Mental Health Challenges College Freshmen Face—and How We Can Help as Catholics
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A heart-centered look at how our faith can help us walk with our students through their hardest moments
The first year of college is a time of incredible transition, but it can also be a season of deep struggle—especially for young adults navigating the pressures of academic life, loneliness, and identity. As Catholic parents, grandparents, and mentors, we are called not just to prepare our children academically, but to walk with them spiritually and emotionally too.
Let’s take a look at what recent research reveals about the mental health challenges college students are facing, especially freshmen, and how we can offer hope, prayer, and presence through it all.
What the Research Says About Mental Health on Campus
1. Mental Distress Is Widespread
A report from the American College Health Association showed that over 75% of college students have experienced moderate to serious psychological distress in the past year. Freshmen are especially vulnerable as they face new responsibilities, social pressures, and time away from home.
Source: ACHA National College Health Assessment
2. Anxiety, Depression, and Even Hopelessness Are Increasing
The Healthy Minds Study continues to highlight the increase in students battling depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. These are not just academic challenges—they’re spiritual ones too.
Source: The Healthy Minds Network
3. Loneliness Is One of the Biggest Battles
College freshmen often feel isolated, especially if they’ve left a strong faith community behind. Without familiar parish life, youth ministry, or family prayer routines, students can quietly drift into spiritual dryness and emotional disconnection.
Source: Frontiers in Psychology
Why This Matters to Us as Catholic Families
As Catholics, we believe that every person is made in the image of God and deserves to be seen, loved, and known—especially in moments of struggle. Mental health is not separate from spiritual life; in fact, caring for the whole person includes mind, body, and soul.
Our college students don’t just need encouragement—they need reminders of who they are in Christ and the steady comfort of being prayed for and loved, even from afar.
4 Faith-Filled Ways to Support College Students Struggling with Mental Health
1. Pray with Them and for Them
Even if it’s a simple text that says, “I prayed a Hail Mary for you today,” it plants a seed of peace. Share a favorite Bible verse or a novena you're offering on their behalf.
2. Encourage Them to Seek Help—Without Shame
If your student is struggling, remind them that seeking therapy or counseling doesn’t mean they’re weak—it means they’re brave. God works through doctors, therapists, and counselors too.
3. Send Gentle Reminders of Love
A handwritten card, a comforting Catholic devotional, or a cozy care package can be a lifeline. It says, You’re not alone. We see you. We love you. And we’re walking with you.
4. Offer Spiritual Anchors
Send a pocket rosary, a blessed medal, or a small prayer card for their desk. Little sacramentals can bring big comfort in moments of anxiety or homesickness.
How SendThemLove.com Can Help
That’s exactly why SendThemLove.com exists—to help Catholic families send spiritually meaningful care packages that feed the heart and soul. From comforting snacks to Catholic books and other supportive items, our boxes are designed to wrap your student in love, even from miles away.
Because when the world feels heavy, your love—and Christ’s—can still find them.