MENTAL HEALTH: A RISING CONCERN AMONGST STUDENTS IN COLLEGE CAMPUSES

 

The 11th of October is World Mental Health Day. To celebrate this many organizations all over the world began to do as much as they could to sensitize us on issues pertaining to mental health. There has been concern about the mental health of college students in Nigeria in the past decade. It should not be a surprise then that the number of people who suffer from mental health problems has risen sharply.

 

According to the World Health Organization, millions of adults who suffer from anxiety disorder have the first symptoms of the disorder when they are 22 years old. This means that a large number of the student body might feel these symptoms for the first time while they are still students of the University. This is concerning as there is almost nothing in place to help these students to pass successfully through these trying times.

 

There are several factors that can contribute to the mental health crises of a student.

A number of students had the ‘talk’ with a parent or a guardian. These talks are usually given before the freshman year. Hence, students are held to very high expectations. Academic stress is something every student takes for granted. Every student has experienced it. A large number of students are experiencing it in the heat of tests. With exams just a month away. The anxiety of being unable to keep up with what is expected and the feverish determination to achieve that. Academic stress may be the single most dominant stress factor that affects the mental well-being of college students. Academic stress can lead to depression, anxiety disorders, or high-functioning anxiety. Feeling overwhelming school-related stress actually reduces motivation to do the work, impacts overall academic achievement, and increases the odds of dropping out. It is important to find positive approaches to academic stress and to seek mental health support when needed.

 

Financial stress can have a significant impact on mental health, anxiety, and depression. Financial stress can impact academic performance and impede a student’s ability to concentrate on their coursework. A student who is worrying over finances may not be able to afford the basic amenities or tools needed. Financial stress can also lead to basic needs insecurity, such as housing and food insecurity, which can further exacerbate mental health challenges

 

The increased reliance on social media and technology can have a significant impact on the mental health of college students.  Many studies have shown a significant relationship between higher use of social media and lower mental health in students. It is important that the school provide an education for the students so that they are aware of the dangers that social media poses to mental health.

It is important that the University of Ibadan provide solutions to this growing problem. A possible solution to this problem is financial aid. Financial aid is present in the University of Ibadan through a large number of programs. One of them is the work-study program. This program allows students to work flexible hours while still in school. It is designed so that the student's academics are not affected in any way.

Mental health services would also go a long way to helping students improve their mental health as well as stress reduction programs. Where students educated on how to alleviate stress.

 

There are student organizations in the University that educate students on mental health issues. They also promote healthy lifestyles and choices. Some of them also encourage healthy study habits: Colleges can provide resources and education on healthy study habits, such as time management, sleep hygiene, and stress reduction techniques.

Increase awareness and communication: Colleges can start the conversation on mental health and increase communication about mental health promotion and suicide prevention.