Mental health crisis: Why is mental health education important for students?

The mental health of students has become a pressing concern worldwide, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders among young people. As academic pressures intensify and societal expectations increase, students are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the challenges they face.

In today's fast-paced and highly competitive academic environment, student mental health has emerged as a critical concern, requiring urgent and sustained attention. According to a 2023 report by the World Health Organization, more than one in three students globally report experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, reflecting the widespread impact of academic stress.

Over the past decade, there has been a concerning rise in student suicides, with a 50 percent increase in male student suicides and a 61 percent increase in female student suicides, according to a 2024 report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

These alarming trends underscore the pressing need to prioritise student well-being as an integral part of the educational experience. Mental well-being is not only crucial for academic success but also plays a pivotal role in instilling emotional resilience, creativity, and long-term life satisfaction. Without the right mental health support, students can struggle to navigate the complexities of university life, adversely affecting their personal and professional growth.

The real problem we encounter while fighting mental health issues is identifying when a student looking normal and mentally well prima facie is struggling internally while coping with the ups and downs. So, identifying a student without him/her explicitly admitting their problem is a crucial step in curbing the issue.

Here are some key ways suggested by Dr Sonam Dullat, the Manager (Student Counsellor) of the Thapar Institute Counselling Cell (TICC) at Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology to identify if a student may be struggling with their mental well-being.

Changes in academic performance, such as a sudden drop in grades or missed deadlines, skipping classes frequently, avoiding friends, or disengaging from activities, can signal emotional distress. Students who were once engaged and disconnected off-late could struggle with mental health issues.

A 2022 study by the Journal of College Student Psychotherapy found social withdrawal to be a prominent indicator of depression and anxiety among university students. Physical symptoms, such as headaches, irregular sleep or eating patterns, and chronic fatigue, often accompany stress.

Risky behaviours, like substance abuse or self-harm, reflect attempts to cope with overwhelming emotions; the American Psychological Association (2023) found that students in mental health crises are more likely to engage in such behaviours. Students may struggle with decision-making, appear indecisive, or avoid decisions entirely, which are common signs of anxiety or depression.

STRESS AND DISORDERED EATING: A GROWING CONCERN

A 2023 study in Psychological Medicine found that anxious students exhibited impaired decision-making abilities. Declines in personal care, like neglecting hygiene or wearing unwashed clothes, can indicate depression; a 2022 study in The Journal of College Student Development found that students with depressive symptoms were 50 percent more likely to report neglecting self-care.

Restlessness or agitation, excessive guilt or self-blame for small mistakes and changes in eating habits may indicate low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness. A 2023 study in Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention found students with significant stress are more likely to experience disordered eating patterns. Excessive use of technology or social media may signal emotional struggles, as students use these platforms to escape real-life challenges.

Sudden emotional outbursts or increased sensitivity to criticism are common among students dealing with mental health issues, as they may struggle to regulate their emotions. A 2023 survey by Active Minds revealed that over 60% of students who reported emotional changes experienced a significant decline in well-being.

Furthermore, mental health disorders can be significantly triggered or worsened by societal issues, with gender bias being one of the most pervasive.

UNSEEN EFFECTS OF GENDER BIAS ON VULNERABLE STUDENTS

The psychological consequences of gender bias are profound, especially for those who are marginalised or vulnerable due to their gender identity. Gender bias towards female students - an urgent crisis could be a spark in lighting the injustice and unfair treatment, consequently leading to distress. Gender norms for men - the silent mental health crisis is the pressure to conform to stereotypes such as being stoic or emotionally detached leads many men to suppress their emotions, creating a culture of isolation.

Gender-nonconforming individuals - a public health crisis that affects students who identify outside the traditional male-female binary, such as transgender, non-binary, and gender-non-conforming individuals, are subject to bias, leading to reticent behaviours and profoundly devastating effects on mental health.

Addressing gender bias is far more than just a social issue; it is a critical driver of widespread mental health disorders.

Raising awareness, enacting protective policies, and ensuring equitable access to care are essential steps toward creating a society where all individuals, regardless of gender identity, can thrive both mentally and emotionally. However, the reluctance among students to seek counselling for their mental health issues remains a critical barrier. One of the primary reasons is the stigma attached to seeking help.

A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that nearly 70 percent of students feared their peers would view them negatively if they sought mental health support. Another major factor is a lack of awareness. According to a 2022 study in The Journal of American College Health, only 50 percent of students knew about the counselling services offered on campus, preventing them from accessing essential support. Accessibility and anxiety about the counselling process also contribute to the issue.

A 2023 report by the National College Health Assessment found that over 30 percent of students who acknowledged needing counselling did not pursue it due to discomfort with the process itself. Cultural and societal influences further complicate the situation, particularly for minority students. A study published in Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology in 2023 pointed out that these students face additional barriers, including language challenges, cultural misconceptions, and a lack of culturally competent counsellors.

To address the reluctance among students to seek counselling, it is essential for educational institutions to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritises mental health. Raising awareness through comprehensive mental health campaigns can help reduce stigma and educate students about the importance of seeking help.

These campaigns should emphasise that mental health struggles are normal, portraying counselling as a valuable resource rather than a last resort. Institutions can also improve accessibility by offering flexible counselling hours, virtual sessions, and peer support programmes, allowing students to seek help in ways that suit their schedules and comfort levels.

Building trust is crucial, and training counsellors to be culturally competent and relatable can bridge the gap between students and the support they need. Peer-led initiatives, where trained ambassadors advocate for mental health, can further help destigmatise counselling and encourage more students to seek help. By addressing these challenges, educational institutions can create an environment where students feel empowered to prioritise their mental health.