GREENSBORO, N.C. — Colleges across the state are making more resources available this school year to help students struggling with mental health.

This comes after several student deaths over the past school year on campuses, including suicides.

N.C. State made national headlines last year after more than a dozen deaths were reported. Those deaths included suicides.

What You Need To Know

  • According to the American Psychological Association, a Health Minds 2021 study that collected data from 373 campuses revealed more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem
  • Mental health therapist Shiniqua Harris says there are many factors contributing to the increase, including unaddressed mental health issues like anxiety and depression
  • Harris says it requires a collaborative effort between campuses and students when addressing mental health issues

According to the American Psychological Association, a Health Minds 2021 study that collected data from 373 campuses revealed more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem.

Mental health expert Shiniqua Harris said there are many factors contributing to the increase. 

“Some of those factors include unaddressed mental health issues like anxiety and depression, social isolation and as you can imagine with the pandemic, that has increased significantly leading to suicidal thoughts, as well as the stigma around mental health, including cultural and societal factors, financial factors and lack of resources,” Harris explained.

Many colleges across the state are taking steps to address mental health. UNC announced a new Carolina Across 100 program that aims to improve mental health and prevent suicides. It's providing 15 communities in our state with resources.

Harris says there are other things campuses can do for those students who may be struggling with depression.

“It requires a collaborative effort between campuses, enhancing those mental health services, increasing the access, eliminating the barriers, maybe integrating it into the curriculum,” Harris explained.

Harris says students struggling with mental health can take steps too.

“I would encourage students to reach out for help, finding a therapist for you can be life-changing as well and don’t underestimate the power of proper nutrition and physical activity,” Harris explained.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. That number is 988.