University is an exciting new experience filled with opportunities. Students are exposed to a new environment; they get the chance to surround themselves with people from different backgrounds, and for many, a time to learn independence. However, this new life transition can often become overwhelming and hard to cope with. It is not easy having to adjust to being away from home, and many may feel isolated and lonely. Students are also burdened with not only academic but also substantial financial pressures. These stressors can contribute to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and substance abuse. 1
Are university students more prone to mental health disorders?
On average many mental health disorders start when people are in their teenage years to their early twenties.2 These are the years when individuals face new experiences, development, and emotional changes.2 Therefore, students are particularly vulnerable to mental health disorders when attending university. Additionally, students are faced with the pressures, as mentioned earlier, that come with attending college.
A recent study on students’ mental health found that one in five students is currently suffering from a mental health diagnosis. 3 These studies highlight that universities are failing to meet the needs of student’s mental health care, as students are faced with long waiting times, often for weeks, before getting professional help. Delays in treatment can have significant consequences for individuals and worsen a person’s mental state. 4
Warning signs that you are struggling
It is essential to see the early warning signs of putting your mental health at risk. Here are a few:
- Lack of sleep
- Changes in eating patterns
- A lack of concentration and motivation
- Isolating yourself from social settings and activities
- Constantly feeling sad or lonely
- Indulging in addictive behaviors such as drinking and smoking
- Lack of energy
How you can look after your mental health at university
There are various ways to look after your mental health while attending university. Remember to take care of your body. It is easy to get lost in assignments, but it is also critical to eat healthily and exercise. This also means getting enough sleep. Even if you must stay up to write a paper, try to establish a regular sleeping pattern. It is also essential to carry on social connections and talk to a trusted individual about your university experience. Having someone to listen to you can help you feel understood, and even inspire others to speak up.
Last but not least, seek support early on, don’t wait until your mental health has worsened. Although therapy in university is not always available when you need it, other platforms can give you access to a therapist right away. Talking to a therapist can help you understand your feelings and find coping skills and techniques to deal with the pressures of university. Remember, help is out there when you need it, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Resources
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Writers, S. (2021, November 19). The Top Mental Health Challenges Facing Students. BestColleges.Com. https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/top-5-mental-health-problems-facing-college-students/
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L. P (2020, November 17). The College Student Mental Health Crisis. The Light Program. https://thelightprogram.pyramidhealthcarepa.com/the-college-student-mental-health-crisis/
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Smith, J. S. (2021). Looking after your mental health at university | Prospects.ac.uk. Prospects. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/applying-for-university/university-life/looking-after-your-mental-health-at-university#why-is-it-important-for-me-to-look-after-my-mental-health-at-university
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Mclaughlin, C. G. (2004). Delays in Treatment for Mental Disorders and Health Insurance Coverage. Health Services Research, 39(2), 221–224. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-6773.2004.00224.x
