The Quiet Crisis: Student Mental Health, Social Anxiety, and the Future of College Success Host: Dr. Frank A. GomezGuest: Dr. Amanda Morrison, Professor of Psychology at California State University, East BayRuntime: Approximately 38 minutes About This Episode Student mental health challenges are not always loud or visible. They may appear through withdrawal, missed classes, limited participation, loneliness, avoidance, or a student’s hesitation to ask for help. In this episode of the All Things STEM Podcast, Dr. Frank A. Gomez speaks with clinical psychologist and psychology professor Dr. Amanda Morrison about depression, anxiety, social anxiety, self-diagnosis, and the pressures affecting today’s college students. Dr. Morrison explains how faculty can recognize students who may be silently struggling while creating classroom environments that encourage connection, healthy risk-taking, and personal growth. The conversation also explores the complicated influence of social media, the importance of distinguishing normal discomfort from a clinical disorder, and how kindness, belonging, and human connection can support student success. In This Episode Listeners will learn about: Why many mental health struggles are internal and difficult to recognize How depression and social anxiety can both cause withdrawal for different reasons The subtle signs that may indicate a student is struggling The benefits and risks of mental health awareness and online self-diagnosis Why not every distressing experience should be treated as a disorder How avoidance can provide temporary relief while maintaining anxiety over time Ways faculty can structure courses to build confidence and reduce discouragement How low-pressure classroom interactions can strengthen belonging The role small talk plays in developing trust and relationships How kindness and technology may help create healthier learning environments Episode Chapters 00:00 — Introduction An overview of student mental health and the quiet challenges students may experience. 01:03 — Dr. Morrison’s Career Journey How an influential high school psychology teacher inspired her interest in research, clinical psychology, and anxiety disorders. 06:22 — Recognizing Quiet Mental Health Struggles How depression, anxiety, and social anxiety may appear through withdrawal, avoidance, limited eye contact, or reluctance to ask for help. 10:12 — Depression, Anxiety, and Social Anxiety The differences between low mood, lack of motivation, fear of judgment, and worry about the future. 13:45 — Supporting Students Through Course Design The effects of high-stakes assignments and the value of smaller opportunities that allow students to build confidence and stamina. 18:29 — Social Media and Self-Diagnosis The benefits of greater mental health awareness and the risks of turning ordinary stress, sadness, or shyness into a diagnostic identity. 24:47 — Are Students Experiencing More Distress? Why increased reporting reflects both greater awareness and real increases in the challenges students face. 27:49 — Loneliness and Campus Connection How repeated, low-pressure interactions can help students develop relationships and feel a stronger sense of belonging. 33:43 — The Value of Small Talk Why simple conversations can create familiarity, safety, and trust. 34:41 — Kindness, STEM Learning, and Technology Dr. Morrison discusses research on engagement, classroom kindness, and using technology to support rather than replace human learning. 37:23 — Closing Reflections A reminder that student well-being depends on empathy, community, resilience, and meaningful human connection. Key Takeaways Mental health challenges may be easy to miss because students who are struggling often become quieter rather than more disruptive. Faculty do not need to become therapists, but they can create learning environments where students feel safe asking questions, making mistakes, and connecting with others. Students’ distress should be taken seriously, while recognizing that anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and discomfort are also universal human experiences. Avoiding uncomfortable situations may reduce anxiety temporarily, but gradually facing manageable challenges can help students build confidence. Community does not always develop automatically. Instructors can create opportunities for relationships through stable groups, paired discussions, icebreakers, and meaningful classroom interactions. Technology can help students overcome barriers, but it should strengthen human potential rather than replace learning, mentorship, or connection. Featured Quote “The confidence follows the experience. It doesn’t precede it.” — Dr. Amanda Morrison About the Guest Dr. Amanda Morrison is a Professor of Psychology at California State University, East Bay. She is a clinical psychologist whose teaching, research, and clinical work focus on anxiety disorders and their treatment. Her work explores how people can move from avoidance toward engagement and how classrooms can cultivate kindness, belonging, confidence, and student well-being. Listen and Subscribe Listen to this episode and explore past conversations at calstate.edu/allthingsstempodcast. Subscribe through Simplecast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform. Episode Credits Produced, edited, and mixed by Monica Alarcon Hosted by Dr. Frank A. Gomez Music licensed by Premium Beat
