Healthy Minds Study
Student wellness and mental health are high priorities for NC State, with the university offering numerous programs and services to support a holistic approach to wellness and health across campus.
Many available services have been informed by the results and feedback of various campus surveys focusing on the needs of students. These surveys enable NC State to better understand the experiences of our students, and how they compare to those of college students across the country. NC State participated in the Healthy Minds Study survey both in the fall of 2019 and again in 2023, to gain a comprehensive insight into the prevalence of mental health concerns in students, as well as their knowledge and attitudes surrounding this vital topic. Information about the most recent survey and results are provided below.
Survey Background
NC State, in collaboration with the JED Campus Initiative, and at the recommendation of the Student Mental Health Task Force, conducted the nationally normed Healthy Minds Study survey. This survey is administered at colleges and universities across the country, and allows NC State to compare its results to national averages with the aim of better understanding how the mental health of our students aligns with trends at other institutions.
In the fall semester of 2023, a random sample of 12,250 students were invited to participate in the Healthy Minds Study survey, with 1,347 students responding (11% response rate). The results of the Healthy Minds Study survey at NC State were compared to available national data.
Themes and Key Takeaways
Wellness
NC State respondents answered survey questions related to their overall wellness, including the topics of drug and alcohol use, physical activity, and social relationships.
- 81% of respondents reported having supportive and rewarding social relationships, compared to 77% nationally
- 61% of respondents reported that they exercised an average of two or more hours per week, compared to 48% nationally
- 82% of respondents reported to have not used recreational drugs in the past 30 days, compared to 80% nationally
Mental Health Indicators
Respondents also answered questions related to risk factors and barriers to achieving positive mental health.
- 91% of respondents felt that students at NC State are actively promoting mental health awareness on campus, compared to a national response of 85%
- 86% of respondents affirmed their awareness of on-campus resources for mental and emotional health-related support, compared to 76% nationally
- 10% of respondents reported to have struggled with suicidal thoughts and ideation, compared to 13% nationally
Opportunities
Respondents identified several opportunities for growth within the NC State community. Some of these topics are listed below:
- 67% of respondents expressed feeling stressed about their financial situation, compared to 81% nationally
- 45% of respondents had consumed alcohol in the past two weeks, compared to 41% nationally
- 8% of respondents reported their participation in mental health gatekeeping training, compared to 10% nationally
- 44% of respondents felt that they are able to bounce back quickly after hard times, compared to 49% nationally
- 80% of respondents reported that they often kept feelings of sadness or depression to themselves, compared to the national result of 81%
