The findings reveal that mental health emerges as the number one reason for college dropouts, highlighting the urgent need for support to help students stay enrolled.
The findings reveal that mental health emerges as the number one reason for college dropouts, highlighting the urgent need for support to help students stay enrolled.
College students across the nation are grappling with significant stress and sleep deprivation as they prepare for the upcoming fall semester, according to a recent survey conducted by TimelyCare, a virtual health and well-being provider in higher education.
The survey sheds light on the top stressors affecting students, with mental health concerns and the recent Supreme Court rulings being major factors.
The findings revealed that mental health emerges as the number one reason for college dropouts, highlighting the urgent need for support to help students stay enrolled.
It was found that 64 percent of respondents believe that access to mental health resources would increase their chances of graduating, while 68 percent of students are currently struggling with issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
Financial concerns related to student loan debt, especially after the Supreme Court ruling on loan forgiveness, also weigh heavily on their minds.
The key findings of the survey also showed that 85 percent of students are experiencing either the same or even higher levels of stress compared to the previous year. The top five stressors for students include their own mental health (55 percent), physical health (40 percent), financial burdens (32 percent), academics (31 percent), and inflation (25 percent).
Moreover, more than half of the students (53 percent) are stressed or anxious about the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action and race in admissions.
Equally concerning, more than half (54 percent) are not getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night, as suggested by the National Sleep Foundation.
Seli Fakorzi, director of Mental Health Operations at TimelyCare, highlighted the ongoing efforts of colleges and universities to invest in resources like TimelyCare to build a connected system of care that supports students’ health and well-being, ultimately leading to stronger engagement and academic performance.
Meanwhile, there is also a positive trend emerging as more students seek help and support.
Two-thirds or 66 percent of students plan to seek out emotional support to manage their mental health this academic year.
Students also recognize the importance of community and plan to cope with stress through their peers, family, and exercise.
Notably, the number one resource students wished their schools offered is access to virtual counseling and mental health support through teletherapy or virtual care apps.
The mental health crisis also extends to student-athletes, who face additional pressures from intense practice, competition, and travel schedules.
According to the survey, mental health is a significant cause of stress and anxiety for more than half of student-athletes (52 percent), surpassing concerns about physical health, finances, and academics.
Additionally, a lack of adequate sleep is prevalent among student-athletes, with 58 percent reporting getting six hours of sleep or fewer, and 37 percent getting five or fewer, linked to an increased risk of experiencing depressive symptoms.
Efforts by athletics departments and high-profile athletes to destigmatize mental health issues seem to be making a difference, as more than 90 percent of student-athletes express their intention to seek in-person or virtual counseling or mental health support in the coming year, compared to 75 percent of their non-athlete peers.
Dr. Bob Booth, chief care officer at TimelyCare, stressed the importance of immediate access to mental health support, particularly for college students who may face crises at any time.
Providing students with timely care can help break the cycle of sick care and set them on the path to personal and academic success.
