Why Do Many College Students Experience Mental Health Problems?
Writer:
It’s common to struggle
Why do so many college students struggle emotionally and academically, especially in their first semester away from home?
They have all that glorious freedom, but not the support system they had in high school.
Having total control over their time takes getting used to, and it can be hard to make effective decisions about what to do, and when.
If students fall behind in their coursework, the resulting stress makes it even harder to focus.
That’s why we're here — to give you the tools to juggle all these new opportunities and responsibilities, so you can have fun and find ways to feel successful.
We'll help you build a new support system for yourself.
Learning and mental health challenges at college
If you are going to college with learning disabilities (LDs), existing mental health problems — or both — it's especially important to take care of yourself and set yourself up to succeed.
You can do that by taking advantage of the supports your college offers.
Also use the strategies we offer in this toolkit for being organized, staying focused on what you care about, and recovering when you (inevitably) find yourself in a jam.
Trust us — no matter what you are going through you are not the only one.
It's a learning process. We don't just mean learning computer science or political theory, but learning how to be the person you want to be, and how to surround yourself with friends who will support you in that.
As with any learning process, there will be bumps, hiccups, and mistakes. And that’s okay!
Why seek support
If you have a learning difference, it’s especially important that you get the support you need — and deserve, and are entitled to. Why?
Many students with LDs do not seek services, in part due to the shame and stigma associated with needing “extra help.”
But most college curriculums were not designed with learning disabilities in mind.
Once you graduate, no one will ever ask whether you received extra time on exams.
No one will ask whether you typed assignments that other people had to handwrite. No one will even care!
Students with learning disorders who don’t get the necessary supports are at a higher risk of dropping out or developing mental health problems than students without LDs.
Finding support
There is help available for all these challenges! The folks at your college want you to succeed and there are typically many services available.
Your college or university likely has a counseling center or student mental health services center. It may be part of the larger student health services center.
Try searching your school’s website for terms like “counseling center” or “mental health,” or simply contact the student “health services” center!
Your school probably also has a disability, accessibility, or learning services center, which can assist with your learning needs.
Try searching your school’s website for terms like “disability,” “accessibility,” or “accommodations.” It may also help to ask your academic advisor!
If you are in a mental health crisis, please do not wait for an appointment. Call 911 or 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or visit 988lifeline.org.
September 19, 2025
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