10 most common student mental health problems
Is it a problem? – yes, a very significant one.
Students are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, as 75 per cent of mental health problems are established by the age of 25 years. Common mental health issues for students include anxiety, depression, and suicidal feelings (see below).
A 2021 survey found that 37% of first-year students in England reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, which is 25% higher than the average for 16-29-year-olds. – i.e. they are very common. A 2023 study found that mental health problems among university students in the UK have almost tripled in recent years.
We will now describe the 10 most common student mental health problems.
1. Depression
With the pressure of students exams and life, it is not surprising depression occurs in young people. It is a mood disorder that includes persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed, and hopelessness. You may also be unable to sleep, lose your appetite, and have unexplained pain or weight loss.
2. Anxiety (and panic attacks)
Anxiety and panic attacks (a feature of anxiety) also common in students for the same reasons. Anxiety is a common feeling, that is normal and part of human life. But it can be harmful when it continues for a long time.
It is defined as unreasonable fear about things, and is then it is a disease. It presents as persistent feelings of fear, worry, panic, and tension. It disrupts normal life.
3. Stress
Though not as bad as true anxiety, stress is common; often relating to academic pressures, financial concerns, and personal relationships.
Students today spend more time studying and are under increased pressure to maintain good grades.
4. Eating disorders
Anorexia, bulimia, eating too much and/or and binge-eating can start in student life. Why? Eating habits change, and you become over focused on your body’s shape or image. Many students go to the gym now to build muscles and alter their self-image.
5. Drug and alcohol addiction
Students may use recreational drugs and alcohol excessively, which can lead to mental health problems. Addiction is a psychological and physical dependence.
6. Schizophrenia
This is a chronic mental health disease that causes a range of varied psychological symptoms. It is a form of psychosis, which means its is a major mental illness. It quite often comes on when people are in their 20s – so can come on at university.
Symptoms include:
- Thought disturbance – skipping from one idea to another
- Withdrawal from contact – with other people
- Paranoia – i.e. believing other people or the world is out to get you
- Delusions – i.e. believing in things that are not true
- Hallucinations -i.e. hearing or seeing things that do not exist.
Misconceptions
The idea that people with schizophrenia have a split or dual personality is totally untrue. It would be more accurate to say that people with schizophrenia have a disturbed mind with typical symptoms above.
Another misconception is that people who have the condition are violent. This is also rarely true. A person with schizophrenia (or any form of psychosis) is far more likely to be the victim of violent crime than the instigator.
7. Sleep
Twenty percent of university students report that sleep difficulties affect academic performance.
8. Loneliness
Can be a precursor to more serious physical and mental problems. Loneliness can cause students to develop psychiatric disorders, lead them to abuse alcohol or drugs, experience sleep problems, and more.
Team sports and activities are important to avoid this issue. Join lots of clubs!
9. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Following exposure to a traumatic event.
10. Suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts can occur with most of the illnesses above (especially depression and schizophrenia) and are a mental health crisis. They should always be taken seriously and urgent mental healthcare sought. How?
If you are feeling suicidal, go to A&E
Causes of mental health illness in students
The following can be triggers for all the illnesses described below:
- Living independently for the first time, and accommodation concerns
- Managing an increased workload without help
- Additional work (job) responsibilities
- Culture shock, language barriers, and being homesick
- High cost of studying and debt
- Increasingly competitive job market.
Summary
We have described 10 most common student mental health problems. We hope it has helped you.
Other resource
Student mental health (House of Commons Library, Sept 2024)
10 common student health problems
