As winter break approaches, college students are returning home for much-needed rest. Many will retreat to their rooms to recharge, while others may rush to reconnect with friends, even bypassing the open arms of their parents. College life is demanding, and most students develop coping skills to manage the semester’s accumulated stress. For some, however, academic, social, and independent-living pressures can feel overwhelming, triggering new mental health or substance-use concerns or exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. When distress goes unnoticed or unsupported, young people may withdraw, increasing the risk for worsening symptoms and self-harm.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15–24 (CDC, 2022). Research shows that college students, who often have more access to support systems, are less likely to die by suicide than non-college-attending peers (The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2021). Data from Penn State’s Center for Collegiate Mental Health show that the percentage of students receiving support in college counseling centers with a history of suicidal or self-injurious behavior rose from 26% in 2010–2011 to 30% in 2023–2024. The University of Michigan’s 2023–2024 Healthy Minds Report highlights the prevalence of student mental health challenges and the informal supports they seek: friends (39%) and family (39%) top the list. So loved ones play a powerful role—which underscores the importance of recognizing distress and knowing how to respond.

Many college counseling centers have expanded services as needs have grown, and efforts to strengthen mental health literacy are increasing. One example is Mental........

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