Trajectories of college student mental health and wellbeing during the covid-19 pandemic

College students are at increased risk for mental health concerns, as attending college initiates new stressors such as academic load, leaving home, and peer pressure, placing them at an increased risk for mental health concerns. Prior to the pandemic, mental health disorders were rising in adolescent populations, with a 63% increase in major depressive episodes in the last decade. This is especially concerning when considering that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to increased stress levels attributed to transition to online learning, isolation, and uncertainty about the future.