Why Universities Should Prioritise Student Mental Health Services

College life is often described as the best time of your life — new friends, newfound independence, and endless opportunities. But behind the smiling Instagram stories and graduation dreams, there’s a quieter story unfolding. Many students are battling anxiety, burnout, and depression, often in silence. That’s why universities must treat mental health support not as an optional service but as a fundamental part of campus life.

Let’s face it: university life can be overwhelming. Between deadlines, part-time jobs, social pressure, and family expectations, students feel like they’re running a marathon with no finish line. A close friend of mine, Riya, shared how she used to cry in the library between classes because she felt she couldn’t keep up. It wasn’t until she visited her campus counselor — after months of hesitation — that she finally learned how to manage stress and set realistic goals. If that one counseling session hadn’t happened, she might have dropped out.

Unfortunately, stories like Riya’s aren’t rare. According to the American Psychological Association, more than 60% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health concern. Despite this, many campuses still treat counseling centers as afterthoughts — understaffed, underfunded, and tucked away in some quiet corner of the campus. That needs to change.

When universities invest in mental health services, they invest in success — academic, emotional, and social. A student who feels mentally supported is more likely to stay in school, perform better, and build a positive community. Simple initiatives like peer support programs, on-campus therapists, and stress management workshops can make a world of difference. As Forbes points out, prioritizing mental wellness can lead to better retention and stronger academic outcomes.

The University of Michigan’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), for instance, launched its program offering group therapy sessions and wellness events. As a result, the university reported a significant drop in absenteeism and academic withdrawals. That’s proof that proactive support works.

But mental health services shouldn’t stop at professional counseling. Professors, too, play a big role. A quick check-in after noticing a student’s disengagement or a few extra days on an assignment can show compassion that goes beyond the syllabus. Universities should train their faculty to recognize warning signs and direct students to appropriate help.

Students also need to feel safe seeking help without stigma. Too often, the fear of being labeled “weak” keeps them quiet. Open conversations, awareness campaigns, and student-led wellness clubs can help normalize mental health discussions. Resources like Forbes’ Mental Wellness Initiatives for Colleges emphasize the importance of making these conversations part of everyday campus culture.

At its heart, a university isn’t just a place to earn degrees. It’s where young adults learn to handle life’s ups and downs. Prioritizing mental health doesn’t just create better students — it builds stronger, more compassionate individuals who’ll take those skills into the world beyond campus.