A striking new study has revealed that nearly a third of college students in the United States are planning to drop out of university, citing emotional stress and mental health challenges as key factors. This finding, reported in El Adelantado, underscores the growing mental health crisis facing young people in higher education—a trend with far-reaching implications, including for students and educators in Thailand.
This surge in student stress has come to the forefront as college life post-pandemic presents fresh hurdles, from academic pressures and financial worries to pervasive feelings of isolation. For Thai readers, these findings mirror familiar concerns in local universities, where recent surveys suggest that emotional wellbeing is an increasing challenge for both faculty and students. As societies in both the U.S. and Thailand compete in a globally demanding education landscape, the mental health toll is increasingly hard to ignore.
According to the report, 33% of U.S. college students now indicate plans to leave their studies before graduation, pinpointing emotional stress and mental health issues as leading causes. These mental health-related dropouts far outnumber those leaving for purely academic or financial reasons. Experts note that the collegiate environment—already highly competitive and demanding—has been exacerbated by the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of digital learning, and social disconnection from campus closures. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders confirms a marked rise in anxiety and depression among university students worldwide, with more than half reporting worsened mental health since 2020.
A U.S. university mental health professional told El Adelantado, “We are seeing unprecedented numbers of students seeking counseling services for anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Many feel overwhelmed by the academic demands but also by the lack of in-person social support.” This crisis is further compounded by lingering stigma around mental health, making it harder for students to seek help when needed—a challenge noted by education officials both in the U.S. and Thailand.
While the U.S. numbers paint a bleak picture, Thai universities are not insulated from similar risks. A recent survey conducted by the Thai Psychiatric Association (as cited by the Bangkok Post) found that nearly one in four Thai university students exhibited moderate to severe symptoms of depression, and many reported academic stress and future job security as significant stressors. A senior official from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation cautioned, “Mental health support must be prioritized in our universities. If we ignore these signals, we risk losing the next generation of leaders and innovators.”
The Thai cultural context also poses unique challenges, with students often experiencing pressure to meet family expectations and maintain academic honor, leading some to suffer in silence. In rural areas, limited access to mental health services and the burden of financial hardship have driven increased dropout rates as well, echoing the American experience. Reports from the World Health Organization highlight that mental health services in Thailand are still developing, particularly in addressing youth and student populations.
Looking ahead, the global trends point to an urgent need for reforms. In the United States, universities are boosting investments in on-campus counseling, deploying mental wellness apps, and training faculty to recognize distress signals. Thai institutions are beginning to follow suit; prominent universities in Bangkok and Chiang Mai have expanded peer support programs, and online platforms like “Ooca” are making professional counseling more accessible to students nationwide.
The historical roots of educational stress in Thailand—long hours, rote learning, and family pressure—have collided with modern anxieties such as a competitive job market and social isolation amplifying present concerns. Experts point out that without coordinated intervention, dropout rates due to mental health struggles could rise even higher, both in the U.S. and Thailand.
As this issue gains international attention, families and educators in Thailand are encouraged to foster open conversations about mental health, reduce stigma through awareness campaigns, and actively promote balance between study, rest, and social connection. The lesson is increasingly clear: investing in mental wellbeing is as critical as academic achievement for student success, resilience, and the nation’s future prosperity.
For Thai students, the practical advice is to seek help early—whether through campus counseling centers, trusted teachers, or community support groups. University administrators should enhance mental health services, and policymakers must ensure that resources for emotional support are prioritized in educational reform. Only then can the promise of higher education be fulfilled for all students, both in Thailand and around the world.
Sources: El Adelantado, Journal of Affective Disorders, Bangkok Post, WHO Thailand