Research indicates a significant rise in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among university students globally, exacerbated by COVID-19 remote learning and social media exposure.
Recent studies have shown alarming trends in the mental health of university students worldwide, with many experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. A research team led by André Mason published findings in the 'Journal of Psychiatric Research' indicating that these mental health issues have surged among students over the past decade. A survey conducted among over 72,000 first-year university students across 18 countries revealed that nearly two-thirds reported having experienced at least one mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Women were found to have higher rates of internalizing disorders such as depression and anxiety, whereas men showed higher rates of substance use disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The World Health Organization (WHO) also highlighted in a report the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders among individuals aged 20 to 29, attributing the rise to various stressors faced by university students, including peer and family relationships, financial issues, time management, and maintaining healthy lifestyles. These stressors, compounded by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in delays in learning due to remote education and the overexposure to crisis news on social media, have contributed significantly to a deterioration in mental health among this demographic.
Despite the urgent need for mental health support, research indicates that only a small percentage of students seek help, with a study analyzing 62 research papers finding that just 28% of those needing support actually received it. The disparity is stark between high-income and low- to middle-income countries, where only 14% of students in the latter receive help. Comparative studies from Brazil, Canada, and the UK align with these findings, pointing to ongoing mental health challenges amongst students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, emphasizing the necessity for improved access and resources for mental health support in universities, especially in lower-income regions.
