Navigating Mental Health on Campus

The journey to and through college is celebrated as a milestone—a transformative time for self-discovery, academic growth, and the building of lifelong friendships. Yet, as many students know, these bright college years can also be accompanied by unique mental health challenges. In her new book, Coping on Campus: Mental Health and the University Student, Doris Iarovici, MD, provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and addressing these challenges, offering insights for students, educators, and mental health professionals.

College students today face an unprecedented mental health crisis. Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and other psychiatric issues are on the rise, compounded by pressures such as financial stress, academic competition, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the relentless pace of technological change. These challenges, as the book details, are not just statistics but lived realities for many young people stepping into adulthood. One striking point from the book is how the college environment itself—both its pressures and opportunities—shapes mental health. 

Dr. Iarovici identifies systemic issues, such as insufficient access to counseling services at many institutions, and proposes innovative solutions, such as integrating telehealth and stepped care models to address gaps. As campuses become more diverse, so do the needs of their students. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the interplay of race, gender, socioeconomic background, and cultural identity in shaping mental health experiences. She also highlights how generational shifts—from Gen X to Gen Z—impact attitudes toward mental health, independence, and community. 

The book explores specific mental health issues that are common among college students and offers evidence-based insights and practical advice for addressing them. Topics range from managing sleep problems, substance use, and perfectionism, to supporting vulnerable populations such as international students, LGBTQIA+ students, and student-athletes. For example, the chapter on sleep problems offers a detailed look at how academic demands, social pressures, and digital distractions contribute to widespread insomnia among students. Dr. Iarovici suggests practical strategies for improving sleep hygiene and managing related mental health conditions, which underscores the interconnected nature of mental and physical well-being. 

Beyond addressing individual challenges, Coping on Campus calls for a collective effort to foster resilient and inclusive campus communities. Dr. Iarovici advocates for expanding "circles of care," where faculty, peers, and mental health professionals work together to create environments of belonging and support. As students face growing pressures from an increasingly complex world, this book is a timely reminder of the value of human connection and collaborative problem-solving. 

Whether you're a student navigating the ups and downs of college life, an educator seeking to better support your students, or a mental health professional working with this population, Coping on Campus offers invaluable tools, research, and perspectives. With compassion and expertise, Dr. Iarovici illuminates the multifaceted nature of mental health in higher education, paving the way for healthier, more fulfilling college experiences.