The Kids Aren't Alright

The essential guide for students and families navigating the college mental health crisis.

“An illuminating and urgently needed look at the changes that could make a meaningful difference, this book should be required reading for anyone who cares about the next generation and our society at large.” —Lori Gottlieb, New York Times–bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and I’m So Glad You Asked

There is a mental health crisis on American campuses, with conditions like depression and anxiety being diagnosed at alarming rates. But, inundated by marketing that highlights the positives of the college experience, students are too often unprepared for the challenges of campus life and find themselves struggling.

In The Kids Aren’t Alright, public health expert Michelle Bowdler offers a practical blueprint for navigating the emotional landscape of higher education. As Bowdler reveals, the crisis begins long before move-in day, as the intense pressures of the application process leave students anxious and burned out before they matriculate. Once students arrive on campus, these issues can be exacerbated by drug and alcohol abuse, sexual assault, lack of institutional resources, and the many stressors of campus life.

With compassion and clarity, Bowdler equips students and their families with tools to navigate everything from choosing a college to handling mental health challenges on campus. Drawing on years of experience overseeing student health departments, Bowdler offers invaluable advice for addressing students’ social and emotional difficulties.

This is the essential book for students and families as they embark on their college journey.