**”Alarming Figures Unveil Crisis in Student Mental Health”**
Image: A young woman college student in a library with a book covering her face, appearing fatigued from reading. – Thanumporn Thongkongkaew // Shutterstock
The Impact of Stress on Student Mental Health: By the Numbers
Stress is a common experience among students, particularly those in college. A study supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) surveyed over 20,000 first-year students in nine countries and found that 93.7% experienced stress in at least one significant area such as finances, health, relationships, family, academics, or personal issues. While often viewed as a normal part of student life, stress in college can have serious consequences. Data from the WHO study revealed that higher stress levels were linked to an increased likelihood of developing mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Additionally, research indicated that various stressors such as academic pressure, family issues, extracurricular commitments, and financial concerns directly affected students’ mental well-being, with academic and family pressures having particularly strong negative effects. Consequently, unaddressed student stress can lead to long-term emotional and psychological difficulties. These findings emphasize the importance of early intervention to prevent adverse impacts on students’ health, academic performance, and relationships.
To delve deeper into the relationship between student stress and mental health, Charlie Health examined data on how common stressors affect students’ well-being and which mental health conditions are exacerbated by stress. The report also offers practical tips on managing stress effectively.
Academic Stress and its Impact on Mental Well-Being in College Students, with a Focus on Nonbinary Individuals
It is unsurprising that academic stress significantly influences the mental well-being of college students. A study involving over 840 students in 2022 revealed a notable relationship between academic stress and mental well-being, with a correlation coefficient of 0.53 indicating a moderate to strong connection. The study showed that as perceived academic stress, as measured by the Perception of Academic Stress Scale (PAS), increased, mental well-being, assessed using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS), decreased.
The effects of academic stress varied among students, with nonbinary individuals reporting the highest levels of academic stress (average PAS score of 70.5) and the lowest mental well-being (average SWEMWBS score of 17.2). In contrast, male students reported the lowest academic stress (average PAS score of 63.9) and the highest mental well-being (average SWEMWBS score of 21.4). Female students fell in between, with an average PAS score of 67.2 and an average SWEMWBS score of 18.9. These distinctions underscore the significantly higher academic stress and poorer mental health experienced by nonbinary students compared to their male and female counterparts.
A Feedback Loop Between Academic Stress and Depression Among College Students
Academic stress not only impacts
Mental Health
Apart from academics, research indicates that family and familial issues consistently contribute to stress among students. A study conducted in 2022 revealed that while both academic stress and family-related stress play a role in depression, the impact of family stress on depression is more pronounced and statistically significant.
Furthermore, data from a 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) initiative showed that over half of the participants (56.7%) experienced mild stress in their family relationships. This stress was associated with four mental health conditions, with the strongest link (43.9%) found in borderline personality disorder (BPD) compared to other stress factors.
The adverse effects of stress on mental health can manifest as early as high school for some students. Many high school students grapple with chronic stress, which can impact their academic performance, mental well-being, and behavior, often extending into their college years. A study carried out by NYU researchers in 2015 revealed that nearly half of high school students surveyed (49%) reported experiencing significant stress on a daily basis. Female students reported higher rates of daily stress (60%) compared to male students (41%). Homework emerged as a common stressor, with almost half (48%) of students spending at least three hours on homework each night (with girls typically spending more time than boys).
The study highlighted that stress persisted into college, potentially resulting in disengagement and mental health challenges. Students mentioned employing coping mechanisms such as sports, exercise, and planning, but also acknowledged emotional exhaustion and substance use as common responses to ongoing stress during their college years.
How to Manage Student Stress
Juggling school, extracurricular activities, and social commitments can be overwhelming, but there are strategies to help you navigate stress and safeguard your mental well-being. Here are three practical tips for dealing with academic pressure:
Establish Boundaries
Maintaining a healthy balance between schoolwork and personal time is crucial. Consider creating a study schedule, incorporating regular breaks, and avoiding last-minute cramming. Learning to decline additional responsibilities can also prevent burnout.
Prioritize Self-Care
Looking after yourself is as essential as staying on top of assignments. Ensure you get sufficient rest, consume nutritious meals, and make time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether that involves working out, listening to music, or spending time with friends.
Seek Support
If school-related stress becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Reach out to a teacher, school counselor, or a trusted friend. Should you require additional support, professional mental health services can provide valuable help.
This article was created by Charlie Health, reviewed, and shared by Stacker.
