Resource Pack: College Students and Mental Health

This resource pack was curated by the Global Health Education and Learning Incubator at Harvard University (GHELI) to support the 2018 Forum at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “College Students and Mental Health: Confronting an Emerging Crisis,” as well as an upcoming Forum, “Mental Health and Wellness for Students of Color: Transitioning to College.” The multidisciplinary materials are suitable for educators, students, and policy makers wanting to learn about the mental health challenges facing college students and young people more broadly. Specific resources focus on the barriers and opportunities facing college students of color in the U.S. The Forum’s “Mental Health and Wellness for Students of Color: Transitioning to College.” event is described as follows:

Amid the bustle on U.S. college campuses, a growing challenge is causing concern. Many college students of color report mental health issues–including depression, anxiety and, among some groups, increased risk for suicide–that are not well understood or effectively addressed. According to surveys conducted by Harris Poll, students of color feel both more isolated and more overwhelmed than their white classmates. At the same time, they are less likely to seek counseling services on campus. Bringing together experts with diverse experiences and perspectives, this Forum will explore how colleges can better support the social, emotional and mental health needs of students of color, particularly during the critical transition to college. Panelists will emphasize evidence-based steps and policies that can help cultivate a positive and healthy experience for college students of color.

The Forum at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a live webcasting series that provides decision-makers with a global platform to discuss policy choices and scientific controversies across the world.

The Global Health Education and Learning Incubator at Harvard University supports interdisciplinary education about world health through the production, curation, and dissemination of educational public goods.