You are NOT alone!

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness

1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness

17% of youth (6-17 years) experience a mental heath problem

Mental Heath Care MATTERS!

In a given year, only the following percentages of people receive treatment:

43% of adults with mental illness

64% of adults with serious mental illness

51% of youth (6-17) with a mental health condition

People of color have a harder time accessing mental heath care

Adults with mental heath diagnosis who received treatment in 2019:
25% of Asian adults
31% of Black adults
32% of adults who report mixed/multiracial
33% of Hispanic or LatinX adults
49% of White adults
49% of LGBTQ+ adults

College students are struggling more with their mental health than ever before
  • The percentage of students who reported being diagnosed with a mental health condition increased by 13.6% from 2007–2017 (from 21.9 to 35.5%), and the number who reported suicidal ideation in the past year increased by 5%.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic poses additional unprecedented stressors, isolation, and disruption.
  • Elevated levels of adverse mental health conditions, substance use, and suicidal ideation were reported by adults in the US in June 2020, with highest levels among those ages 18–24.
There is no shame in asking for help! Ways to reach out and get help:
  • Talk to a health care professional
  • Call a helpline
  • Connect with friends and family
  • Join a support group


Mental health resources at WashU
National crisis hotlines and online chats
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 
    800-273-8255
    Online chat
    Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
    Crisis Text Line for Students of Color: Text STEVE to 741741
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline by RAINN:
    800-656-HOPE (4673)
    Online chat
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 
    800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788
    Online chat
  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Suicide Hotline):
    866-488-7386 or text to 678678
    Online chat
  • Trans Lifeline:
    877-565-8860
    https://translifeline.org/
Resources for faculty on how to assist students in distress

If you have questions about a situation with a student, you can call the Habif Mental Health Coordinator during business hours at 314-935-6695 or you can call the Timely Care hotline any time 24/7 at 833-4-TIMELY.

Contact the Biology Inclusion Committee for a handout* on:

  • Recognizing warning signs of student distress
  • Approaches for actively listening to and expressing concern for students
  • Language you can use to communicate with students about their mental health
  • Referring students to academic and mental health resources on campus

*provided by Shaina Rowell, PhD (WUSTL Center for Teaching & Learning; srowell@wustl.edu)