Stats this Mental Health Month reveal that 1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental health problem at some point in their life. Almost 450 million people worldwide are currently living with a mental illness.
Mental Distress in Tertiary Students is on the Rise
Compared to other sectors of the population, higher education students have greater levels of mental illness, mental distress, and low well-being – and the figures are increasing. Of higher education institutions in the UK, 94% have reported an increase in demand for counselling services – with certainty that many more students are suffering without seeking help.
There are various factors working against university students:
- Roughly 75% of adults with mental health problems experience symptoms by the age of 25.
- This phase of your life is all about transition:
- From school to university.
- From child to adult.
- From home to the city.
- From known to the unknown.
- Unique financial pressure as a result of student loans, taking time out to study, the current cost of living.
- Being digital natives in the social media era.
The Knock-on Effect of Depression in Students H2
The most obvious implication of mental ill-health in students is that it is linked to poorer academic results as students tend to be less able to manage stress and, thus, their ability to perform productively is reduced. Students with mental health problems are also be more likely to drop out of university – “UK statistics show a 210% increase in university dropouts among from 2009/10 to 2014/15. Of even greater concern is that student suicides have increased by 79% from 2007 to 2015.”
The Way Forward
A more proactive approach to improving student mental health is needed. Universities and higher education institutions should commit to implementing programmes such as Dux.
“Addressing mental health in students can have a positive effect on mental health in later life. By ensuring student mental health is treated as a societal concern, we can encourage early intervention and action.
By intervening early, at a critical transition point in young people’s lives, we can avoid the long-term risks associated with poor mental health, which can have far-reaching consequences for the next generation.”
The Dux Advantage
If you are looking for a launchpad for the extraordinary, look no further than Dux. Our reason for existing is to give you all the life support you need in order to thrive academically. Contact us today, and get your ducks in a row: 060.656.1305 | info@duxpd.co.za
Dux | dʌks | noun "The top pupil in a class.”
Dux PD is powered by People Dynamics.
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