Although college can feel intimidating, it can also be exciting. Over time, it becomes clear that maintaining a strong GPA isn’t as important as protecting mental health when juggling deadlines, exams, and life outside of school. As conversations about mental wellness grow more open at Mercy University, many students are beginning to explore what kinds of support the campus provides.
Studies show from Stephanie O’Brian she wrote on Claudia ” Overwhelming anxiety affects 63% of US college students, making it challenging for them to meet their academic responsibilities, according to Healthline.com. As anxiety intensifies, relationships become strained, courses are missed, grades suffer, and scholarships are jeopardized. What begins as anxiety can quickly spiral into something far more serious, leading to the loss of relationships, financial support, jobs, and, ultimately, the chance to stay in college.
One of the first places students turn to is the Mercy University Counseling Center, located inside the main campus building. The waiting room is calm and welcoming, filled with soft lighting, gentle background music, and a table stocked with pamphlets on mindfulness and stress relief. The space feels more like a sanctuary than a doctor’s office.
To understand the student experience, Chris Sanchez, a senior psychology major, shared his perspective. He has spoken openly about using the counseling services on campus.
“I didn’t realize how stressful college life would be when I first came to Mercy,” Chris said. “I felt like I was collapsing between work, school, and personal issues. Honestly, the counseling center saved my life. Having someone to talk to made all the difference.”
Chris explained that all Mercy students have access to free, confidential therapy and that scheduling an appointment through the student portal is simple. The university also hosts mental health awareness activities, including “Wellness Wednesdays,” where students can participate in art therapy, meditation, and group discussions to help reduce stress.
For students who have struggled with the pressures of college, knowing that Mercy prioritizes mental health can be deeply reassuring. Attending a recent mindfulness class, for example, offered a moment of peace, an opportunity to sit with other students, breathe, and release tension, even just for a short while.
Before leaving, Chris reflected on something the center often emphasizes: “They always remind us here that it’s okay not to be okay. And it’s true. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak it means you’re strong enough to care for yourself.”
Walking out of the Counseling Center, it becomes clear that mental health is not just an individual concern but a shared responsibility. Mercy University seems to recognize this, and through its resources and supportive community, it is helping students move toward balance, hope, and healing.
