5 Common Mental Health Struggles College Students Face—And How Therapy Can Help

College is often described as “the best time of your life”—but for many students, it can also be one of the most stressful. Between academic pressure, major life transitions, and growing independence, it’s no surprise that college students frequently experience mental health challenges.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone—and support is available. At Blue Square Counseling, we specialize in therapy for college students, offering individualized care to help you manage stress, anxiety, and other common concerns.

Here are five common mental health struggles college students face—and how counseling for students can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

1. Anxiety About Academic Performance

Worrying about grades, exams, and future careers is incredibly common in college. For many students, this pressure can lead to persistent anxiety, trouble sleeping, perfectionism, and burnout. Academic stress may also trigger symptoms of imposter syndrome—the feeling that you’re not smart or capable enough, even if you are succeeding.

At Blue Square Counseling, we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help college students manage anxiety and reframe the negative thoughts that drive it. CBT teaches practical skills to challenge perfectionism, reduce worry, and improve focus—so you can feel more confident in the classroom and beyond.

2. Loneliness and Social Isolation

Being surrounded by peers doesn’t always mean you feel connected. Many students experience intense loneliness during college—especially those who are far from home, attending a new school, or struggling to make meaningful friendships. Social media can make this worse, creating the illusion that everyone else is thriving socially.

Therapy for college students can help you explore the root of these feelings, boost your confidence in social settings, and develop tools for building relationships. We utilize talk therapy, and we can also integrate alternate interventions such as art-informed therapy to help students express emotions, strengthen connection, and explore identity through creative outlets.

3. Struggles with Identity and Self-Esteem

College is a time of deep personal development. You may be asking big questions: Who am I? What do I believe? What kind of life do I want? These questions can feel overwhelming, especially when combined with the pressure to “have it all figured out.”

If you’re dealing with low self-esteem or identity confusion, counseling provides a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore those feelings. Through talk therapy, creative exploration, and mindfulness-based approaches, you can begin to understand yourself more fully and develop a stronger sense of self-worth.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

At Blue Square Counseling, our therapists specialize in helping students through this discovery process—often using art-informed therapy to support expression and reflection.

4. Stress from Balancing Responsibilities

Today’s students juggle a lot: coursework, jobs, internships, extracurriculars, and social obligations. If you're constantly busy but still feel like you're falling behind, you’re not alone. Chronic stress can take a toll on both your physical and emotional well-being, leading to irritability, fatigue, and even health problems.

Therapy when you are stressed at college helps you find ways to manage your schedule, set boundaries, and prioritize your mental health. Therapy can also help you recognize when it's okay to slow down—something many high-achieving students struggle with. Our therapists work with you to develop practical coping strategies so you can stay grounded and feel more in control.

5. Depression and Hopelessness

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues among college students—but it’s often hidden behind a smile. You might feel unmotivated, disconnected, or numb. Maybe you’ve lost interest in things you once enjoyed or find it hard to get out of bed in the morning.

Therapy can be a life-changing support during times like these. At Blue Square Counseling, we offer compassionate, personalized mental health help for students, using modalities like CBT to challenge depressive thinking and EFT to process painful emotions. You don’t have to carry the weight alone—help is available, and healing is possible.

You Deserve Support—Let’s Talk

College can be an exciting time of growth—but it can also bring serious emotional challenges. If you’re struggling, know that it’s okay to ask for help. At Blue Square Counseling, we provide therapy for college students that’s supportive, empowering, and tailored to your unique needs.

Whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress, loneliness, or just feeling overwhelmed, we're here to walk alongside you. Our skilled therapists use evidence-based approaches like CBT, EFT, and art-informed therapy to help you build resilience and find peace in the midst of change.

Located in Billerica and Lexington, MA, Blue Square Counseling proudly serves students and adults across the greater Boston area, including those attending nearby colleges and universities. They can provide sessions from anywhere utilizing telehealth and online counseling.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Blue Square Counseling today to schedule your first appointment.