The latest Healthy Minds Study brings encouraging news: college students are reporting fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and self-injury, while more are seeking mental health support. Surveying over 100,000 students from 200 U.S. universities, the study found decreases in severe depressive symptoms, now at 19% compared to 23% in 2022, and fewer cases of nonsuicidal self-injury, down to 13%.
Mental health care usage is rising, with 61% of students with depressive or anxiety symptoms accessing therapy or counseling. Attitudes around mental health remain positive, with only 7% of students holding stigmatizing views about seeking treatment.
Experts credit improved outcomes to post-pandemic stability and institutions’ increased focus on mental health. “This progress shows promise,” said Sarah Ketchen Lipson of Boston University, “but schools must continue to prioritize student well-being to sustain these gains and address ongoing challenges.”