5 Ways to Better Support Students' Mental Health

On campus, I often see students walking to class, writing papers, preparing for exams, playing sports, and eating in the cafeteria with friends. Yet, beneath the surface, many students quietly struggle with stress, anxiety, and pressure. What if we, as educators and staff, could help lighten their load? By offering support during the school year, especially during high-stress times, we can help students not just survive but thrive.

Here are 5 ways you can better support students’ mental health:

1. Offer Regular Mental Health Workshops & Events

• Collaborate with student leaders to organize stress management, mindfulness, and emotional resilience workshops throughout the semester. These events give students the chance to reflect and manage stress in a proactive way.

• Incorporate holistic well-being topics like the importance of sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise. Students are often unaware of how much their physical health impacts their mental well-being, especially during exam periods or high-stress seasons.

2. Offer Access to Free or Low-Cost Counseling Services

• Ensure students are aware of and have easy access to counseling services. Make sure they know where to go for mental health support, both on and off-campus. For emergencies, it's critical to offer after-hours support, such as a 24/7 hotline or an on-call counselor.

• Normalize seeking help by promoting counseling as a resource for all students, not just those in crisis. Consider having students who've used these services share their experiences (with their consent) to reduce stigma.

3. Encourage Faculty to Be Flexible During High-Stress Periods

• Train faculty to be flexible when students face high-pressure times, like finals or project deadlines. Encourage understanding around extension requests or alternative assessments, especially for students dealing with stress or personal challenges.

• Promote open communication between students and faculty. When students feel comfortable discussing their challenges, faculty can offer practical solutions, like staggered deadlines or mental health days.

4. Send Out Encouraging Messages with Links to Resources

• Send regular, positive messages from staff to remind students that support is available. These messages can include helpful tips on managing stress, staying organized, and finding balance. Make these feel personal and genuine.

• Include links to key resources like counseling services, online resource hubs, or articles on mental health. Even short, thoughtful notes during exam season can go a long way in making students feel seen and supported.

5. Promote Peer Support Networks

• Establish peer counseling programs where students can support one another. Many students feel more comfortable opening up to peers who understand the pressures of college life. Peer support can reduce feelings of isolation while fostering a sense of community.

• Encourage informal support groups for students to gather and share their experiences. These can be safe spaces where they can vent, get advice, or simply feel heard by others who may be going through similar challenges.

Supporting students’ mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. With these strategies in place, we can help students manage stress, build resilience, and ultimately thrive throughout their college experience. Let's work together to make sure no student feels they’re carrying the weight of the world on their own.