College students face a lot of health challenges like other humans. However, the health issue that affects the higher number of college students is mental. Issues like anxiety, stress, and depression are the most common among college students. In this article, we will discuss in detail this topic, and we will identify the core problems and their solutions. And, What Health Issue Affects the Highest Number of College Students.
Out of all the risks that surround college students, mental health issues like anxiety depression, and stress surrounds them like an atmosphere. The main reason behind this issue is mental pressure on students due to examinations, grades, and future planning. It is necessary to identify this issue and give it the proper attention and treatment it needs. It is considered the major issue that targets the highest number of students because many students don’t recognize that they are suffering from a mental health issue.
Statistics of College Students Suffering from Mental Disease
According to the statistics and facts of students in the United States of America, the number of students studying in colleges or universities under graduation was 20.8 million students. Out of this, 41 percent of students were suffering from depression. Furthermore, Covid 19 coronavirus has affected the health of students. The research university of Kentucky shows the results. 88 percent of college students experience moderate to severe stress, 44 percent of their face anxiety, and 36 percent of students have depression problems. The aftermath of the deadly pandemic has a direct impact on students’ health.
What are Depression, anxiety, and stress? How does it affect students and how it can be treated?
Depression is defined as the changes in the behavior of a person due to a bad mood or sadness that lasts for weeks. It causes a loss of interest and consistent sadness. This can lead to many physical problems too. Students face this problem as their mood changes due to the pressure of studies and grades. The teenagers find it difficult to express themselves to others, therefore their bad mood and sadness evolve into depression. The best way to avoid and fight this condition is to talk to and let them feel comfortable in a college environment. Peers must identify the depression in their peers and try harder to solve this for them. Peer pressure would be a positive factor in this way, instead of the negative effects. Depression is different from grief, however, it interferes with the everyday activities of the students. There are many treatments for depression. The best treatment for students is meditation. Other treatments include medications, psychotherapy, light therapy, etc.
Stress is the body’s response to pressure that results in Emotional, psychological, and physical strain. Every living person faces stress at some point in life, however, students face this problem at a higher level because the level of pressure is greater on them compared to others. Identifying stress is very difficult. There are signs which help to recognize stress. Difficulty in concentration, worrying, trouble in remembering, being angry or irritated and other physical or behavioral changes are the common signs of stress. Students must balance their pressure so that it wouldn’t turn into stress. Universities and colleges should also consider this as a matter of concern and minimize the pressure on students as well.
Anxiety is a sense of panic, danger, and doom. Breathing heavily and uneasiness are also symptoms of anxiety disorder. Anxiety is sometimes considered the aftereffect of stress as it alerts the mind against danger or stress. Students have anxiety because they are always tense about the examinations and most importantly results. The fear of failure has a huge impact on students which results in anxiety. The best way to treat this problem is through anxiety and stress management activities like mindfulness, meditation, and exercise. The other methods include medications and therapies, however, exercise is the most helpful and easier way to treat this problem for college students. Exercise would also help in maintaining a healthy body that would support a healthy mind.
Why Recognition of Mental Health Issues are important for students?
Many of us specifically students feel that it is embarrassing to accept that mental health issues. Informing others or seeking help for this mental problem is much harder for students. As a result, a higher number of students face this Problem without giving it the attention it needs. It is vital to identify these problems and treat them accordingly. Treating the mental health issues would help the students to grow and achieve higher endeavors.
Conclusion
Mental health issues affect a higher number of college students. Many of them don’t recognize it as a problem, on the contrary, students must consider these issues and seek help.
Frequently asked questions
- Do mental health issues only include depression, stress, and anxiety?
Answer: No, there are other mental health issues like panic disorder, personality disorder, etc. However, these three are the most common.
- What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
Answer: Stress is a response to pressure whereas anxiety is the fear of danger and stress.
