Mental Health Resources Support Oakland University Students Amid Rising Stress
Updated: Apr 23
As academic pressure, social comparison and personal transitions intensify during college, mental health support has become an essential resource for students at Oakland University.
Nearly 60% of college students reported experiencing overwhelming anxiety in the past year, according to the American College Health Association.
Students often face challenges related to identity, self-esteem and belonging while balancing coursework, finances and relationships.
These pressures can contribute to feelings of self-doubt during what experts describe as a critical stage of development, often referred to as emerging adulthood, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Travis Goldwire, a psychologist and group coordinator at OU, said these pressures can contribute to feelings of self-doubt during emerging adulthood, a critical stage of development.
“It is not uncommon for college students to struggle with concerns revolving around their identity and self-esteem,” said Goldwire.
Feelings of not belonging or questioning one’s ability to succeed are common, particularly during emerging adulthood.
“Feeling out of place or that you don’t belong, or that you may not be good enough to succeed are fairly common concerns,” Goldwire said.
While stress is a normal part of college life, social comparison – especially through social media can intensify its effects.
Research from the American Psychological Association shows that social comparison is linked to increased stress and lower self-esteem, particularly in young adults.
Students may assume others are performing better, leading to burnout and lower self-worth.
“When looking at the apparent performance of peers, many students make the understandable mistake of believing others are doing better than they are,” Goldwire said.
Experts say maintaining balance across academics, social life and personal well-being is key to preventing burnout.
“Without the right balance, burnout can happen quickly and unexpectedly,” Goldwire said.
Burnout among college students has been increasingly recognized as a mental health concern, with studies highlighting its connection to academic pressure and emotional exhaustion, according to the World Health Organization.
Mental health services offer students tools to manage stress and build confidence. While many associate counseling with one-on-one therapy, additional options are available.
“Individual therapy is just one way students can get help,” Goldwire said.
Group support services provide space for students to share experiences and gain multiple perspectives.
Although some may feel hesitant, these settings can help students build connections and improve communication skills.
“Once students realize everyone in the group is there to work toward similar goals, the possibilities really open up,” Goldwire said.
In addition to counseling, experts emphasize the importance of self-care and self-compassion.
Daily habits such as sleep, exercise and social connection support well-being, while self-compassion helps students respond to challenges without harsh self-criticism.
“It’s about recognizing our humanity and encouraging ourselves the way we would encourage a good friend,” Goldwire said.
University officials stress that students do not need to be in crisis to seek help. Services are available for a wide range of concerns.
“There is often a belief that a problem isn’t big enough to seek help,” Goldwire said.
At OU, individual counseling is confidential and capped at 15 sessions, while support groups are free and available without limits according to OU Counseling Center.
“When in doubt, have a consultation and explore the options available,” Goldwire said.
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