Medically reviewed by Dr. Nassim Assefi
Mental health challenges are becoming an increasingly prevalent issue on college campuses. During the 2020-2021 school year, more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem. Additionally, almost three-quarters of students reported experiencing either moderate or severe psychological distress during that year.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most notable factors that may be contributing to this trend. According to a 2020 survey, 71% of college students reported experiencing increased stress and anxiety due to the pandemic.
Some of the most commonly mentioned pandemic-related stressors for students included concerns about their health and the health of loved ones, social isolation due to distancing requirements, and greater difficulty concentrating on academics.