🎓 "Behind the GPA: A Story of Mental Health in College"

College is often painted as a time of freedom, discovery, and growth. But beneath the surface of campus life—amid the lecture halls, group projects, and late-night study sessions—many students quietly battle an invisible challenge: their mental health.

🌧️ The Pressure Cooker Begins

When Maya stepped onto her college campus for the first time, she felt like she was stepping into a dream. She had worked tirelessly through high school, earned a scholarship, and was finally here—ready to chase her ambitions in biomedical engineering.

But by mid-semester, the dream began to crack.

  • Endless assignments piled up.

  • Social expectations weighed heavily.

  • Sleep became a luxury, not a routine.

  • And the fear of failure loomed like a shadow.

Maya started to feel numb. She smiled in group chats, laughed during club meetings, and submitted her assignments on time. But inside, she was unraveling.

🧠 Mental Health: The Unspoken Curriculum

Maya’s story isn’t unique. According to global studies, up to 1 in 3 college students experience significant symptoms of anxiety or depression. Yet, many suffer in silence.

Why?

  • Fear of being judged.

  • Belief that stress is “just part of college.”

  • Lack of awareness about campus resources.

  • Cultural or familial stigma around mental health.

Maya didn’t know how to ask for help. She thought she had to “tough it out.” But mental health isn’t a weakness—it’s part of being human.

🌱 The Turning Point

One evening, after a panic attack left her curled up in the library bathroom, Maya finally reached out. She emailed the campus counseling center. It felt terrifying—but also like a breath of air after drowning.

Therapy didn’t fix everything overnight. But it gave her tools. It gave her space. It gave her permission to feel.

She learned to:

  • Set boundaries with her time.

  • Say “no” without guilt.

  • Prioritize sleep and movement.

  • Challenge the voice that said she wasn’t enough.

Most importantly, she learned that asking for help is a form of strength.

💬 Let’s Talk About It

Mental health in college needs to be part of the conversation—not just during finals week, but every day. Whether you're a student, educator, or friend, here’s how you can help:

ActionImpact
Check in on friendsA simple “How are you really?” can open doors
Normalize therapyShare your own experiences if you're comfortable
Advocate for resourcesPush for better mental health services on campus
Practice self-careNot just bubble baths—real boundaries and rest

💖 You’re Not Alone

Maya graduated with honors. But her proudest achievement wasn’t her GPA—it was learning to care for herself.

If you're struggling, know this: you are not broken. You are not weak. You are not alone.

College is hard. Life is hard. But healing is possible—and help is closer than you think.


                                             

A student isolating herself from her friends

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