A recent poll by The Herald found that seniors, non-straight students, and those studying arts and humanities are the groups most likely to take medication for mental health conditions. About one in five undergraduate respondents said they are currently or have previously taken medication for a mental illness or disorder.
To understand these trends, The Herald spoke with mental health experts and students from various fields at Brown University.
STEM Students Least Likely to Take Medication
Students concentrating in physical sciences and engineering reported the lowest rates of mental health medication use. Sola Idiaghe ’28, an engineering major, said mental health is rarely openly discussed in STEM fields. “There’s a strong culture of pushing through stress and heavy workloads,” she explained, which can discourage students from admitting when they struggle.
Lena Mitchell ’28 added that stress is often seen as normal and expected in STEM, which can make students who feel less pressure worry they are falling behind.
Miguel Bessa, an associate professor of engineering, acknowledged the heavy workload and continuous practice required in STEM courses, which can increase stress. He also noted that large class sizes make it difficult to offer exceptions like deadline extensions. “If you open one exception, the next day there’s 20 students asking for the same,” Bessa said.
Bessa believes improving communication between students and professors is key to reducing stress. He encourages students to reach out and share their concerns, noting that faculty often refer students to mental health resources like Counseling and Psychological Services.
Arts and Humanities Students Report Higher Medication Use
Students in arts and humanities were more likely to report taking medication for mental health issues. Comparative literature concentrator Lusia Austen ’27 said there is some stigma around seeking help and medication, mostly from older generations rather than peers. “I’ve faced more judgment from teachers, parents, and their friends,” she said.
However, Austen praised Brown professors for being supportive and willing to offer extensions and accommodations regardless of personal circumstances.
Non-Straight Students Twice as Likely to Use Medication
The poll also showed that students who identify as non-straight are twice as likely to have taken or be taking mental health medication compared to straight students. Jeffrey Hunt, a psychiatry professor, explained that LGBTQ+ individuals face higher rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. Family support and a challenging political climate add to their stress.
Seniors More Likely to Use Mental Health Medication
Students in their later college years were more likely to be on psychological medication. Hunt said this is not surprising, as stress disorders can increase over time, and seniors may feel less stigma about seeking help.
Moving Toward a Culture of Openness
Hunt emphasized the need for a cultural shift to reduce stigma around mental health treatment. He called for “a culture of openness” and transparency from trusted role models to encourage students to seek care without shame.
This poll highlights important mental health trends among college students and points to the need for continued support and open conversations across all academic fields and communities.
