The latest Healthy Minds Study (HMS) indicates positive trends in the mental health of college students, revealing a decline in the prevalence of mental health issues among over 100,000 students surveyed across 196 institutions during the 2023-24 academic year. Conducted by the Healthy Minds Network, an initiative of the University of Michigan and Boston University, the study noted reductions in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and other negative wellness factors compared to the previous year.
First established in 2005 by Daniel Eisenberg, a professor at UCLA, the Healthy Minds Study aims to assess mental health in higher education and guide institutions in enhancing their wellness services. In an interview with The Michigan Daily, principal investigator Justin Heinze, an associate professor at the U-M School of Public Health, emphasized the importance of aligning mental health resources with student needs.
The latest HMS findings show a decrease in severe depressive symptoms from 20% to 19%, moderate depressive symptoms from 42% to 38%, and anxiety from 36% to 34%. Additionally, the study found declines in nonsuicidal self-injury and eating disorders. A notable increase in positive mental health, as measured by the Flourishing Scale, was also reported, rising from 36% to 38%. While Heinze expressed optimism about these trends, he cautioned that further data is needed to confirm their sustainability.
“It’s hard to tease out what might be driving these changes, but we’re hopeful that we’re seeing a peak,” Heinze stated. He attributed some of the improvements to a growing recognition of mental health’s significance in the educational experience, prompting institutions to employ more mental health professionals.
Researchers speculated that the increased focus on wellness, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, could be a contributing factor. Erin Voichoski, a research area specialist at HMN, suggested that heightened attention to mental health concerns may have led to improved resources and outcomes for students.
However, the survey results also highlight that mental health issues had been rising prior to the pandemic. Heinze noted that the decade leading up to this year’s survey saw a consistent increase in negative mental health outcomes, suggesting deeper, long-standing issues.
In contrast to the declining demand for services seen in organizations like the Wolverine Support Network, student mental health utilization has increased overall. Heinze reported a rise in counseling, psychiatric medication use, and lifetime diagnoses of mental disorders, which may reflect a decrease in stigma and an increase in awareness surrounding mental health.
The Healthy Minds Study allows participating institutions to customize their surveys, ensuring relevance to their specific student populations. Brenda Vyletel, a coordination lead for HMS, expressed hope that the data would influence policy decisions and lead to more effective strategies for addressing mental health concerns.
In addition to mental health, the HMS surveys cover a range of topics including substance use, financial situations, and lifestyle choices. Voichoski stressed the unique opportunity colleges have to intervene in mental health, promoting a culture where students feel comfortable discussing their well-being.
As mental health awareness continues to grow, students and organizations advocate for further destigmatization of mental health discussions on campuses. LSA senior Jack Weinberg emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where mental health can be openly discussed without stigma, which remains a key objective for student-led initiatives.
Related topics:
