In the world of education, nurturing students’ mental and physical health stands as an essential cornerstone for success. Statistically, when students are happy and healthy, they perform better in school. That’s why the University of Memphis dedicates significant efforts to ensuring students receive the support necessary to maintain their well-being. From facilities such as the Campus Recreational Center, Student Health Center, Counseling Center, Relaxation Zone, Student Advisory Board and the Tiger Line, the university strives to establish a positive student environment.
According to recent data from the 2023- 2024 schoolyear Healthy Minds survey taken by college students, “The majority of college students, more than 60 percent, meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem—a nearly 50 percent increase since 2013. Specifically, 44 percent of students reported symptoms of depression, 37 percent experienced anxiety, and 15 percent admitted to considering suicide—the highest rate in the 15-year history of the survey.”
This concerning statistic is supported by the participation of over 90,000 students from 133 U.S. campuses in the survey, indicating the widespread prevalence of mental health issues among college students.
College years are a time of significant change and growth, marked by independence, academic pressures, social adjustments and identity exploration. Within these changes, students frequently face stressors that can worsen existing mental health conditions or trigger the onset of new ones.
One of the primary challenges faced by college students is academic pressure. According to the National Library of Medicine, “It is estimated that 10–30%of students experience some degree of academic stress during their academic career. Indeed, academic stress among students enrolled in highly academic standards universities has a major impact.”
“Ah, freshman year–a whirlwind of new experiences and challenges. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the transition to college life from high school. After falling behind in my work the first semester and feeling myself go into depression from stress, I decided to seek help from the campus counseling center,” said senior business major Alex Sheilds. “Chatting with Ms. Johnson felt like a breath of fresh air. They created a welcoming space where I could spill my worries without judgment. With her guidance, I practiced healthy coping strategies and finally got a handle on my stress. Those sessions were my lifeline, teaching me to put my mental health first.”
The escalation of mental health concerns on college campuses is reflected in the increased utilization of campus counseling services. The use of these services spiked by more than 35 percent from 2011 to 2015, highlighting the growing demand for mental health support among students. By providing accessible resources and support services such as counseling centers, support groups and educational workshops, colleges can help students cope with stress and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Neglecting to tackle these challenges not only puts students’ well-being at risk, but also hinders their academic achievements and overall college journey.
Here are campus resources promoting health and wellness at the University of Memphis:
The R. Brad Martin Student Wellness Center and Plaza features expanded cardio and weight training areas, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, fitness studios, the Tiger Food Lab teaching kitchen, Tiger Cafe, an indoor track, an outdoor leisure pool, classroom spaces and more.
Location: 3735 Southern Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
Phone: (901) 678-3285
The Student Health Center (SHS) provides services including personalized health services, education and disease prevention, enhancement of academic achievement and personal growth. SHS empowers students to make informed, healthy choices.
Location: 3770 Desoto Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
Phone: (901) 678-2287
The Counseling Center offers confidential and free therapy services to students currently enrolled in at least six credit hours or one credit hour for the summer. Services include individual, group and couples/ partner/family therapy, psychiatric services for uninsured students engaged in therapy services and testing for learning disabilities, ADHD, personality and other psychodiagnostics assessments. Additionally, the center provides prevention, outreach and engagement programming to the campus community. In case of a crisis during business hours, students can call (901) 678-2068 or visit 214 Wilder Tower.
National Suicide Prevention 24-Hour Hotline: 1.800.273.8255 (TALK) or dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text TN to 741741 in the United States
Memphis Crisis Center: (901) 274-7477
Life-threatening emergencies: 911 and (901) 678-4357 (HELP)
Rape Crisis Center: (901) 222-4350
Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center 24-Hour Hotline: 1.800.656.467 (HOPE)
The Relaxation Zone offers a variety of services called “relaxation stations,” including multiple massage chairs, a biofeedback computer station, stress relief coloring, Zen Garden sand trays, Buddha boards, positivity boards, a stress ball creation station and centering stone making.
Locations: Brister Hall 302 and UC 2nd Floor Involvement Zone.
Hours from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For accessibility concerns, the UC 2nd Floor Involvement Zone is accessible.
Contact email: relaxationzone@memphis.edu
The Tiger Care Line trained professionals are available to offer risk assessment and crisis stabilization for students experiencing mental health issues. For after-hours crisis support for mental health concerns, contact the Tiger Care Line at (901) 678-2068 and dial 2 to speak to a crisis counselor.
The Student Wellness Advisory Board (SWAB) publicizes the University of Memphis Student Health and Counseling Services initiatives and events, works on special projects with the task force and on campus and provides input on how the university can better address student health and wellness needs. Their services include providing valuable feedback, consult- ing on current and future health and wellness initiatives and promoting wellness-related initiatives and campus events.
Students interested in joining SWAB should apply to SWAB Advisor Ms. Victoria Jones (vmaher@memphis.edu).
