January 27, 2023
How to Be a Primary Teacher: Best Practices and Insights
72
October 10, 2024
Research shows that almost 50% of those of college-attending age in the USA live with a psychiatric disorder. When comparing those who attend college with those who don’t, the former was found to have a higher rate of alcohol use disorders.
Student mental health in the US is on the decline. With the majority of mental health disorders affecting those within college-attending years, 75% of conditions are thought to be developed by the age of 24.
Evidence suggests that the Covid-19 pandemic has also played a large role in the worsening of student mental wellbeing in recent years.
During the pandemic, 48% of college students showed moderate or severe levels of depression, and 38% showed signs of anxiety. When asked if their poor mental health was a result of the pandemic, 71% answered yes.
Why are students more susceptible to developing poor mental health?
Young people at university and college are under a lot of pressure. The frightening statistics are the product of many different factors contributing to why students experience so much difficulty with mental health.
1. Experiencing stress
Life as a student is not easy. Higher education demands a lot of mental exertion, but the trials of university are not strictly limited to achieving high grades.
In addition, young people might have to work in order to fund their studies, care for a dependent family member, or maintain strong relationships with people back home.
Managing these stresses alongside studying can be a lot to handle, and anxiety can get high when students struggle to keep on top of their many responsibilities.
2. Moving away from home
For many, going to university means moving away for the first time. It can be an exciting time, but it can also cause many to experience spells of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Students can experience intense homesickness, struggle to handle their own finances, and find it hard living with other students. Especially in the first year of studying, meeting lots of new people can spark intense social anxiety and obsessive worrying.
3. Inexperience
Students are often young people, having had little experience living independently or experiencing life without the support of parents or family. At university, students can lose touch with their normal support networks, not seeing friends or struggling to talk to family.
As a result of this, many students can develop mental health problems. Those who already have anxiety or depression can also experience dips, with their usual routines being interrupted by moving away from home or having to attend lectures.
You can read our extensive give to looking after your mental health here.
Common mental health conditions amongst students
While there is no limit to what mental health problems a student can develop during their time in university or college, some of the most common conditions include:
- Anxiety – Students can feel intense waves of worry, doubt, and fear. It can centre around what a student fears could happen, and it is common for anxiety to develop during exam season. Anxious people tend to avoid situations that could go wrong.
- Depression – Students are vulnerable to longstanding periods of low mood and sadness. Such feelings can spawn from loneliness, social isolation, or fear that they are not going to pass their classes. Sufferers can become unmotivated and isolated.
- Suicidal thoughts – Suicides are unfortunately very common within universities, and many students report having experienced suicidal thoughts. They can arise for many reasons, particularly when depression refuses to subside.
Substance abuse – Alcohol plays a big part in the student experience, and excessive partying can sometimes lead students to struggle with their consumption level. They can come to depend on it for comfort or to calm themselves.
Youth Mental Health
This course is the best way for you to gain deep insight and knowledge of this topic.
Youth Mental Health
This course is the best way for you to gain deep insight and knowledge of this topic.
Where can students turn to for help?
For students experiencing poor mental health, or think that they are showing signs of a developing a condition like substance misuse, anxiety or depression, it is really important that they seek help.
While students are susceptible to developing problems, there is lots of support available.
If you are struggling, try talking to a:
- Friend – Lots of students experience the same fears, worries, and doubts. Why not confide in a roommate or friend, and see if they are also struggling? Often, talking about things and trusting someone can help relieve stress and mental pressure.
- Family member – Even if you have moved away from home, your family are just a phone call away. If you depend on relatives for support, arrange regular phone calls or visits to ensure you have a consistent source of support and comfort.
- University tutor – It is becoming increasingly common for universities to offer support and advice through student tutors. These members of staff are available for regular meetings or informal chats, and they can often provide helpful advice.
- Counsellor – Many universities today provide mental health support services on campus that students can access. By getting in touch, students can arrange to have regular counselling that fits around their timetable and offers tailored support.
- Addiction rehab – if you are drinking too much or feel you have become addicted to drugs such as cannabis, it might be worth booking into a drug and alcohol rehab clinic. You can also check out our drug and alcohol addiction course here on One Education.
- Doctor – As with any other health problem, you can get in touch with a doctor.
Spotting a struggling student
If you are a teacher or tutor, your college students could be some of the millions across the country struggling with their mental health. Here are some of the behaviours to look for which could indicate that they need support.
- Poor attendance
- A lack of engagement with studies
- Getting into fights with other students
- Aggressive or self-harming behaviour
- Lack of appetite or frequent illness
- Drug or alcohol misuse
- Mood swings
- Social isolation
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health is now recognised as an important part of the human condition, and you can help people in distress with this comprehensive First Aid course.
