Depression in College Students: What You Need to Know
Featured Expert
May 19, 2026
A recent study co-led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center found that the rate of self-reported depression symptoms in college students steadily grew between 2007 and 2022.
Carol Vidal, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Children’s Center, helped lead the study. She answers key questions about depression, suicide and other concerns for teens and young adults in college.
Key Points
- A recent study showed an increase in self-reported depression symptoms in college students, particularly among women, minorities and students experiencing financial stress.
- Thoughts of suicide are increasing in all college student demographics.
- Students dealing with symptoms of depression can look to a local network of resources for support.
- Parents of students with symptoms should have conversations with their child to understand their condition and provide support.
- The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national resource that is available 24/7 at 988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Why are college students increasingly struggling with mental health?
College students often face many challenges at once — most of them new. The adjustment to life away from home can be compounded by the trials of growing into adulthood.
Factors contributing to mental health struggles include:
- Homesickness
- Financial instability
- Academic performance pressure
- Lack of rest
- Social anxiety
- Comparing oneself to peers, compounded by social media
- Career path uncertainty
- Exposure to drugs and alcohol
What are signs of depression in college students?
- Decrease in social activities
- Lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Academic decline
- Increase in drug or alcohol use
- Thoughts about death and suicide
Which student groups are at increased risk of depression?
In our study, while symptoms of depression increased among all groups, we saw consistently steeper rises among women, students from racial and ethnic minority groups, and students experiencing financial stress. These groups are more likely to encounter stressful life events that can lead to psychological and even physiological changes, like elevated stress hormones.
Students reporting financial stress showed a higher increase in rates of suicidal ideation and feelings of worthlessness. Women and minority racial and ethnic groups, especially Hispanic students, showed higher rate increases of sleep disturbance.
It’s also important to note that men are more likely to underreport symptoms, and that suicide rates remain higher among men despite these lower self-reported symptom increases.
Are thoughts of suicide increasing in college students?
Yes. Suicidal ideation rose across all demographic groups of students in our analysis. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death among U.S. college students. This shows the urgent need for prevention and support strategies on college campuses.
What are the signs that a student may be having thoughts of suicide?
Signs that a student may be considering suicide can include:
- Depression
- Extreme mood swings
- Giving away possessions
- Reckless behavior
- Talking openly about death or suicide
What steps can a student take to get help?
While the percentage of young people who actively address their mental health concerns has grown over the last decade, there's still a stigma about seeking help. It's important to know that there's no shame in getting help.
Even if you're a student not experiencing symptoms of depression, it's important to practice self-care. This can include:
- regular exercise
- getting proper rest
- eating right/drinking water
- practicing relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises.
Local networks that can provide support to you include:
- campus counseling services
- the student's clinician
- a trusted professor
- a resident advisor on campus
- close friends
If you aren't comfortable with local options, there are national resources like suicide and personal crisis phone or text lines. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
What can parents do to help their children in college who are dealing with depression?
If you’re a parent of a child in college who is showing signs of depression — or if your child comes to you directly with concerns, be prepared to:
- Listen without judgment and validate their concerns.
- Talk through any underlying stress factors, and how you can support easing them.
- Discuss any concerning behaviors you've seen and why they concern you.
- Ask directly if they have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If they have, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Medically reviewed by Carol Vidal, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
