Mental Health: The Biggest Hurdle to Graduation for Many Students
In a poignant revelation, a spring 2025 mid-semester check-in survey underscores a growing academic concern: mental health. Conducted from March 19 to April 2, the survey highlights that 60% of 101 students, who reported being significantly behind in their coursework, attributed mental health as a primary factor. This finding uncovers the complex emotional landscapes students navigate on their path to graduation.
A Personal Struggle
Mary Mayo, a third-year Journalism + Design student at Eugene Lang College, embodies this struggle. While grappling with procrastination, she admits, “I prioritize school a lot, but the stress around performance just magnifies my procrastination.” This sentiment echoes across campuses at this critical juncture in the academic year.
Academic Stress: A Common Thread
Natalie Sickling, a fourth-year Literary Studies student, shares how the convergence of looming deadlines and escalating workloads leaves her in a state of overwhelm. The fatigue is palpable as students find themselves compromising sleep and skipping classes to juggle their responsibilities.
The Impact of Mental Health
As stated in The New School Free Press -, a significant 2016 study by Deutsches Ärtzeblatt International underscored the effect of poor mental health on academic performance. The unaddressed mental health problems can impair focus and motivation, leading to increased absenteeism.
Finding Coping Mechanisms
NYC Psychiatric Associates’ Dr. Kevin Long advises students to seek social support, engage in activities that bring joy, and emphasize the importance of personal coping strategies. The American Psychological Association also highlights the role of exercise in boosting mental resilience, noting that brisk walks and other physical activities release endorphins and reduce stress levels.
Support Systems in Place
The New School’s Student Health Services (SHS) offers psychiatric and counseling services, although students like Sickling mention the stress involved in securing an appointment. Yet, initiatives such as one-on-one mindfulness sessions provide students with vital skills to manage stress and anxiety.
For those like Sickling, personal rituals—such as nightly routines involving painting nails and moments of relaxation on her fire escape—offer a unique, albeit quirky, form of solace amidst the academic pressures.
The Path Forward
While the survey underscores a somber reality, it also shines a light on the myriad of resources and coping strategies available to students. In the words of a well-known advocate, “Every day is a chance to create something amazing,” offering a hopeful perspective for students striving to balance their mental and academic well-being.
