Click play to listen to this article.

(Connecticut News Service) A new Healthy Minds Study finds college students' mental health in nationwide is improving.

In the last ten years, there have been significant increases in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

But the change in this trend is being attributed to increasing attention to student mental health, with schools providing greater access to mental health care and resources.

Image

Erin Voichoski, research area specialist with the Healthy Minds Network, said students are also seeing increases in positive mental health.

"Students feel like they are actively contributing to the happiness of others," said Voichoski. "They feel that they are competent and capable in things that interest them. They feel optimistic about their future. They feel like they are a good person and live a good life. Those are things that can coexist sometimes, with symptoms of depression and anxiety."

The researchers also found increasing use of therapy and medication among college students. Along with this, personal and public stigma about students' mental health has remained low.

Colleges and universities across Connecticut received grant funding for mental health services through the state's Higher Education Mental Health Services Initiative.

The report also notes loneliness in college students is declining, after reaching great heights during the pandemic. Voichoski said she feels the trend is promising, although the level is still quite high.

She said there are several takeaways for campus officials to keep in mind.

"We have the data," said Voichoski. "We've established that there is a need for these services and resources on college campuses, and the people who are making decisions on these campuses need to continue collecting data that can inform their decisions."

Voichoski said she feels having this kind of data ensures schools know how best to spend money on mental health resources for their students.

While the improvements are small so far, she said continued conversations about mental health can go a long way to help end the stigmas.