.png)
COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS
YOUR STORY ISN'T OVER
Navigating adulthood isn’t easy—and for college students and young adults, the mental load can be overwhelming. From academic pressure and financial stress to identity exploration and isolation, young people today are facing unprecedented challenges. Recent data reveals that over 45% of college students report symptoms of depression, 40% experience extreme anxiety, and 15% have seriously considered suicide within the past year. These aren’t just numbers—they're signals that mental health support is more critical than ever. Whether you’re adjusting to life on your own, making big career choices, or simply trying to keep up, this chapter can feel heavy. That’s why we’re here—to help you find balance, access tools, and remind you that you’re never alone on the journey.
You are more than your GPA.
Your mental health matters, every single day.
After High School Graduation
Graduating from high school marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another — and that transition can feel overwhelming. Whether you're heading to college, entering the workforce, or taking a gap year, it’s completely normal to experience uncertainty, anxiety, or fear about what comes next.
For many young adults, graduation launches them into a world full of possibilities — but also unknowns. Questions about independence, readiness, and the future become real and urgent. You might feel unsure about leaving home, adapting to new environments, or taking on adult responsibilities for the first time.
The daily structure you’ve followed for much of your life suddenly changes. If you're starting college, you may find yourself surrounded by unfamiliar faces, new expectations, and the pressure to figure out who you are and where you're going. These feelings — including anxiety, loneliness, or even depression — are incredibly common during this period of change.
You’re not alone. Many recent graduates go through the same emotional challenges. Recognizing that this transition is difficult — and that support is available — is an important first step toward protecting your mental health and finding your way forward.
Self-Esteem and Confidence
Self-esteem and self-confidence are vital during the transition from adolescence into young adulthood. These years are filled with change, challenge, and self-discovery — all of which can shape how you see yourself and the world around you.
Self-esteem is your internal sense of worth — how you view yourself deep down. It influences your self-confidence, or the way you carry yourself and express belief in your abilities to others. When your self-esteem is strong, you’re more likely to take healthy risks, pursue opportunities, and navigate setbacks with resilience.
Confidence and self-worth play a key role in your personal and academic success, your relationships, and your ability to thrive in adulthood. That’s why The One Life Project created this space — to support you in building the inner strength to believe in your value, recognize your potential, and move forward with courage.
College Students and Mental Health
Over 50% of college students say their mental health significantly worsened after starting college.
College brings growth and opportunity — but also real pressure. Over 60% of students report feeling anxiety, self-doubt, or depression during the school year, and demand for mental health support is rising fast.
Mood disorders, anxiety, and eating disorders are especially common, but many students believe struggling is just part of college. It’s not. You deserve support and shouldn’t have to navigate these challenges alone.
Mental health issues can be tied to many things — past trauma, relationship abuse, academic stress, loneliness, discrimination, substance use, or social media pressure. For many, symptoms first appear during late teens or early twenties.
The One Life Project is here to help. We work with students and schools to make sure support, tools, and resources are within reach. Your mental health matters just as much as your academic success.
Young Adults and Mental Health
In the past three years, more than 45% of young adults have reported struggling with mental health challenges and low self-esteem. These numbers have only grown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left lasting emotional and psychological impacts on this generation.
Untreated mental health conditions can put young people at serious risk. Suicide has become one of the leading causes of death among young adults in the United States. Over the past decade, the number of young adults reporting thoughts of suicide has increased by more than 40%, with rates continuing to rise since the pandemic.
This crisis demands awareness, action, and compassion. At the One Life Project, we believe that education, advocacy, community support, and accessible treatment are essential in helping prevent suicide and supporting young people as they navigate life’s challenges. Every life matters — and help is always within reach.
College Students and Suicide
25% of college students know of someone who has committed suicide while in school.
College can be overwhelming — from trying to fit in to managing a demanding schedule far from home. Many students arrive with a history of mental health struggles or low self-esteem, and the added stress can increase their risk. Over 90% of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental illness or substance use disorder, often untreated. While women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are significantly more likely to die by it.
Common warning signs include:
-
Talking about self-harm or death
-
Seeking access to weapons, drugs, or means of suicide
-
Losing interest in once-enjoyed activities
-
Major changes in eating habits, appearance, or self-care
-
Sudden drop in grades or social withdrawal
Many students who consider suicide don’t want to die — they just feel stuck and can’t see another way out. Often, warning signs go unnoticed or unaddressed.
At the One Life Project, we’re committed to helping students and schools recognize these signs and respond with care and action.
You are not alone. Depression, anxiety, and stress are tough — but there is help, and healing is possible. You deserve to feel peace, confidence, and hope. Never give up. 💜
Navigating Bullying and Hazing in College and Young Adulthood
Many college students facing bullying never tell anyone as they feel ashamed or embarrassed.
Many assume bullying ends after high school, but it often continues into college. Students who bullied before may carry those behaviors forward, and college environments can make it harder to escape — especially when bullies share your classes, dorm, or social circles. Unlike earlier school years, college students often face bullying without close support from family or friends.
Many don’t report bullying due to embarrassment or feeling they should handle it alone. But bullying is never the victim’s fault, and it can have serious effects, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance use, eating disorders, and even suicide.
Social Media Safety
Social media continues to grow rapidly, with new platforms, dating sites, and anonymous chat apps emerging every month. In 2023, young people have access to hundreds of these platforms, making online safety more important than ever.
While social media safety is often viewed as a concern for children and teens, it remains equally vital for young adults navigating the digital world.
College Students and Eating Disorders
20% of women and 10% of men suffer from an eating disorder within their time at college.
College is exciting but can also be stressful. Balancing academics, social life, and activities often leads to pressure, which can contribute to low self-esteem and body image issues. For some, this can trigger eating disorders, especially as many develop between ages 17 and 22.
Common eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia affect over 20% of female and 10% of male college students. The pressure to fit in and the influence of social media can make these struggles worse.
Many students find it hard to ask for help, especially when away from family and friends. Warning signs include rapid weight changes, excessive focus on food or weight, and avoiding activities due to anxiety about appearance.
While serious, eating disorders are treatable. With support and proper care, students can recover and build healthier relationships with food and their bodies.
College Students and Sexual Assault
Around 20% of college students will be sexually assaulted during their time in college.
One in five women and one in sixteen men experience sexual assault during college, yet only 12% report it to the police. Sexual assault is more common during a student’s first year and is often linked to partying, peer pressure, and substance use.
No matter the situation, sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. It’s important to report the assault to police, a trusted person, or school officials to ensure your safety. While some schools have failed survivors, The One Life Project works with colleges to improve support and prevent silence around sexual assault.
Everyone deserves a safe campus and compassionate care.
Building Healthy Relationships
Relationships shape much of our emotional well-being and personal growth. Whether with friends, family, romantic partners, or colleagues, healthy connections provide support, trust, and understanding—key ingredients for a fulfilling life.
For young adults navigating the transition to independence, learning how to communicate openly, set boundaries, and recognize respect versus unhealthy behavior is essential. Healthy relationships encourage growth, empathy, and resilience, while toxic or harmful relationships can negatively impact mental health and self-esteem.
At The One Life Project, we are committed to helping young adults build and maintain relationships that nurture their well-being, foster mutual respect, and create lasting positive impact. Because strong relationships are the foundation of a strong life.
