Vibe Check: Mental Health Amongst HBCU Students
Studies are showing that HBCU students have a better mental health than those at predominately white institutions
Composite photo collage of sad american man headache mouth scream hate bullying racism problem abuse isolated on painted background.
Going to school and being away from your support system can take a toll on a student’s mental health. But for our HBCU students, they are challenging the status quo. Recent studies are showing that HBCU students have a better mental health than those at predominately white institutions (PWIs). They are doing more than just surviving, they’re thriving!
According to reports from a study conducted by UNCF, the Healthy Minds Network, and the Steve Fund, 45% of HBCU students report “flourishing” mental health compared to 36% in national samples and 38% among Black students at PWIs. That simply means almost half of the student population feels mentally equipped to take on the struggles of college. To take it a step further, the same study also found that HBCU students are less likely to struggle with anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. They feel more open and comfortable when it comes to talking about their emotions. This poses true, as 74% of Black students are less likely to keep negative feelings to themselves.
Many people may wonder: What is responsible for the numbers being so high? Part of the answer is obvious. Community! Think about all of your peers rallying together to join your campaign team. Your roommates making signs and decorating your room for your probate. Maybe even a chill, game night in the dorm. These are the people that understand your experiences, and value your shared moments. Things like that go a long way, and that sense of belonging makes a huge difference.
But of course, this is still an evolving epidemic, and there are still students with their own set of special challenges. In general, HBCU students often face struggles that other students may not experience. For example, financial burdens are pretty common among HBCU students. Studies show that 51% of students feel that their financial situation is “always” or “often” stressful. In the Black community, therapy and receiving help for your mental health is also frowned upon. The stigma that you will be perceived as weak is still evident. In fact, HBCU students report higher rates of perceived stigma around mental health treatment (52%) compared to national averages (41%).
The first step to change is awareness. Despite the negative findings, HBCUs are still working hard to acknowledge and normalize mental health on campuses. You may see a variety of different initiatives like organizations creating safe spaces for struggling students or a “Mental Health Week” with stress-relieving events and therapy puppies. Regardless, our schools are not turning a blind eye to the issue. 78% of Black students at HBCUs feel that their institutions are prioritizing their mental well being compared to Black students at PWIs that are sitting at 73%. This shows that the schools that were made for us, by us are properly pouring into the students. Call it “The HBCU Effect.” However, the work is never finished.
At the end of the day, there’s no doubt that our Black students are thriving in various ways at HBCUs, not just academically. With the increase of resources and knowledge, the future of great mental health is bright and attainable for our students. Remember, you only get one mind, body, and soul. Treat it as such, and don’t forget that it’s ok to ask for help.
For more information on the study, you can visit it here.
