Mental health plays a significant role in students’ success during their university years. According to a research letter by Malvern Behavioral Health, 80% of students, regardless of their major, experience burnout at least once during their time in college.
Burnout results from prolonged periods of chronic stress and can manifest through symptoms such as fatigue, detachment from daily activities and lack of interest in academic work. When left unchecked, burnout can severely impact a student’s ability to perform well, stay engaged with their studies and maintain overall well-being.
Universities strive to create environments where students can thrive academically and personally. However, the question arises: how far can a student go if they are constantly battling burnout? One potential solution that could be implemented by colleges is the introduction of mandatory, semesterly counseling meetings. These brief, 30-minute sessions would be solely focused on the student’s well-being and mental health, providing a space for students to reflect on their emotional state and gain support.
According to a 2022 study conducted by the University of Michigan, only 36% of students attend therapy. That statistic reveals that a large portion of the student body may not be seeking mental health support, and there is no guarantee that the remaining 64% of students have anyone to talk to about their emotional struggles. Mandating these counseling sessions could affect that gap by allowing students to engage with a mental health professional. Over time, this consistent exposure to counseling could reduce the stigma surrounding therapy and potentially encourage more students to seek help beyond the mandated sessions.
Anxiety and depression rates among college students are at an all-time high, according to the same Michigan study. Despite these rising mental health challenges, many students still carry a personal stigma about seeking mental health treatment. Of the students surveyed, 41% agreed with the statement, "Most people would think less of someone who has received mental health treatment." This stigma, coupled with the pressures of academic life, often discourages students from prioritizing their mental health or seeking support.
If students were mandated to talk to a professional about their own mental health, personal awareness of one’s feelings could increase campus-wide. Although OU has the services for students to seek help if they need it, a lot of times it is scary to students who have never been in that environment before. Mental health issues can also be lonely, and seeking help may not seem necessary for people who are struggling silently or believe they can manage on their own. By mandating these conversations, students who might otherwise avoid seeking help due to fear, stigma or lack of awareness could benefit from early intervention.
The perception of counseling in popular media also contributes to the hesitation many students feel. Movies and television shows often depict therapy as something reserved for individuals with severe mental illnesses, reinforcing the idea that counseling is unnecessary for the average person. However, mental health is not binary, and everyone, at some point, could benefit from talking through their feelings, challenges and stressors with a professional.
By making counseling sessions a routine part of the college experience, universities could not only help students manage their stress and prevent burnout, but also work to normalize mental health care. When counseling becomes part of the expected support system, it helps reduce the stigma around mental health treatment and encourages students to prioritize their emotional well-being. In doing so, universities would not only be promoting academic success but also fostering a healthier, more supportive community for all students.
Suzanne Piper is a junior at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Suzanne know by tweeting her @_suziepiper.
