We are a group of college students who, like many of our peers, are currently navigating the exciting but often overwhelming journey of higher education. While we are here to build our futures, we cannot ignore a silent crisis unfolding on our campuses: the devastating intersection of mental health struggles and the crushing weight of student loan debt.

As we look around our classrooms, we see students balancing full-time studies with multiple jobs, all while worrying about a debt mountain that grows every semester. This isn't just a financial burden; it is a psychological one. According to the 2025 LifeStance study on 'Stressflation', 83% of Americans report financial stress, and those experiencing high financial stress are more than twice as likely to forgo mental health treatment. Furthermore, the 2024-2025 Healthy Minds Study revealed that 37% of college students are currently experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms. High levels of student debt are directly linked to increased stress, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness about the future.

A Story Close to Our Hearts:

This mission is deeply personal to our group. One of our members lost their sister, Jessica, this past year. Jessica was a successful veterinarian, a profession she entered out of a lifelong love for animals. To everyone who knew her, she seemed to be thriving. She was compassionate, brilliant, and dedicated. Jessica didn’t give the "typical" clues of depression or suicidality. She continued to show up for her patients and her family with strength. However, she had often spoken about the immense pressure of her student loans. Like many in the veterinary field, the cost of the education required to save lives often results in a debt-to-income ratio that feels impossible to escape.

Jessica’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that mental health struggles don't always "look" like we expect them to. Sometimes, the heaviest burdens are carried by those who seem the most capable, hidden behind the stress of financial survival.

Why We Are Raising Money for Mental Health America (MHA)

We believe that no student should feel that their future is "pre-sold" to debt or that their worth is defined by a balance sheet. We are raising funds for Mental Health America because they are dedicated to meeting people where they are, before they reach a breaking point.

Your donations will help MHA provide:

Early Intervention: Mental health screenings and resources specifically designed for students and young professionals.

Policy Advocacy: Working to address the systemic issues, like student debt, that contribute to the mental health crisis.

Stigma Reduction: Creating a culture where it is okay to speak up about both financial stress and emotional pain.

How You Can Help

We are asking you to help students and to honor Jessica’s memory by supporting the millions of students currently struggling in silence. By donating to this campaign, you are helping Mental Health America provide the tools and advocacy needed to ensure that the next generation of doctors, veterinarians, teachers, and creators can pursue their passions without losing their hope.

No donation is too small. Whether it’s $5 or $50, your contribution tells a student out there that they are not alone and that their life is worth more than their debt.

Thank you for supporting our group, remembering Jessica, and investing in mental health for all.

To learn more, please visit Mental Health America at: https://mhanational.org/

Sources:


in LifeStance Health. (2025). Impact of Economic Stress on Americans' Mental Health: Research (2025).
University of Michigan School of Public Health. (2025). Healthy Minds Study: College student depression, anxiety decline for third consecutive year.