5 Signs You’re Struggling More Than You Think in College (And How Therapy Can Help)
College is supposed to be one of the most exciting times in life. New freedom, new friends, and the chance to figure out who you are.
But for many students, it’s also incredibly stressful.
If you're feeling off lately—tired, irritable, disconnected—it might be more than just a rough week. Mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and burnout are common among college students, and they don’t always show up in obvious ways.
At Blue Square Counseling, we work with young adults and college students across Massachusetts (in person and via telehealth) to help them feel better, think more clearly, and get back to enjoying life again.
Here are five signs you might be struggling more than you realize—and how therapy can help.
1. You’re Constantly Exhausted, Even After Rest
Sure, college is tiring—but if you’re getting enough sleep and still waking up drained, it could be a sign of something deeper. Chronic fatigue can be linked to depression, anxiety, or stress overload. If naps aren’t fixing it, therapy might.
In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a therapist can help you explore how your thoughts and habits impact your energy, and work with you to build healthier patterns that restore instead of drain.
2. You’re Losing Interest in Things You Used to Enjoy
Skipping your club meetings. Avoiding friends. Not even caring about the stuff that used to make you happy. These can all be signs of emotional withdrawal, which is often connected to depression.
Therapy gives you a safe place to unpack these changes without judgment—and to begin reconnecting with what brings you joy.
3. You’re Overwhelmed by Small Tasks
Is it hard to get out of bed? Open your laptop? Respond to a simple text?
When basic tasks start to feel impossible, it might mean your nervous system is in survival mode. This is a common response to chronic stress or anxiety. Therapy can help you break things down into manageable steps, understand your triggers, and learn how to regulate your emotions more effectively.
4. You Feel Like You’re Always Faking It
High-functioning students often look like they have it all together—good grades, busy schedules, a packed social life. But inside, they might be anxious, disconnected, or even numb.
If you feel like you’re just “going through the motions” or pretending to be okay, therapy can offer a space to be real. We’ll help you untangle the perfectionism, people-pleasing, or pressure that might be getting in your way.
5. You’re Coping in Ways That Don’t Actually Help
Are you zoning out with endless scrolling? Drinking more than you’d like? Hooking up just to feel something?
These behaviors aren’t uncommon, but they might be signs you’re trying to self-soothe in ways that aren’t really working. Therapy helps you build real coping tools—ones that actually move you forward instead of keeping you stuck.
Therapy for College Students in Massachusetts—In Person & Online
At Blue Square Counseling, we know that mental health care should be accessible and affirming—especially for college students who are still figuring things out.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
CBT and other evidence-based approaches to help you understand your thoughts, build skills, and feel more in control
Telehealth therapy you can attend from your dorm or apartment
LGBTQ+ affirming care from therapists who respect your identity and experiences
Flexible scheduling that fits your academic life
We meet students wherever they’re at—and we help them move toward where they want to be.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
Struggling in silence doesn’t make you stronger. It just makes you feel more alone.
If any of these signs sound familiar, therapy can help. Whether you’re managing stress, navigating identity, or just need someone to talk to, support is available—and you deserve it.
→ Reach out today to schedule a session and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.