Report: Ongoing mental health challenges for young adults and college students
Coping with the ups and downs of college life and young adulthood may be becoming increasingly challenging. According to a new survey, college students self-reported the highest levels of stress/anxiety, depression and ADHD in a four-year span.
What’s more, over a third of young adults and college students surveyed reported that they or a friend/roommate have used artificial intelligence (AI) based solutions for health-related reasons.
These are among the new findings in UnitedHealthcare’s fourth annual Young Adult & College Student Behavioral Health Report. Commissioned by UnitedHealthcare and conducted by YouGov, the report examined how mental and behavioral health concerns affected Americans, including college students and young adults not enrolled in college (ages 18–28).¹ The report also explored how parents perceived and responded to these challenges.
Mental and behavioral health remains a persistent challenge
Mental health concerns continued to affect young adults across various educational and career paths, though the data showed higher self-reported rates among those enrolled in college. In fact, more than 6 in 10 (62%) college students and young adults reported that they experienced a mental or behavioral health concern in the past year, with college students reporting a 15-point higher overall incidence than their non-enrolled peers.
“As the behavioral health needs of college students become increasingly complex, we believe that data-driven insights can be essential for identifying the challenges students face and informing effective, evidence-based support,” said Raphael D. Florestal-Kevelier, PhD, MPH, CEO of the American College Health Association (ACHA). “When institutions provide resources and support, students may be better positioned to thrive both on and off campus.”
Survey reveals awareness gap between students and parents
Findings also point to a continued gap between how students self-reported their experience and how parents perceived them. While 69% of college students said they experienced a mental or behavioral health concern in the past year, only 43% of parents reported their child experienced one.
This disconnect suggests opportunities to increase awareness and support more open, informed conversations between students and their families.
Digital tools and AI play a growing role
Young adults and college students also reported using digital tools to support their mental health, including AI-based platforms.
About 31% of respondents said they or a friend/roommate used AI-based platforms in the past year to explore symptoms, gather information or identify coping strategies. In addition, 26% of respondents reported turning to AI platforms for companionship, reassurance and/or emotional support.
“As young people may be increasingly turning to AI for guidance, it’s important for families, educators, employers and health care stakeholders to work together to strengthen health literacy, improve care navigation and expand timely access to evidence-based support,” said Nicole Brady, MD, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare Student Resources.
Expanding access to affordable behavioral health care
UnitedHealthcare offers a range of behavioral health resources, including:
- 24/7 telephonic mental health support lines
- Digital tools such as coaching and Calm Health
- Employee and student assistance programs
- Peer support programs
- In-person and virtual care options
UnitedHealthcare also provides parent and youth conversation starter cards designed to support discussions about mental well-being, particularly in light of the perception gaps identified in the survey.
To learn more, visit UHCSR.com, the student health insurance division of UnitedHealthcare.
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