Survey: Students Turn to Loved Ones, Social Media First for Mental Health Help

In recent years, mental health has emerged as a pressing concern for college students across the United States. With rising levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, the need for effective support systems has never been more critical. However, a notable trend has surfaced in new research: students are increasingly turning to family, friends, and social media for mental health support rather than seeking help from professional counselors or therapists. This article explores these findings and offers insights into how higher education institutions can better connect with students to provide the resources they need.

The State of Mental Health Among College Students

According to the Healthy Minds Survey, an alarming 78% of students report needing assistance for emotional or mental health challenges such as feelings of sadness, anxiety, or nervousness. Despite these high numbers, less than half of students are receiving support from their colleges or universities. This indicates a significant gap in the delivery of mental health services, which is compounded by the reluctance of many students to seek help from traditional mental health providers.

In light of this growing issue, a November survey from Wiley revealed that 83% of students turn to their family and friends for mental health support. This aligns with findings from the 2023 Thriving College Student Survey, where 90% of students relied on friends for mental health information and 77% consulted their parents. This preference for informal support systems highlights the importance of social connections in navigating mental health challenges.

The Role of Social Media and Online Resources

In addition to personal connections, students are increasingly utilizing social media and online platforms to access mental health information. The Thriving College Student Survey indicated that 83% of students leverage the internet for mental health resources, with 67% engaging with social media for the same purpose. Moreover, Wiley’s research found that 24% of students utilize social media sites and blogs for support, a trend that is even more pronounced among students enrolled in fully online courses, where 38% reported using these platforms for mental health assistance.

Interestingly, despite the high demand for mental health services, only 14% of students sought help from college health services. Approximately half of the respondents in the Thriving College Student Survey indicated that they used university professors or counselors for mental health information, but only 8% did so “all the time” or “often.” This suggests that there is a significant disconnect between the services offered by colleges and the preferences of students seeking help.

Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services

The Healthy Minds survey identified several reasons why students may avoid seeking professional help. Notably, 19% of students expressed a preference for managing their issues independently or with support from friends and family. This response mirrors the 19% of students who cited lack of time as a barrier, while 14% were unsure of where to go for help. These barriers highlight the need for colleges to better understand student behaviors and preferences to effectively address their mental health needs.

Strategies for Colleges to Enhance Mental Health Support

Recognizing the challenges students face and the channels they prefer for support can guide colleges in implementing more effective mental health resources. Here are several strategies institutions can adopt:

Invest in Peer Support Programs: Given that students often turn to friends for help, colleges can develop peer support systems that train students to respond to mental health challenges. This approach fosters a sense of community and trust, making mental health resources more accessible.
Develop Hybrid Resources: With an increasing number of students taking online courses, colleges should expand their mental health services to accommodate those studying off-campus. Offering telecounseling or on-demand resources can provide flexibility and convenience for students seeking help.
Increase Awareness of Existing Services: Raising visibility around available mental health resources is crucial. Colleges can utilize social media and awareness campaigns to promote their services, ensuring students know where to turn in times of crisis.
Collaborate with Faculty: Faculty members often find themselves as the first point of contact for students in distress. Partnering with them to provide a unified message about mental health resources can create a more supportive environment for students.
Introduce Students to Mental Health Practitioners: One barrier to accessing on-campus services is students’ unfamiliarity with mental health staff. Organizing drop-in counseling sessions or embedding counselors within different campus departments can help build rapport and trust, encouraging students to seek help when needed.
Solicit Student Feedback: Each college has a unique student population, and understanding their specific needs is vital. By engaging in open conversations with students, colleges can identify what resources are effective and where improvements are needed.

Conclusion

As the mental health crisis among college students continues to escalate, it is imperative that higher education institutions adapt to meet the needs of their students. By recognizing the informal support systems that students rely on and enhancing their mental health resources, colleges can create a more supportive and accessible environment for all students. This proactive approach not only benefits individual students but also fosters a healthier campus culture overall, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and emotionally.