A Look at UNT Students’ Mental Health

- By Asia Alcorn

DENTON — Over the past couple years, mental health has become an important topic. The COVID-19 pandemic and instances of gun violence have brought attention to the issue.

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center states that, of the 2.6 million students who started college in the fall of 2019, around 26.1% (678,000 students) didn’t return for their sophomore year.

After speaking with students on campus, the most significant reasons for dropping out, or considering dropping out, were high levels of emotional stress and overall poor mental health.

Chima Nwabueze shared his experience of transitioning from a high school graduate to a UNT freshman during the height of the pandemic.

“I graduated in 2020, so it was kind of hard the first few months,” Nwabueze said. “I thought I wasn't living the normal person’s life.”

Fortunately, many students found outlets like listening to music, practicing religious beliefs or going out with friends.

However, coping mechanisms like these do not work for everyone.

According to the 2021 Mental Health in America report, 16.2% of adults in Texas are dealing with mental illness. Additionally, as a state, Texas is ranked number 50 out of 51 in terms of access to mental health care.

United Way of Denton County, a local, charitable nonprofit organization, is working to assess and find solutions to the needs of county residents.

If you are struggling mentally, know you are not alone. Counseling and psychiatric services are available on campus to all UNT students. For more information, visit the Student Health and Wellness Center or contact them at (940) 565-2333 or askSHWC@unt.edu.