As recent graduates, it’s safe to say we’ve experienced our fair share of issues as scholars. And it is impossible for someone who isn’t or hasn’t studied to truly understand the challenges we’ve faced as students.
However, with an overwhelming number of scholars suffering from cognitive illnesses and a growing number committing suicide, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the top mental health challenges facing students today.
Mental health concerns are more prevalent among college and university scholars than the general population, affecting nearly 20% of scholars upon transition to higher institutions, and upwards of 50% of scholars at some point during the academic period of life.
Some have been using social media or listening to music while studying as a mental relief system. And because these are not advisable ways to live, we must stay aware of these mental conditions and get help or assist someone too quickly.
There are a variety of reasons for these issues, such as emotional exhaustion and physical problems, financial issues, and family issues. Mental health issues are widespread and affect scholars across the globe. This article will discuss a number of the student mental health conditions prevalent today.
Depression
Approximately 10% of scholars have had a depressive episode within the past year, making it one of the most common among scholars facing mental health challenges today. Higher
Education can be difficult and stressful, and individuals struggle with symptoms of this dreaded ailment during this period.
Heavy loads at the university, especially in the first years can affect the onset of depression. It in turn impacts their academic productivity and consequently, their grades.
Some of you only get good grades regardless of the depressive symptoms by using websites that write papers for you to cover for your lapses. These websites write so well that even your friends and teachers most times won’t notice that you did not write them yourselves.
Some symptoms of depression include:
- Hopeless outlook
- Lost interest
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Irritability in men
- Appetite changes
- Emotional problems
- Suicidal thoughts
Anxiety
There are several mental health challenges students face today. It can be difficult to stay on top of everything from balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities to managing time, communicating with professors and family, and even managing their health and wellness.
For my generation, the top challenge is anxiety. According to a 2016 survey by the American College Health Association, approximately two-thirds of scholars experience anxiety.
This can be attributed to increased pressure from both teachers and peers. Stressful situations at home may also play a factor.
Common symptoms of this condition include:
- Frequent Nervousness
- Crying spells or feelings of despair
- Difficulties concentrating or focusing
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
- Changes in eating habits such as decreased appetite or binge eating
- Chest pains, headaches, or stomach aches
Bipolar disorder
Despite bipolarism being a major in the general population, many people aren’t aware that it affects college students. Bipolarism can be a debilitating ailment and make it difficult for students experiencing it to focus on their studies, attend class, and just carry on daily.
This is a condition in which scholars experience periods of high or irritable mood (called mania) followed by low or depressive moods. During manic periods, individuals experience intense euphoria, racing thoughts, and hyperactivity. During depressive periods, they experience fatigue, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and even possibly leading to thoughts of suicide.
If you are or know someone experiencing symptoms of bipolarism, you should contact their health center, mental health services administration, seek assistance from a licensed psychiatrist on campus who has experience treating college students with mental illnesses, or seek the national suicide prevention lifeline when necessary.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
As students face increased pressure in their academics, relationships, and environment, they battle new challenges related to their mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (2016), ADHD is one of the top mental disorders facing students today.
ADHD is a brain condition that affects the way you pay attention, control impulsive behaviors and regulate activity levels. In college, those who have ADHD often feel overwhelmed and challenged to stay focused in class due to the increased workload and new responsibilities.
The environment of college can also worsen symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety and dismay. For many, ADHD was an undiagnosed condition in high school that presented itself as pressure about not performing up to potential once in college.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is caused by exposure to a traumatic event or situation. These events can include sexual assault, physical abuse, war, natural disasters, accidents, and attacks on innocent civilians.
The symptoms of PTSD can be devastating and debilitating. These symptoms often manifest as flashbacks to the traumatic event(s), emotional numbness, and avoidance of situations that remind the individual of their trauma. They can also include nightmares and hyper-arousal in which the person has a constant sense of danger.
Learners who have experienced a traumatic event can sometimes be misdiagnosed with other mental conditions such as anxiety or depression. To be properly diagnosed with PTSD, the student must have been exposed to a traumatic event directly or indirectly through first-hand accounts of someone else’s experience.
PTSD is treatable with therapy and medication, but it is important to find a psychologist who knows how to effectively treat pupils with PTSD because there are specific methods that need to be used to heal from this type of trauma.
Takeaway
Trying to adjust to higher education can be an overwhelming experience, and there is often a particular pressure to succeed. You might feel that you need to get the highest grades possible or the perfect social energy.
With the added tension of financial issues, having a job, and making new friends, it’s no wonder that pupils are susceptible to these psychiatric problems. However, we compiled this list to make you aware of them so you can seek help when symptoms present themselves to you or in your neighbour’s.
David Tobin did his degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He is interested in mental health and well-being.
