Mental health is at the forefront of discussions across college campuses today, as we continue to see unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression among young adults. In a recent podcast episode of Finding Noble, esteemed guests Dr. Jeff Wilks, a distinguished professor at BYU’s Marriott School of Business, and Andrea Rowley, Chief Clinical Coaching Officer at Noble Health, delved deep into the issue of mental health on university campuses. Their insights revealed not only the alarming prevalence of mental health struggles but also the various stressors that students face in today’s fast-paced academic environment.
The Pervasiveness of Mental Health Issues on Campuses
Mental health challenges have reached alarming levels on college campuses. According to recent national surveys, rates of anxiety and depression are at historic highs. Dr. Wilks and Andrea Rowley, through their experience, emphasized that students today are grappling with a complex array of stressors—everything from academic pressure to social isolation. In addition, the pandemic and the increasing role of social media have only exacerbated feelings of loneliness and inadequacy.
Dr. Wilks pointed out a telling statistic: within his first 18 years of teaching, he had only received about 10 accommodation requests for students with mental health needs. However, in the last five to six years alone, he has received up to 10 per year—a reflection of the growing number of students in need of additional support.
What does this tell us? It’s not just a spike in statistics. It signals a cultural shift where young adults are under more pressure than ever before. Performance anxiety, the need to constantly compete, and the ever-present comparison with peers—fueled by social media—have led many students to feel isolated and incapable of managing the stress of their academic journey.
The Role of Professors and the Academic Environment
Dr. Wilks spoke about his own evolution toward becoming more involved in mental health advocacy, stemming not only from his interactions with students but also from personal experiences with his children and a battle with cancer. He noted that professors today have an added responsibility—not just to impart academic knowledge but also to help students navigate the increasing mental health struggles they face.
One standout initiative at BYU is the newly implemented University 101 course, which is mandatory for all incoming freshmen. This class focuses on helping students build genuine connections with their peers and professors, which Dr. Wilks believes will serve as a critical step in addressing the loneliness that pervades college campuses. In smaller group settings, students are encouraged to participate in events together, fostering a sense of community that might otherwise be missing from large university environments.
The Role of Loneliness and Social Media
Both guests agreed that social media plays a significant role in student loneliness. Dr. Wilks referred to today’s young adults as the “loneliest generation,” despite being more “connected” than ever through technology. Social media, while intended to bring people together, often exacerbates feelings of isolation by creating an environment of constant comparison.
Andrea Rowley added that students often feel they must present themselves as having everything together, further driving the wedge between how they appear online and how they truly feel. The constant pressure to appear perfect in a highly curated online world leaves many feeling like they are falling short in their real-life relationships.
Practical Solutions: Coaching and CBT
Rowley shared her experience working with students and the success of the Noble Health app, which focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. The app has proven incredibly helpful to students who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress, as it allows them to set realistic goals and track their progress. More importantly, it provides a resource that’s available on their phones, making it an easy, accessible tool for when they need support.
Interestingly, one of the unexpected benefits of integrating mental health practices into the academic setting has been that students who initially used the app to help themselves later found that they could also use the knowledge to support friends and classmates.
What Can Parents Do?
The conversation turned to what parents of younger children can do to prepare their children for the challenges they will face as young adults. Rowley emphasized that teaching children to have a healthy relationship with themselves is key. Parents should focus on how their children talk to themselves and help them normalize emotions. This means acknowledging that it’s okay to feel both positive and negative emotions without labeling them as “good” or “bad.”
Dr. Wilks also stressed the importance of parents leading by example. The most effective way to help children navigate mental health is for parents to first address their own relationship with technology, social media, and mental health. By modeling healthy behaviors, such as limiting social media and engaging in meaningful, face-to-face relationships, parents can lay the groundwork for their children to thrive in college and beyond.
The Path Forward: A Hopeful Outlook
Despite the challenges, both Dr. Wilks and Rowley were optimistic about the future. They believe that with the right interventions—like BYU’s University 101 course, mental health coaching, and a greater emphasis on building real connections—students can overcome the challenges they face.
The conversation emphasized that mental health is not something that can be addressed in isolation. It’s a collective effort that involves students, professors, parents, and institutions working together to build a supportive environment. As more universities begin to recognize the importance of addressing mental health head-on, the outlook for young adults navigating this difficult chapter in life looks hopeful.
Conclusion
The mental health crisis on college campuses is a reflection of a broader societal issue, but it is one that can be addressed with thoughtful, intentional action. Universities, parents, and students all have a role to play in fostering environments that promote real connection and offer tools for managing stress and anxiety. Programs like those implemented at BYU, along with tools like the Noble Health app, are excellent examples of how institutions can support students in their mental health journeys.
Ultimately, the goal is not just to reduce anxiety and depression but to help young adults build the resilience and skills they need to thrive—not only in college but in life.