The state of cognitive and behavioral well-being is referred to as mental health. The term mental health is also used to refer to the absence of mental illness. A state of wellness in that every human being unfolds his or her full potential and can cope with the ups and downs of life. Student mental health is a fundamental element of academic success. In today’s world, where the advance technology has provided so facilities, the change in student mental health is one of the most questionable issues to discuss. According to researchers and experts, the specific cause of many mental illness is still unknown, however, research has revealed that majority of illnesses are caused by biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
According to recent studies, UK have reported a large number of students are dealing with mental health issues. In this article, we will discuss about the effect of mental health issues on students learning approach, the possible causes of such issues and how these issues change the behavior of students.
Causes and Effects of Mental Health Issues on Students Learning Approach
What is the cause of the mental health epidemic among students?
There is a wide range of factors at play, it includes Pressure of academics, financial issues, doubt on wrongchoice of subject or career, frequent use of social media and the stigma related to mental health issues.
1. Academic Pressure to Get Distinction
Today, the pressure to achieve outstanding academic performance in order to attain top marks with distinction looms over every student. In a demanding academic environment, the drive to achieve high grades can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Students, especially those who are procrastinating on their homework specially essay writing, can overwork themselves and neglect their personal well-being. Procrastination can serve as a coping technique for students who are worried about their academic performance.
2. Financial Issues and Worries
In the UK, every 9/10 student works part-time to support their finances. Recently, tuition fees have been increased by up to 25%, placing an additional burden on students. Many students apply for student loans to complete their degree. Students are likely concerned about their financial situation as they ponder ways to repay these loans after graduation. This financial strain adds pressure on students and makes it more difficult for them to perform in their chosen career.
3. Unreliability about the Future
Most students attend university/college without knowing what they actually want to pursue career-wise. For example, students who have chosen a field may not know what they intend to gain from their education. It can be hard for students to figure out what career path they want to take. Many areas of study, such as English or science, are wide ranging and offer a variety of pathways. This multitude of options can sometimes create a feeling of uncertainty.
4. Social Media Use and Advance Technology
In today’s society, youth have been spending a lot more time on social media and this has had a negative impact. Molestation and cyberbullying for example can occur as a result of an excessive social media use. Different posts, people personal life experiences and the fantasies portray on social media, challenge the student’s self-esteem and damage their mental health. They start living in their imaginations and compare their lives to those of otherson media who appear to have it all together.
5. Stigma Associated with Mental Health Issues
What we perceive as a major crisis may just be a rise within the number of students accessing mental health treatment because of the diminished stigma. Some studies indicate that the prevalence of mental health problems has more or less remained the same; the students often talk more openly about their difficulties and tend to seek help more frequently. Universities and campuses ought to work collaboratively to target students’ difficulties, regardless of what the cause of the mental health crisis is.
Mental Health is Changing Student’s Behavior
Prevalence of mental health and behavioral issues is rampant across university entrants. Life at university for many can be stressful, and the problems may deteriorate during the course of the studies. Research has shown that the predominance of psychopathology is high among higher education students and continues to increase. Most often, the stress and depression experienced by students affects their normal activities and academic performance. Students throughout the world are facing mental health issues and unable to perform their daily routine effectively. Most young people suffering from mental health problems indulge in bad habits like drugs, sexual activities and bad company just to escape from their mental state and apprehensions. Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts are also very common among university students due to fear of failure. It is now of utmost importance to raise awareness about the benefits of seeking mental health treatment. Workshops, free counselling sessions and seminars should be conducted in schools, colleges and universities to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. It is a disease with serious consequences and as human beings we have a responsibility to play our part in helping to educate students and create a healthy society.
Conclusion
Students well-being is fundamental to academic success. Facing the challenges of a new life can have a deep impact. When students first notice a mental health issues in themselves, they feel ashamed. The mental health challenges students face may seem intimidating at times, but there are so many things we can do to help students. We can serve a mental health advocacy role by speaking more forthrightly about mental health challenges, offering more approachable resources, exemplifying practices towards day-to-day well-being, and playing an active role as a part in cross-campus mental health initiatives. We should do our best to be available and listen, as many of these programs promote open and supportive discussions on mental health. When young adults open up and share, it is the responsibility of the health provider to listen them carefully and let them speak out!