4 Reasons College Students Have Different Needs in Therapy (and Why it Matters)
For many students, college is a whirlwind of emotions—exhilarating independence, academic pressure, and the constant undercurrent of "am I doing this adulting thing right?". It's no surprise that college students often experience mental health challenges at a higher rate than the general population.
So, what makes our struggles unique, and why might therapy be an extra helpful tool in navigating this unique period of life?
In this blog post, we're delving into the realms of anxiety, stress management, recognizing depression in college students, and how to get the most out of therapy when you’re just generally going through it.
What is the biggest stress for college students?
Picking a single biggest stressor feels almost impossible! Finances, academic pressure, and social anxieties all battle for the top spot. A 2024 study found that a staggering 70% of U.S. college students worry about their finances, with student loans taking a lion’s share of that stress. But financial woes aren’t the only contender.
The fear of failure, demanding course loads, and the pressure to succeed can all be just as overwhelming. Ultimately, the biggest college anxiety for each student will be unique, but the combination of them can feel a lot like a pressure cooker no one’s keeping an eye on. Especially for the students trying to navigate it all!
Anxiety and depression in college students are the most common reasons for seeking therapy
For many college students, asking for support with stress management and their mental health often happens when anxiety or low mood become unmanageable alongside their rigorous schedules.
How can therapy for college students help take the pressure off?
College students are notorious for burning the candle at both ends. Between exams, projects, and that never-ending to-do list, it's easy to let stress take over. Therapy can equip you with powerful stress-management skills like time management techniques and healthy coping mechanisms. Imagine having a toolbox filled with strategies to deal with that pre-exam anxiety or the overwhelm of a looming paper deadline.
Feeling down sometimes is a normal part of life. But when those feelings become persistent and start to interfere with your daily routine, it might be depression. College students are at an increased risk for depression due to the aforementioned stressors, social isolation, and a lack of sleep (who needs sleep when there's Netflix, right?).
Therapy can be a lifeline for students struggling with depression. A therapist can provide a safe space to explore the root of those low feelings, develop coping skills, and help you navigate the path towards feeling better.
Off-Campus Therapy at North Texas Child and Adult Counseling Center
Many university campuses offer counseling centers staffed with qualified therapists who understand the specific needs of their students and their rising mental health needs.
These services are fantastic, and so needed, but on-campus resources may have waitlists or limited appointments. Off-campus therapy specifically for college students can be a great way to take back some control (over your support and your schedule) and there are a few more unique ways we can meet you at this uncomfortable intersection of life stages.
Developing healthy coping mechanisms: Learn how to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression in a healthy way, instead of resorting to unhealthy habits like procrastination or social isolation.
Building self-esteem: College can be a time of self-discovery and questioning. Therapy can help you develop a strong sense of self-worth and navigate the pressures to conform.
Improving relationships: Learning how to communicate effectively and navigate roommate conflicts or breakups can be a game-changer. Therapy can equip you with the tools you need to build and maintain healthy relationships.
Academic Success: Counseling, and the skills you’ll learn through it, can help you develop better time management skills, overcome procrastination, and create healthy study habits—all leading to academic success.
How does mental health stigma impact college students?
The stigma surrounding therapy can be a real barrier, whether it comes from other students, parents, professors, or even from within yourself. But here's the secret: therapy is a normal part of self-care, just like going to the gym or eating healthy. And you wouldn't hesitate to go to the gym to get physically stronger, so why wouldn't you invest in strengthening your mental health?
Instead of considering therapy as a shameful secret, think of it as an investment in your well-being, a chance to build the skills you need to navigate the challenges and opportunities of college life, and set yourself up for a successful future.
Therapy can be your secret weapon for conquering college and setting yourself up for a bright future. College is an amazing but challenging time. Therapy can be a powerful tool to navigate it well.
