A recent research initiative by the University of Texas (UT) has revealed alarming mental health challenges faced by many community college students, including high rates of anxiety and depression. According to an October 30 report, these struggles are often exacerbated by external obligations that affect students’ ability to focus on their academic work.
The report, conducted by the UT Center for Community College Student Engagement, analyzed data from over 60,000 returning students across 149 community colleges and nearly 14,000 entering students from 61 institutions. The survey results were telling: 32% of returning students reported symptoms consistent with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and 26% showed signs of depressive disorder. Among entering students, 29% exhibited likely GAD, and 23% reported likely depressive disorder.
A Holistic Approach to Student Well-being
The primary goal of the UT research initiative was to help colleges better understand the mental health challenges their students face, not just in the academic realm but as part of their broader life experiences. Linda Garcia, the Center’s executive director, emphasized that the survey aimed to capture a holistic view of student well-being, looking at issues that extend beyond academic struggles and into the personal lives of students.
“We wanted to know if colleges really want to understand … not just what happens in the classroom or why students are struggling academically, but really have an understanding of the student holistically,” Garcia explained. She added that many students reported the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant stressor, along with food and housing insecurity, both of which contributed to increased mental health challenges.
Mental Health: A Growing Concern Among Community College Students
The UT report posed several key questions to community colleges about their approach to mental health, aiming to foster better understanding and response to student needs. Among the critical questions were:
Is mental health a priority at your college?
Do students know where they can seek help if needed?
Are students aware of when to seek help?
Garcia emphasized that while not every community college may have the resources to offer extensive mental health counseling services, it is essential for institutions to connect students with local community resources. “If colleges don’t have the capacity to hire professional staff who have expertise in mental health and well-being, let’s connect them to community resources and know where to send them,” Garcia said.
Struggles Outside of the Classroom
Jodi Denyszyn, Dean of Mental Health Counseling at Austin Community College (ACC), elaborated on the difficulties many community college students face, particularly those with significant responsibilities outside of school. She noted that many students juggle full-time jobs and family caregiving responsibilities, which can make it difficult for them to access mental health services or devote time to self-care.
“Many community college students are facing multiple obligations,” Denyszyn said. “The demands of work and family can interfere with their ability to seek out mental health resources, which is why it’s crucial that we provide accessible services.”
At ACC, the mental health counseling department offers a range of services to support students’ well-being. These include confidential counseling sessions with licensed professionals, available both in-person and over the phone. Denyszyn explained that ACC’s counselors focus on helping students build resilience, maintain balance, and support overall wellness. Additionally, ACC offers individual and group counseling opportunities to assist students in coping with mental health challenges.
The Need for Comprehensive Support
The findings of the UT report underscore the importance of addressing mental health at community colleges, where students face unique stressors that can significantly impact their academic success and personal lives. The report highlights the need for colleges to prioritize student mental health, raise awareness about available resources, and ensure that students are informed about when and where to seek help.
Garcia and Denyszyn both emphasized that mental health support should not be seen as a luxury or an afterthought in higher education, but as a fundamental aspect of student success. As mental health challenges continue to rise among young adults, colleges must take a proactive approach to ensure that students are supported, both academically and emotionally, throughout their educational journey.
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