Summary
- Statistics show mental health challenges are becoming more problematic for students with each passing year.
- COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis have worsened the mental health issues in students.
- Three out of four postsecondary education students in Canada were experiencing negative mental health in 2022.
Mental health challenges in students are increasingly becoming a huge issue for educational institutions. The changing situation has forced schools, colleges, and universities to change their approach to this growing problem. In this blog, we will discuss what you should do if you face any mental health issues as a student and how we should deal with these issues as a society.
How to Know if you Have Depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious mental disorder that negatively affects how you feel, think, act, and perceive the world, according to the American Psychiatric Association. If you think you have depression, ask these questions to you:
- Are you losing interest in activities that you once loved?
- Are you sleeping too little or too much?
- Do you feel that you are worthless?
- Are you feeling sad and irritable for quite some time?
- Do you have thoughts of death or suicidal ideation?
What are Other Mental Health Challenges in Students?
Other than depression, students also face other mental health challenges such as anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, or suicidal intent, etc. If you know someone who is going through any such problems, take them to campus mental health professionals so that they can get professional services.
It is important to address these feelings; otherwise, as a student, it can negatively impact your academic life. Your grades can also suffer, and it may also lead to low self-esteem.
If you have these symptoms for a short time, like a day or two, then it is alright. But if you are going through these thoughts for several days, especially more than two weeks, then you should talk to someone. Depression is treatable, but the first step to get better is to discuss your feelings with someone.
Why is it Crucial to Address Mental Health Challenges in Students?
The challenges for school and college-going students have multiplied over the years. Many college students have tight schedules to go through every day. Sometimes, the daily schedule can be in the range of 14 to 16 hours. Many students are also facing financial constraints due to the rising cost of living.
The cost of education has also been increasing at a very fast speed in Canada. According to the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, students faced a year-on-year increase of 46% in rents, 27% in groceries, a 5% jump in school-related expenses, and a 4% jump in transportation costs in 2024.
When students face mental health challenges, they tend to be further disillusioned with their studies. Constant pressure from the family and the society sometimes also contributes to the decline of their mental health.
Mental health problems are not only prevalent in students, but the numbers are increasing very fast. A large number of students are reporting anxiety, substance abuse, mood disorders, depression, etc. College students who develop mental illness or begin substance use in childhood or adolescence appear to have a more severe trajectory and course of illness in mature age.
Therefore, early identification of college students with mental health challenges is crucial for providing better services and achieving improved academic results.
Canadian Students are Facing Severe Mental Health Issues
The COVID-19 pandemic has deteriorated mental health challenges in the young population as well. Three out of four, or 75%, of post-secondary education students in Canada were experiencing mental health challenges. Over 25% of students described their mental health as poor, while about 50% of students reported that they are consulting on campus mental health services, according to a 2022 survey conducted by the Canadian Alliance of Student Association (CASA).
It is not just that these figures are only high due to the COVID-19-related issues. A similar survey in 2019 also revealed that 52% of Canadian students were feeling depressed, 70% said that they were feeling overwhelming anxiety, and 16% said that they were considering suicide. This was a respective jump of 7%, 5%, and 3% percentage points compared to 2016 figures.
How Can Teachers Support Students Who Face Mental Health Challenges?
Schools, colleges, and universities are not collaborating more to deal with these student issues. Some colleges are training their teaching staff as they believe teachers can be the ‘first responders.’ Some experts believe teachers are better suited to identify mental health challenges in students.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, most colleges and universities switched to online studies. The impact of teachers as first responders increased because they were the only people from universities and colleges who were in contact with students.
After noticing these trends, universities in the United States are focusing on basic training of teachers so that they can identify and help students. With these trainings, the colleges and universities expect that the teachers can identify and then refer students to psychiatrists.
What Can Parents Do to Help Students Who are Struggling with Mental Health Challenges?
Parents can play a vital role in providing support to students. Research shows that about 75% of students who are facing mental health issues do not discuss it with anyone. In such conditions, parents can identify mental health issues with their children by just enquiring about their routine life.
Notice if your child is showing signs like lack of sleep or too much sleep and not taking interest in certain activities in which he used to take interest. Talk to them. Do not worry about how they react to your questions. Talk to them if they have self-harm or suicidal thoughts. This will help you understand their mental state, and then you will be in a better position to consult a professional.
Conclusion
It is important for any society to take care of its young. Especially when the young are vulnerable. We know that our students are struggling on so many fronts. We can better help them if we try to talk to them and provide them opportunities so that they can talk to us openly without any hesitation or fear.
Join Edison College’s Community Support Worker diploma
Edison College offers a 30-week diploma in Community Support Worker: Addictions & Mental Health Specialization. This diploma is completely online, and it provides a solid understanding and skills to effectively manage clients who need help in substance abuse and other such services. The graduates of this diploma can work in shelter homes, mental health organizations, substance abuse centres, school boards, and other such areas. The health care industry in Canada is growing, and the job opportunities for community support workers are also expected to increase in the future. To support its graduates, Edison College also offers career support, including job placements. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact us today to learn more.
Read more industry-related blogs here.
Pictures by Freepik
