Mental health in college students is a big issue on campuses these days. Across the United States, over 45% of college students are struggling with their mental health, contributing to soaring degree incompletion rates of 39%. College life can be very stressful, with tough academics and social pressures — not to mention the transition into adulthood. All of these factors can lead to mental health and substance use challenges. About one-third of campus communities experience symptoms of severe depression and there are significant differences between faculty/staff and students when it comes to mental health coping strategies and perceived barriers to seeking professional help. One way to help is by offering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to both students and staff, giving campuses the tools to help create a supportive environment for everyone.
MHFA is an evidence-based training program designed to teach people how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges. Developed by experts with lived experience and mental health professionals, the course teaches participants early intervention techniques to support those in distress. Whether a student is struggling with anxiety, a faculty member is experiencing burnout or a staff member is dealing with depression, MHFA provides important skills to intervene and connect individuals to the help they need.
1. Improve Mental Health Support Across Campus
When students and staff are trained in MHFA for Higher Education, it creates a campus network of support. College students’ mental health is often overlooked, but they’re often the first to notice when their friends are struggling, but they may not know what to do. Training faculty and staff ensures that everyone — from administration to teaching departments— knows how to provide the right support. MHFA private Instructor trainings bring experts to your campus (virtually or in-person) to guide your faculty, staff, and students to be mental health champions and make a difference in your students’ daily lives. This network can help prevent crises as it promotes a culture of understanding and empathy.
“Mental Health First Aid has created a strong sense of community at the College of Southern Nevada, where both teachers and students are learning to support one another with understanding and care. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, we’ve built a culture of empathy and confidence, ensuring that everyone, from faculty to peers, has the tools to help each other through difficult times.”
Sarah Tartaglia, LMSW, Counseling and Psychological Services Program Officer I, College of Southern Nevada.”
2. Prevent mental health challenges from impacting student success.
College students face mental health challenges, with many experiencing stress, anxiety, and substance use challenges, which can significantly impact their academic performance and overall retention. Research shows that students with untreated mental health issues often experience declines in GPA and academic engagement. Nearly half of college students followed from freshman to junior year met criteria for at least one substance use challenge which can further exacerbate these challenges. Poor mental health can lead to disengagement, lower academic performance and higher drop-out rates, resulting in decreased tuition revenue and lost future earnings for institutions. MHFA gives your campus the tools to support your students’ mental health, offering a safe and nonjudgmental environment where students feel empowered to seek help. By training your college community, you’re taking proactive steps to address challenges before they escalate into crises.
3. Reduce Stigma and Increase Early Intervention
A huge barrier to mental health care for college students is stigma — people often feel embarrassed to ask for help. MHFA training helps reduce that stigma by encouraging open conversations and teaching people how to respond to someone in need. Early intervention is essential, and MHFA helps staff and students spot the early signs of distress and offer timely support. In fact, 72% of Mental Health First Aiders trained in our Higher Education course report improved mental health literacy.
4. Improve students’ mental resilience.
When you invest in students’ mental health and resilience, you’ll improve their overall wellness, setting them up for success on and off campus. Offering MHFA training isn’t just good for students — it benefits faculty and staff too. Many staff members have used the skills learned in MHFA in their own lives, such as supporting family members during tough times. By promoting mental health awareness in higher education, colleges can make sure that everyone — students, faculty and staff — are better prepared to manage their own mental health, too.
5. Make a Real-life Impact on Campus Culture
The University of North Carolina (UNC) is a great example of how MHFA training can transform a campus environment. With the help of a state grant, UNC trained nearly 900 staff and faculty members in MHFA. This training led to more open conversations about mental health, where people feel comfortable reaching out for help. Faculty and staff even put signs on their office doors to show they’re trained in MHFA and to encourage students to seek help if needed. This shift in campus culture makes it clear that mental health is a priority.
At UNC, MHFA training has led to positive, measurable outcomes. One faculty member shared how they were able to use the skills from the training to help a student in crisis, applying the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to help the student feel heard and supported. Another staff member shared a personal story of using MHFA training during a crisis outside of work, demonstrating how the skills can benefit not only the college community but also the wider public. With mental health statistics for college students showing growing concerns, UNC’s approach is a positive example of how a university can make mental health a priority. With MHFA courses and a growing number of trained faculty and staff, UNC is creating a culture where mental health is taken seriously and support is always available.
MHFA is a powerful tool for transforming the campus environment and supporting the wellbeing of students, faculty and staff. By training your entire college community as certified First Aiders and MHFA Instructors, you’re creating a culture of support and empathy that can make a real difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. The benefits of MHFA extend far beyond just preventing crises — they can create a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to show up as their best selves.
To learn more about how MHFA can transform your campus when you train faculty, staff and students to be Instructors and First Aiders, explore this page.
Sources:
Lee, J., Jeong, H. J., & Kim, S. (2021, April 23). Stress, anxiety, and depression among undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic and their use of mental health services. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8062254/
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Lipson, S. K., Zhou, S., Abelson, S., Heinze, J., Jirsa, M., Morigney, J., Patterson, A., Singh, M., & Eisenberg, D. (2022). Trends in college student mental health and help-seeking by race/ethnicity: Findings from the national healthy minds study, 2013–2021. Journal of Affective Disorders, 306, 138–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.038
Meeks, K., Peak, A. S., & Dreihaus, A. (2023). Depression, anxiety, and stress among students, faculty, and staff. Journal of American College Health: J of ACH, 71(2), 348–354. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2021.1891913
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