As the semester reaches it’s final weeks before finals and summer begins, mental fatigue and stress are starting to reach a climax for many college students. With deadlines, financial stress, and even emotional stress, mental health challenges for students is continuing to be a rising issue.
At Texas State University, Students and professionals alike are starting to notice the toll that the constant pressure and stress of college life can put on students trying to juggle school, work, and their own personal life. For many students the mental strain is becoming increasingly harder to ignore.
“I hear a lot of students say how they struggle with financial issues—how they’re going to afford college and how they have to complete deadlines and schoolwork,” said Zoe Courtade, a psychology major at Texas State. “It adds up quickly and becomes overwhelming.”
Courtade was able to explain from her academic perspective, along with her own personal experience, she sees just how burnouts and anxiety build up for students who are trying to balance out all their life challenges without having enough support.
Mental health professionals also say that many students don’t always have the strength or capacity to reach out for help when they need it the most.
“We get a lot of folks that say, ‘Why didn’t they just call me? If they would have just called me, I would have helped,’” said Nicole Elliott. “And it’s not that they are forgetting about their loved ones—they can’t even think about it at that time. They’re just focusing on that emotional pain.”
Elliott said that the emotional overload students experience clouds their judgment and causes them to resist seeking support from close friends, loved ones, and even their own family. Resources such as counseling centers and wellness centers exist, there is an ever growing stigma around reaching out and asking for help.
Some students say that the problem isn’t just emotional, it’s structural.
“Taking a full load each semester while also trying to balance out my work and personal life makes it feel as if I’m drowning sometimes—not able to really get back up,” said Victor Garcia, a student at Texas State.
Garcia explained that while he tries his best to stay on top of his time and stay productive, it usually gets the best of him. The overload he has going on even when staying on top of school and job gets the best of him, just like many other students at Texas State, he feels the weight of the constant balance of school and work gives very little time to take a break.
The Albert B. Alkek Library is a central hub for studying and research at Texas State University. As finals approach, the building becomes a go-to space for students under academic pressure. Photo credit: Ian McGinnis 
An empty bench sits quietly outside the Undergraduate Academic Center on a rainy morning. Calm, reflective spaces like these offer students a brief escape from the intensity of college life. Photo credit: Ian McGinnis 
The path to Old Main stays busy throughout the week as students move between classes. The shaded campus paths offer a moment of calm amidst a hectic academic schedule. Photo credit: Ian McGinnis 
The view from the Alkek breezeway captures a quiet, overcast day on campus. Students often walk through this area between classes or take a moment to breathe before returning to work. Photo credit: Ian McGinnis 
Jeffrey Chapman, Student at Texas State rests his head in his hand while viewing a long list of upcoming deadlines on his computer. He says balancing full-time classes, work, and life often leaves him feeling overwhelmed. Photo credit: Ian McGinnis 
Bobcat Stadium fills with energy on game day, offering a temporary escape for students from school stress. The sense of community and distraction can be a valuable break from academic demands. Photo credit: Ian McGinnis 
Zoe Courtade, a psychology major at Texas State, shares her perspective on mental health challenges for students. She believes financial pressure and academic deadlines are major contributors to stress. Photo credit: Ian McGinnis
Texas State University has been exceptional in developing mental health awareness with the counseling center and student wellness groups being available for students all around campus. Peer support groups being around, but with a stigma of mental health still being a thing, this prevents students from still using them.
“A lot of people talk about mental health more openly now,” Courtade said. “But that doesn’t always translate into action. People still feel uncomfortable being the one to admit they’re not okay.”
While Texas State continues to offer support, some students have started to become more proactive to follow the necessary steps needed to protect their mental health. Some students take things such as mental health days for themselves during the semester, go to counseling off campus, and even create their own support groups.
Garcia added. “And when you’re overwhelmed, sometimes searching for help is the last thing you have energy for.”
As finals approach and the pressure intensifies, students continue to seek a balance in an environment where hard work gets all the results. students are continuing to face all sorts of academic pressures, and personal challenges that could cloud their judgement. Support and awareness is growing for students across Texas State and colleges as a whole but the road remains long, but real change is starting to take shape.
