Starting university, or a new year in any educational institute can be daunting, even without all the ongoing uncertainties in the world right now. Which is why, we have dedicated this month to students and their stories. As the new academic year looms ahead, with months of bitter nights that await us, we need to expect the best and prepare for the not-so-best.
Results day has just passed, and whether you got the grades you wanted or not, we cannot deny that stress will always be there. Which has negative and positive affects let’s not forget, but we hope that everyone can benefit from our work this month – in particular students.
Did you know that 27% of students say they experience one or more mental health problems? Nearly 47% of these students say they find it difficult to complete daily tasks, and 4% say they cannot even attempt them. Of these students, depression takes the lead with a whopping 77% and anxiety follows closely behind at 74%. Eating disorders are the next common mental health issue among students with 14% experiencing them and learning disabilities and developmental issues both at 5%. [YouGov 2016]
Now, it’s obvious that the main source of stress is because they are studying, the long lectures, the heavy assignments, the strenuous placements, the horrifyingly short deadline periods and of course, revision. However, there’s more to student life than what you may think. After university stress (71%), there is the concern of finding a job after university (39%), then family stress (35%), other jobs and relationships (23%), and friends (22%) – all of which contribute to the levels of stress that student’s experience. Imagine all of that whilst trying to lead a healthy life? [YouGov 2016]
As academic pressures rise, and university services are stretched to the max, England has witnessed mental health issues among students in the first year rise fivefold in the last decade. In 2015 there were 134 student suicides, and in the same year there was a record level of drop outs among students that had mental health issues.
It’s alarming. Students are the professionals of tomorrow and the caretakers of the future. What can we do to help them?
Would you like to share your story of experiencing university for the first time? Or if you are currently studying and struggle with your mental health and stress? You can remain anonymous by emailing info@inspiritedminds.org.uk, commenting below or submitting your story via social media.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Asslam-o-alikum
eid mubarik