Nursing school is hard. For those going through nursing programs now, sometimes thoughts and emotions can become overwhelming.

According to a study published in Healthcare, stress, depression and anxiety are common among nursing students worldwide. A recent meta-analysis of 27 cross-sectional studies found that about one in three nursing students (34%) experienced depression, compared with just 4.7% of the general population. This suggests that nursing students face significantly greater mental health challenges than the broader public (Seyedfatemi et al., 2023).

If that’s you, you’re not alone. In fact, most students attending nursing school have similar experiences, but there’s always help around the corner.

“Mental health is a very important part of our overall wellbeing, and we recognize that nurses need to be at their best to deliver quality patient care. That is why Galen College of Nursing offers free mental health services to all students,” said Lori Brodie, assistant vice president of nursing education excellence for Galen College of Nursing.

No matter where you are in your nursing education or mental health journey, Galen is here to help. Offering a wide variety of services, Galen provides free counseling resources, events to help give your brain a break, and staff who are always available to lend a listening ear.

“At Galen, we prioritize student wellbeing. We recognize that nursing school can be stressful, especially when trying to balance work, school, and life. Galen offers free mental health counseling services via telehealth. Students can look at their Student Resource Center in Canvas or ask their campus leadership for more information,” Brodie said.

For many Galen students, nursing school is just one of several responsibilities they are managing at once. Adult learners are often balancing coursework alongside careers, family obligations, and other personal commitments. Learning how to juggle those responsibilities takes time and patience.

“Life doesn’t stop when students start nursing school,” Brodie said. “Counseling can help students navigate the challenges that arise while they pursue their education and work toward their goals.”

While nursing students are known for caring for others, they can sometimes struggle to prioritize their own wellbeing. The familiar advice given on airplanes, to put on your own oxygen mask before helping someone else, often resonates with students as they learn the importance of caring for themselves first.

“Nursing students are natural caregivers, but it’s difficult to take care of others when you’re not taking care of yourself,” said Allison Staley, the Texas and Virginia campus counselor. “It’s easy to tell someone to practice self-care or show themselves compassion, but putting those ideas into practice can be much more challenging.”

Some students also face the added challenge of feeling misunderstood. Friends and family members may not fully understand the rigor, time commitment, and emotional demands that come with nursing school.

“That can leave them feeling isolated, frustrated, or pressured. Counseling provides a safe space where students can process those emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and learn how to prioritize themselves in a way that feels authentic,” said Stanley.

In addition to counseling services, Galen’s Campus Engagement Specialists create events designed to help students decompress, connect with their peers, and recharge during particularly stressful times. Whether it’s a build-your-own coffee bar during finals week, therapy dog visits, wellness activities, or simply creating opportunities for students to come together, these events provide moments of connection amid busy schedules.

“I’ve seen students leave CES events smiling, laughing, and feeling more connected than when they arrived,” said Mackenzie Sullivan, senior manager of campus engagement at Galen. “These activities may seem simple, but they provide valuable opportunities to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and support overall mental wellness.”

Through counseling resources, campus events, and a culture of care, Galen supports students with the tools they need not only to succeed academically, but also to thrive personally.

Nursing school can be demanding, but no student should feel like they have to face those challenges alone. Whether it’s through counseling services, campus events, faculty support, or simply reaching out to a trusted friend or classmate, help is available. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as preparing for a career in patient care.

For students experiencing emotional distress, support is available 24 hours a day through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained counselors are available to provide free, confidential support and connect individuals with additional resources when needed. Remember: asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s an important step toward caring for yourself, your wellbeing, and your future.