Extensive stress and pressure are known to contribute to the number of university students living with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
However, the pandemic has seen a surge in the number of students actively seeking professional support for mental health issues.
A report conducted by The Insight Network recently highlighted that one in five university students had been diagnosed with a mental health illness.
In addition to this, 37% of British university students have confirmed that they believe their mental health and wellbeing has gradually become worse since commencing their time at university.
Sadly, as university students continue to report that their mental health has declined since starting a university course, many studies and reports have questioned whether students are offered sufficient support.
Although universities across the country offer mental health support to their students, a study conducted by the Office for Students concluded that a large proportion of university students defer counselling due to long waiting times and only having access to a limited amount of support.
Considering this, it could be said that university students do not receive adequate support. Regrettably, this has many devastating consequences.
Mental Health Issues and University Students
Before delving into the impact of mental health issues on students, understanding the mental health issues that university students commonly encounter is worthwhile.
As reported by mental health charity Mind, anxiety, depression, and suicidal feelings are the most common among British university students.
Anxiety has affected approximately 39% of university students, while depression impacts 37% of students.
Sadly, as mental health issues become unbearable for students, the number of individuals experiencing suicidal feelings have rocketed.
What Causes Students To Suffer From Mental Health Issues
Various factors contribute to an increase in the number of university students suffering from mental health issues. As touched on above, extensive pressure and stress are common factors.
The recent pandemic has also undoubtedly taken its toll on many university students, especially as the majority of learning in the last year has been conducted virtually.
Other factors that often contribute to mental health issues among university students include, but are not limited to, the following;
- Fatigue
- Isolation
- Loneliness
- Employment worries
- Financial stress
- Job satisfaction
- Peer pressure
- Social expectations
- Workloads and assignments
The Impact of Mental Health Issues on University Students
As mental health issues have many ramifications on an individual’s health and well-being, the impact of mental health issues on university students must be understood. Doing so will essentially enable suitable treatment to be sought, which will, in turn, preserve an individual’s mental health, well-being and life.
Mental Health Issues Ignite Various Physical and Psychological Illnesses
Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are known to ignite various physical and psychological illnesses.
For example, individuals that suffer from anxiety are more likely to suffer from insomnia. Regrettably, when an individual suffers from insomnia, the risk of physical health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and a weakened immune system increases.
Mental Health Issues Increase The Risk Of Suicide
As stress and isolation takes a toll on university students, the risk of anxiety and depression increases. Sadly, when individuals struggle with anxiety and depression, they often feel as though no amount of support can help them.
Regrettably, in recent years, the impact of mental health issues on university students has increased the suicide rate among students.
Mental Health Issues Increase The Risk Of Substance Abuse and Addiction
Across the world, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression often come hand-in-hand with substance abuse and addictions. Sadly, almost 50% of those seeking support for a mental health disorder also require treatment for an addiction.
As substances such as drugs and alcohol temporarily relieve the pessimistic thoughts and feelings associated with mental health issues, it is thought that at least 10% of university students are alcohol dependent. Regrettably, this means that a large proportion of university students are at risk of developing an alcohol or drug addiction.
Mental Health Issues Cause University Students To Drop Out Of University
As determined above, mental health issues can severely impair a student’s physical and psychological health. They can also ignite addictions and sadly lead to suicide.
In addition to the above, mental health issues can impact a student’s overall university experience. In fact, one-third of students that drop out of university early cite mental health issues as the main reason for doing so.
Support Is Available For University Students
Across the United Kingdom, there is a wealth of support available for university students to take advantage of. While many universities do provide mental health support and guidance, as touched on above, students defer this treatment for various reasons.
As time is of the essence when considering mental health issues, university students may benefit from seeking support elsewhere.
Charities such as Mind, CALM, Samaritans and Anxiety UK offer around the clock support to those in need.
In addition, here at Asana Lodge, we provide rehabilitation treatment for those suffering from addiction alongside mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder via dual diagnosis treatment.
Contact Asana Lodge Today
If you are a university student and currently find yourself struggling with addiction and mental health issues, we would encourage you to reach out to us today. In doing so, you will have the opportunity to discuss your substance and mental health issues with our team and uncover the support that we can provide you with.
Although we appreciate that discussing your mental health issues may be somewhat daunting, doing so is in your best interest.
If you are a parent, friend or university lecturer hoping to better support a student battling addiction and mental health issues, we also welcome you to contact us and discuss what you can do to provide support to a university student.
