Addressing the student mental health crisis in higher education

This episode of Innovations in Education highlights the concerning state of student mental health, which persists even as the pandemic subsides. Statistics from the 2020-2021 school year reveal that over 60 percent of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem, while another national survey found that nearly three-quarters reported moderate or severe psychological distress.

To address this crisis, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, initiated the “We Are Made to Connect” Tour, promoting social connection as crucial to well-being. Additionally, higher education groups are advocating for increased focus on college student mental health, recognizing the unique challenges faced by different student demographics. Some institutions are proactively partnering with mental health providers, like Mantra Health, to offer comprehensive support services. The article emphasizes that investing in student mental health is vital for academic and economic success, and it suggests several actions that education leaders can take to address this pressing issue. Ultimately, the hope is that increased mental health awareness and support will benefit students and society as a whole.