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Mental Health of college students

How Indigo Butterfly Counseling and Wellness, and Dana Palermo can Help Support the Mental Health of College Students

For over 20 years, I’ve dedicated my work to helping young adults navigate the exciting yet often overwhelming transition into college life. Many students are living away from home for the first time, with less access to family support and friends. Along with increased freedom and independence come new pressures: heavier academic demands, adjusting to an unfamiliar environment, and building a new support system from the ground up. I work with students at every stage of their college journey, returning students, transfers, upper‑level undergraduates, and graduate students—supporting them as they manage stress, develop healthy routines, and build confidence both academically and personally. Through online therapy, I offer guidance rooted in compassion, practical tools, and a deep understanding of what this phase of life truly requires.

 

Prioritizing your mental health is essential during a time filled with constant change and competing responsibilities. Many students arrive on campus with a history of mental health concerns or previous treatment, and the combination of environmental stressors and personal vulnerability can increase emotional strain. Real‑life stressors like navigating a difficult roommate, juggling classes and work, maintaining relationships, or experimenting with alcohol or other substances can intensify feelings of overwhelm and impact mood. These challenges affect students at every level. You don’t have to manage all this alone. Through online therapy, I provide a steady, judgment‑free space where you can talk openly, learn effective coping strategies, and build resilience. With two decades of experience supporting young adults, my goal is to help you feel grounded, capable, and confident as you move through both the challenges and the opportunities of college life.


Read More About College Life and Mental Health

The college experience provides a unique setting for young adults to continue their education and foster their personal growth and independence. While transitioning from the direct supervision from parents, college students are presented with the opportunity to live with more freedom. With this newfound freedom can come new challenges. College students are one of the most vulnerable populations when it comes to mental health concerns. Although campuses have resources and programs tailored to their student body, students do not always know about them or seek them out.
According to a 2019 study by the Healthy Minds Network, 53% of college students had not heard anything about the quality or accessibility of counseling services on their campuses.

College | Mental Health Facts

Crisis | Campus Mental Health

Today’s generation of college students and young adults are much more open about their mental health and wellbeing compared to older generations, getting us closer to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. Despite this openness, various mental health conditions that aren’t anxiety and depression are still highly stigmatized, and many young people suffer in silence.

Studies have shown that 73% of college students will experience some form of mental illness during their academic journey.
It is critical that mental health conversations and resources reach those who need help navigating their struggles.

Some Important Statistics:
  • 80% or more of college students feel overwhelmed by their college workload
  • 1/3rd of college students have had trouble functioning because of depression
  • Demand for counseling resources is growing every year, faster than enrollments
  • 25% or less of students will seek help for mental health issues
  • Anxiety is by far the most common diagnosis of students who seek help

The importance of self care in college

Self-care is key to keeping our minds and bodies healthy. It’s all about taking time for activities that make us happy and help us unwind, whether that’s relaxing, having fun, or just slowing down. When we prioritize self-care, we learn to appreciate and love ourselves more, leading to a richer, more vibrant life.


In college, it’s easy to let self-care take a backseat. Between heavy class loads and packed schedules of extracurriculars, students often forget to check in with themselves. Self-care can mean a lot of things, and there are plenty of free, accessible activities to try. Many involve spending time alone, stepping away from academics, and giving the mind a chance to reset for better overall well-being.


Check out the suggestions below, most of which are free and available for college students. Many are designed for solo time and aim to bring a sense of calm to busy minds.

Take a walk

Exercise is important, for your mind and body. A walk can help to clear the mind, increase energy level, and keep muscles toned. Wlak around campus, find a nearby nature trail, or explore a nearby town.

Meet up with friends

Maintaining social connections is an important part of mental health and well-being. Try to see friends just to have fun, outside of school related functions.

Regular sleep schedule, and take short naps

Many college students struggle to get enough sleep, academic anxiety, unfamiliar spaces, extracurricular activities all contribute to stress levels.

Try to maintain a consistent nighttime routine and take short naps as needed. Sufficient quality sleep improves both mood and stress levels.

Keep a journal

Journaling helps you stay connected with your inner self, brings hope, and keeps you grounded. Write about your experiences, emotions, self-love, or anything else that feels right in the moment.

Tune in to tune out

Watching an uplifting show or movie is a great way to escape from the world for a bit. Pick an old favorite that sparks happy memories and joy, or explore something new. Keep it light and enjoyable.

Practice some yoga

Yoga is a great way to connect with your body, boost flexibility, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being. You can practice it anywhere—whether in your dorm, apartment, a park, or the quadrangle. Plus, there are plenty of free yoga workouts online you can follow along with.

Practice breathing technique

If you need a quick dose of self-care, try some breathing exercises. They’re an easy way to release tension and refocus on yourself, and they don’t require much time or space. There are plenty of options, like belly breathing or box breathing. Experiment with a few to see which ones work best for you.

In Crisis?
​If you or someone you know needs help now, please-

  • Call the National Suicide Hotline- 988
  • Call 911
  • Call Campus Security
  • Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room

INSURANCE ACCEPTED

Indigo Butterfly Counseling and Wellness, Mission Statement:

"To empower individuals to discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and cultivate lasting well-being through personalized, transformative therapy"