Scientists from University College London report that pursuing higher education appears linked with a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. The study results were published in Lancet Public Health. As more young people complete college degrees in recent years, there has also been a rise in reported cases of depression and anxiety disorders. Researchers propose that higher education may be associated with increased mental health risks, though they emphasize the need for further investigation to understand the relationship fully.
The researchers drew on data from two prior studies focusing on British youth, encompassing nearly 11,000 individuals. A little more than half of the participants had completed higher education. As part of the research process, participants completed surveys about their mental health at multiple points in time.
Findings indicated that students showed more symptoms of depression and anxiety compared with their non-student peers. Yet, by the age of 25, the gap in symptoms between the two groups converged and appeared to close. This pattern suggests that mental health disparities linked to education may shift over time rather than remain constant.
The authors noted that their expectation was that higher education students would exhibit better mental health outcomes than their peers, given that they often come from relatively privileged backgrounds. They called for additional work to clarify the mental health risks that college students may face and to understand how these risks evolve across adulthood.
Earlier research has shown that anxiety and depression can signal broader health concerns rather than being solely isolated conditions. This study adds to the ongoing discussion about how educational pathways intersect with mental well-being, highlighting the importance of monitoring mental health across different life stages and educational trajectories.
In the context of Canada and the United States, these findings prompt educators, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to consider how university environments, student support services, and early intervention strategies can address mental health needs. The discourse around student well-being is evolving, with a growing emphasis on accessible mental health care, stigma reduction, and proactive screening in educational settings. As researchers continue to examine the complex links between education and mental health, the goal remains clear: to support individuals in managing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms while pursuing educational and career opportunities.
Ultimately, the conversation underscores a nuanced picture. Higher education may coincide with elevated reports of mental health symptoms during student years, but trajectories across early adulthood can vary, underscoring the persistence of mental health as a dynamic component of overall well-being.