Global Student Mental Health Week Spotlights Growing Crisis
College life’s stressors – from academics to finances to social media’s constant presence – can breed profound loneliness. During Chegg.org’s second annual Global Student Mental Health Week, students from Howard University engaged in wellness events addressing this pervasive issue.
The activities from February 26 to March 3, co-sponsored by youth advocacy group Young Invincibles, included yoga, a mental health investment roundtable and dedicated Wellness Day. Their goal? Combating loneliness while promoting legislation for on-campus mental health resources.
“Today’s students live in the most connected era, yet many experience disconnection, loneliness and struggle to make friends,” said Heather Hatlo Porter of Chegg.org. “Elevating mental health conversations has never seemed more urgent.”
Survey Reveals Student Mental Health Struggles
According to a Chegg.org global survey, over half of students polled experience daily anxiety (54%) while nearly 60% lack sufficient sleep. Perhaps most alarmingly, 46% have faced academic burnout pointing to an acute crisis.
The compounded stress takes a major toll. American Heart Association research links teenage anxiety to increased cardiometabolic risks like obesity, high cholesterol and heart disease later in life.
To relieve stressors, the AHA recommends meditation and mindfulness practices – an approach echoed by Chegg partner Calm’s student-focused app meditations.
Mobilizing for Campus Mental Health Solutions
Throughout the awareness week, Chegg.org and Young Invincibles met with federal lawmakers to advocate for stronger collegiate mental health resources and prevention. Among their proposals is a “checklist” ensuring:
- Greater emphasis on self-care and prevention
- Substance use recovery resources
- Culturally competent, accessible services
- Elevated student voices in decision-making
Award-winning actress Kerry Washington also joined via social media, sharing personal tips like journaling, quality sleep and meditation for prioritizing well-being.
With student disconnection at a critical level, the campus mental health activations represent a call to positive action.
