Insights into Student Mental Health

Mental health refers to keeping our minds healthy. Talking about mental health is an important subject that needs to be discussed more. Imagine a society that blamed people for being diagnosed with diseases like cancer? To make people feel guilty about a situation they didn’t deserve. This often happens with mental health patients, but with an extra burden of shame. Why is it that we rarely hear people talk about their mental health? Why is there still a cloud of judgment and misunderstanding surrounding the subject?

Society constantly neglects people who suffer from a mental disorder or history of mental health issues. As a result, it is even more difficult for the mentally ill to admit their symptoms and seek treatment. Understanding mental illness is the first step towards removing the stigma and allowing sufferers to feel safe and accepted in today’s society.

Mental health is a serious health concern among students in today’s generation. Students face many psychological problems like stress, depression, anxiety and this is an increasing issue every year. Unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure and feeling overwhelmed is referred to as stress. Depression causes a feeling of sadness or loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed doing. Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness, such as worry or fear that can go from mild to severe. There can be multiple factors that cause these issues to develop within students, the most common issues are greater academic demands, changes in social and family life, and a new/different environment. Other factors that cause depression and stress include time pressure, difficult competitions, academic pressure, and a fear of failure.

Being a student can be stressful enough, but juggling schoolwork and other responsibilities while suffering from mental illness can make it more difficult. Aside from their studies, students require ongoing guidance and support. Teachers play a specific role in students’ mental and physical health in order to keep them focused and conscious in class.

Some students fall behind at times because they are afraid to approach the teacher or do not have the time to explain everything again and again. It seems awkward asking for help as it makes the students feel like they are placing a burden on people. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your mental health:

1. Value yourself:

Be kind and respectful to yourself, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your favorite hobbies and projects, or expand your network. Do a daily crossword puzzle, start a garden, learn to dance, play an instrument, or learn another language.

2. Surround yourself with positive people:

People who have strong family or social connections tend to be healthier than those who do not have a support network. Make plans with supportive family and friends, or look for activities that will allow you to meet new people, such as a club, class, or support group.

3. Understand how to deal with stress:

Whether we like it or not, stress is a part of life. Try One-Minute Stress Strategies, Tai Chi, exercise, go for a nature walk, play with your pet, or try journal writing as a stress reliever. Also, keep a smile on your face and look for humor in life. Laughter has been shown in studies to boost your immune system, relieve pain, and relax your body.

4. Give of yourself:

Offer your time and energy to assist others. You’ll feel good knowing you’ve done something tangible to help someone in need, and it’s a great way to meet new people.

5. Seek assistance when you need it:

Seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s also important to remember that treatment works. People who receive the proper care can recover from mental illness and addiction and live full, rewarding lives. Campus and community resources can be found at Resources for Stress and Mental Health.

Students suffering from mental illnesses must seek medical attention immediately. Therapy, and in some cases, medication, can help these students feel better and improve all aspects of their lives, including their academic performance. Students, on the other hand, can do a few things on their own to help with their treatment. Before providing students with online resources, it is critical to see the risks of self-diagnosis and treatment. Anyone experiencing mental illness should seek professional help before seeking help on his or her own. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Staying mentally fit means living in the moment and enjoying life with those you care about.