College is supposed to be known as the best years of our lives. A time for growth, self-exploration and independence. But for far too many students this is not the case. Instead they are swarmed with stress and isolation leading them to feel like they are drowning instead of thriving in what is supposed to be the best years of their lives. Behind the smiling social media posts at school events or with friends on a Friday night many students are silently struggling with mental health battles.

The truth is, all college campuses are facing a mental health crisis and denying it only creates further strain on students. Students are collapsing under the financial stress, endless deadlines and the need to be involved so they can add it to a resume. It is no wonder that suicide according to the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health states that is the second leading cause of death among college students.

Although counseling centers on campuses exist they are often understaffed and can only provide temporary care. Due to the understaffed offices and rising numbers of students many students wait weeks to receive help and by then it could be too late. The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health states that only 37% of the 70% of students who have struggled with mental health have sought out care on their campus.

Colleges cannot keep sweeping students’ mental health under the rug. Increasing the accessibility of services and screenings for early mental health symptoms can help keep many students from struggling in silence. Training faculty and staff to recognize symptoms in their students and realize that a student missing class might not just be because they did not want to go that day. It could mean they are struggling with a battle you can not see. The change starts with us.