College life can be exciting, but it’s also full of unique challenges that can really take a toll on mental health. 

In this episode, Debbie sits down with Colleen Ehrnstrom, Audrey Gilfillan, and Alison West to break down what’s really going on with students’ mental well-being. 

They talk about the ups and downs of transitions, gaining independence, and handling academic pressure, all while navigating bigger societal stressors like the pandemic. The conversation highlights why it’s so important to have mental health support built right into academic departments, and the guests share practical tips that both students and faculty can use. 

You’ll also hear about topics like college culture expectations, the Dunning-Kruger effect, imposter feelings, and why showing yourself self-compassion and understanding your emotions matters. By the end, you’ll come away with insights that can help anyone in a college community foster better mental health and overall well-being.

Listen and Learn: 

• Why college is such a challenging transition for students, who must create structure, discover their values, and learn through mistakes while adapting to new freedoms and pressures
• Understanding individual stress matters in college counseling, which can help normalize challenges and guide appropriate mental health support
• How young adulthood is a powerful time for growth
• Embracing uncertainty and connecting through shared human experiences helps us navigate overwhelming and unpredictable times
• Embedding mental health clinicians directly in university departments helps faculty support students effectively, bridging academic and emotional needs
• Understanding and “decompiling” your thoughts and emotions helps you work with them instead of against them
• Why the imposter phenomenon is widespread, especially among high achievers and those stepping outside their comfort zone, and how comparing your inner doubts to others’ outward confidence can intensify it
• True growth comes from building competence, not chasing confidence, and feeling uncomfortable is part of the learning process
• Tips for navigating college, including managing your expectations, giving yourself grace for mistakes, seeking support when needed, and starting small with healthy habits

Resources: 

• Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer’s Guide to Thoughts and Emotions: https://www.amazon.com/Decompile-Your-Mind-Engineers-Thoughts/dp/B0DPXB17MV  
• Connect with Colleen Ehrnstrom, Audrey Gilfillan, and Alison West
• https://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/colleen-ehrnstrom 
• https://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/audrey-gilfillan
• https://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/alison-west
• Imposter No More: Overcome Self-Doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781538724804 

About Dr. Colleen Ehrnstrom

Dr. Colleen Ehrnstrom, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and one of the managers of the Embedded Program at the Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at the University of Colorado Boulder. She specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and enjoys working with college students, supporting their mental health during a critical time of personal and academic development. She is the co-author of End the Insomnia Struggle: A Step-by-Step Guide to Help You Get to Sleep and Stay Asleep and regularly presents and trains on ACT and behavioral sleep strategies. Dr. Ehrnstrom is dedicated to supporting mental health through evidence-based, mindfulness-informed care.

About Audrey Gilfillan

Audrey Gilfillan is a licensed professional counselor and works as an Embedded Therapist in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado at Boulder. With a background in academic coaching, career counseling, and college mental health, Audrey specializes supporting college students as they navigate the intersection of their academic goals and mental health. Audrey co-authored Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer’s Guide to Thoughts and Emotions. She co-founded Applied Wellness Initiatives to help educators and managers effectively support mental health and performance in the workplace.

About Alison West

Alison West is a licensed professional counselor and addiction specialist who works as an Embedded Therapist in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder. Prior to working in higher education, Alison worked in community mental health, providing direct support through ongoing therapy, crisis response, and case management. Alison is passionate about supporting young adults as they navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world. She is the co-author of Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer’s Guide to Thoughts and Emotions and the co-founder of Applied Wellness Initiatives. She finds fulfillment in helping professionals bring mental health awareness and practices into their work and academic communities.

Related Episodes: 

7. Insomnia: Strategies to Stop Struggling with Sleep with Alisha Brosse

189. Imposter Syndrome with Jill and Debbie

321. Imposter No More with Jill Stoddard

274. Quarterlife: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood with Satya Doyle Byock – Psychologists Off the Clock

324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace  

303. Both/And Thinking with Marianne Lewis

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