Coaching Promotes

Student Mental Health

While student mental health issues and crises had been increasing for a generation prior to the pandemic, COVID-19 exacerbated students’ existing issues, while new ones were created. A 2020 TimelyMD survey reports that 85% of college students said they were experiencing pandemic-related stress and anxiety. This crisis has added significant stress onto a college mental health support system already unequipped to handle the need (a 2016 study by RAND found that only one-fifth of students reporting mental health challenges were receiving services). Many schools are increasing services as much as they can, including some offering teletherapy, but struggling to keep up with the demand. 

How Can Coaching Help?

Most faculty, advisors, and staff don’t have a background for the mental health challenges that students face. However, learning to use question-based, student-led coaching conversations helps students think through their issues and challenges. Coaching also provides an opportunity to connect students with services and resources on campus and off, and can help them master the ability to self-manage through setbacks. With coaching, students can determine their best way forward, emerging from this time with an indomitable spirit which can help them surmount any obstacle.