Breaking Down Barriers: Mental Health Challenges Faced by International Students

The Silent Struggles

In the 2022-23 academic year, nearly 299,000 new international students enrolled in U.S. institutions, contributing to over 1 million international students in 2023. Chinese students make up the largest group, accounting for 27.4% of all incoming students. Despite the importance of mental health services, East Asian students, particularly those from China, face significant mental health challenges.

These students often struggle with adjusting to a new academic environment, culture shock, language barriers, prejudice, and the absence of familial support, making them more prone to loneliness, depression, and anxiety. High expectations and the pressure of financial sacrifices made by their families lead many to prioritize academic success over social and health activities.

Traditional Confucian values, which prioritize duty over individual needs, further complicate matters. Mental health issues are often stigmatized, equated with severe disorders, making students reluctant to seek help. As a result, many avoid discussing their mental health to prevent disappointment or shame, leading to a reluctance to access available services. According to the American College Health Association, only 12% of international students who reported significant anxiety or depression sought counseling, with many choosing to internalize their stress instead.

Addressing the Myths

Mental health services in higher education play a crucial role in promoting students’ well-being and academic success. Effective delivery of these services is essential to ensure that international students receive the necessary support to thrive in a new academic and cultural environment.

However, cultural differences have led to persistent myths among international students about mental health services.

“In my country, all records, even those from kindergarten, follow me throughout my life to any new school or job. I don’t know how counseling records will impact me here or later.” International student

“I thought I was strong enough to handle this by myself. I didn’t want to admit that I’m weak.” International student

“I thought about coming to counseling for a long time, but I couldn’t even express my simple thoughts in class. How can I describe these complicated feelings in English? It’s a relief to know that I can speak Mandarin here.” International student

“I went to counseling as you suggested, but it didn’t help. The counselor just asked me a lot of questions. Nothing was resolved.” International student

Public Service: Lack of Cultural Sensitivity

Numerous studies show that international students underutilize campus counseling services and seek professional help at lower rates than domestic students. One reason is that many services in higher education institutions are not designed or delivered in ways that address the unique needs and experiences of international students, creating barriers and resulting in inadequate support.

Research indicates that 23% of international students believe only someone from their home country would understand their problems, and 17% cite language barriers as an issue in counseling.

A survey of international students regarding campus counseling services highlighted the top three problems:

Long wait times for counseling appointments.
Staff who only spoke English and lacked awareness of cultural differences.
Concerns that revealing a mental health challenge could jeopardize their enrollment status.

The complexities of the U.S. healthcare system and cumbersome processes further impede international students from seeking professional help. Instead, they are more likely to consult individuals they regularly interact with, such as advisers, professors, and friends.

Students’ top two recommendations for improving campus services are shorter waiting lists and an increase in online counseling appointments.

Given these significant barriers, how can international students build a support network to improve their mental health for sustainable growth?

Psychoeducation

In many Asian cultures, mental health is not often discussed publicly, and psychoeducational programs are rare in schools. As a result, there is generally a low level of awareness and knowledge about emotions, feelings, reactions, and how to adjust when facing challenges and difficulties. Fortunately, numerous online resources are available, offering an opportunity to educate oneself.

Take advantage of these free resources to learn about mental health conditions, symptoms, and treatment options. Develop basic skills to manage emotions and feelings associated with stress and anxiety. Building self-awareness and self-coping skills will enhance your emotional intelligence and contribute to long-term success.

Peer Mentoring

International students often struggle to develop new support networks, leaving them with poor social support systems. Many prefer to seek help from informal sources, such as friends and peers.

Make the most of campus life by connecting with fellow students, both on and off campus, who have similar experiences. If privacy is a concern, consider using social media to find peers and mentors outside your immediate network. Building relationships with peers can create a sense of belonging and provide mutual support, which effectively reduces feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.

Social Networks

Research has shown that social activities can significantly reduce mental health issues. Participate in campus activities, clubs, and organizations to meet new people and expand your social circle. Engaging with individuals who share similar interests and experiences can be particularly beneficial. Social media is another valuable tool for discovering local events, groups, or communities that align with your interests. Connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds can enrich your campus life and provide meaningful connections.

Online Therapy

If campus counseling services are not meeting your needs or if wait times are too long, consider online therapy options that offer convenient and accessible mental health support. Many online platforms provide a variety of therapeutic approaches to cater to different needs. Before starting therapy, conduct thorough research to understand your challenges and find the best-fit therapist to address your issues.