Why is mental health important for students?

By Dr.

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest moments if we just remember to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore

In the times we live in, it is easy for any individual to get carried away by the hustle and bustle of daily life. Mental wellbeing and mental health is something that has been highlighted for the longest time and as the situation worsens, the need to address this issue openly increases. Students and young people today face the critical pressure of these silent issues as they regularly juggle academic pressure and their personal well-being. Mental health is something that needs as much importance as we give to our physical well-being. Today’s students and young people are the building blocks of the future and their mental health must be a priority.

Mental health: students’ silent struggles

A student’s life comes with a bag of responsibilities and academic pressure, which is consumed by deadlines, exams and the constant pressure of competition. The struggles are not limited to academic study, but also to personal development, social dynamics, and family issues that each student goes through. All of these factors combined have a huge impact on a student’s mental health.

It’s the silent battle they face every day of their lives that leads them to feel anxious and depressed. Students may or may not show signs of distress, but an internal battle of anxiety, depression, stress, or burnout is always present. These mental well-being issues gradually start to affect your academic performance and your life in general.

Academic Impact

Dealing with any type of mental health issue comes with many repercussions that can have a negative impact on an individual’s life. One of the significant repercussions is that it affects the student’s academic performance. Students dealing with anxiety or depression may become overwhelmed with stress or emotional challenges, which makes it difficult for them to focus in class, retain information, or stay focused to complete any assignments. Anxiety and depression are serious mental health issues that can create brain fog in a student’s mind, making it difficult to even complete or keep up with simple tasks.

This will eventually make them lose concentration and in some extreme cases, students may even drop out of college altogether. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health prevents students from seeking help when it matters. The fear of being judged or misunderstood by peers causes students to keep their struggles to themselves. They feel that sharing and talking openly about these silent battles will cause them to be judged by their teachers, friends, peers, and even family.

The impact of mental health on social interaction

Mental Health plays a significant role in how students dealing with these issues interact with others. Issues such as anxiety and depression can make a person scared and introverted, as they are afraid to speak honestly. A student who feels emotionally stable is more likely to maintain healthy relationships with friends, family, and classmates. These students are comfortable contributing positively to group projects, participating in class discussions, taking part in extracurricular activities, and having healthy relationships with the people around them.

Social connections help students develop a sense of belonging that reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness. On the other hand, mental health problems can lead to a feeling of individual indifference. They tend to withdraw from social activities, which makes it harder for them to build relationships. In situations where students end up feeling disconnected from their support systems, there may be an increased feeling of loneliness. This will further worsen their mental well-being, making it difficult for them to come out of their shell.

The Stigma: Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

Breaking the stigma around mental health is one of the most important things. People have made mental health a taboo that cannot be talked about or communicated about. These serious issues need to be normalized, and normalizing them will help us create a culture where students feel safe and secure to seek help when needed.

Mental wellbeing is an important aspect of a student’s life that needs to be discussed. These issues require due attention, and without proper care, students are at risk of academic decline and emotional instability. Supporting mental health is not just about preventing problems, but about empowering students to live full, balanced and successful lives.

(The author is an academic and research consultant at Lifeness Science Institute (LSI)-FVEG)

(Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs and views of ABP News Network Pvt Ltd.)

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