have surged among undergraduates over the past decade.
- A global survey found nearly two‑thirds of first‑year students had experienced symptoms of at least one mental illness; over half reported recent symptoms.
- Only ~28% of students needing support access services; in low‑ and middle‑income countries this figure is ~14%.
- Chronic underfunding of mental health (median government spend ~US$2.7 per person) and understaffed university services contribute to a ‘perfect storm’.
- The authors call for coordinated action: better funding, culturally competent and evidence‑based services, data‑driven approaches and collaboration between universities, governments, health providers and students.
Context and relevance
This article is important because it frames student mental health as a systemic issue that affects academic success, future workforce wellbeing and public health. It links recent epidemiological findings (including WHO data showing fastest rises in 20–29‑year‑olds) with practical gaps in service delivery: limited access, inequity, lack of cultural competence and poor integration of research into university mental‑health practice.
For university leaders, health services and policymakers, the piece stresses the need for sustained investment, workforce expansion, proactive monitoring (data dashboards, telehealth) and targeted support for at‑risk groups. For researchers and clinicians it highlights opportunities to embed evaluation and evidence into student‑facing services. For students and advocates it validates the scale of the problem and points to where pressure and resources are needed.
Why should I read this?
Because this is a wake‑up call — short, sharp and full of the stats and solutions you need. If you work in higher education, health policy or student support (or you know someone who does), this saves you the time of trawling papers: it explains what’s causing the surge, who’s most harmed, and what must change now.