Universities are supposed to be places of growth, but for many students, they’re a source of anxiety, stress, and silence. The OXFORD CBT 2024 revealed that there has been a notable increase in university students reporting mental health conditions.
In response, many universities are taking actions to address this issue. Newcastle University’s society holds weekly mental health awareness talks and university actively participates in University Mental Health Day every March, aiming to make mental health a university-wide priority.
Despite these efforts, stigma remains a significant barrier, preventing some students from seeking help. So, what’s behind this crisis?
What’s behind the mental health crisis?
University is often seen as a time for personal growth, learning, and independence. However, it also comes with tremendous pressures, leading to mental health challenges. Below are some factors:
- Financial burden and academic pressure:
For many students, financial pressure is one of the biggest contributors to mental health issues. University students face financial burdens, including tuition fees, living costs, and student debt.
According to the Experian 2024, 78% university students in the UK admitted that money worries cause them significant stress. They are taking on more debt than ever before, leading them to avoid some things.
Hiuyee Cheng, a final year student at Newcastle University, said: “The financial pressure often made me avoid socialising, which prevented me from connecting with my friends. Sometimes, I felt lonely.”
She added, “I worked part-time to maintain a decent standard of living. It’s hard for me to balance work and study. If I focused on studying, I couldn’t relieve the financial pressure. And if I prioritize working, my study will be influenced.”
2. Social media influence:
Social media is a double-edged sword in students’ lives. On the one hand, it provides a platform to raise mental health awareness. On the other hand, it exposes students to unrealistic expectations and negative influences.
Tracy Calnan, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist from Vita Health Group, explained: “Almost every university student uses social media. People constantly compare themselves with others’ seemingly perfect lives, like the number of likes, the exciting events. This adds to anxiety and self-doubt.”
A 2023 study by the National Library of Medicine exploring the impact of social media on anxiety among UK university students pointed out that the rapid growth of social media platforms has a huge impact on anxiety, especially among university students. This generation has witnessed the rise of social media and now lives deeply immersed in it.
“The pace of change on social media is incredibly fast. Students may fear missing out on these events, which will cause them greater pressure and loneliness”, Calnan added. Newcastle University was approached to comment on this story but declined to respond.
How stigma formed and what’s the influence of stigma?
The stigma surrounding mental health is deeply rooted in history, society, and culture. This stigma often prevents students from openly discussing their struggles.
Adam Turnbull, a therapist from Vita Health Group, said: “Mental health struggles are often seen as a sign of weakness, leading people to suffer in silence and delay seeking help. This misunderstanding can worsen the problem, resulting in longer-lasting and more severe mental health conditions.”
Due to societal fear and misunderstanding, mental health conditions were often misunderstood and hidden. According to the Mental Health Foundation, stigma usually stems from a lack of understanding or fear of mental illness, leading to stereotypes about mental health.
Media plays a big role in disseminating information. But when it comes to mental illness, the media may be inaccurate and misleading, reinforcing negative stereotypes about mental health.
The Very Well Mind 2025 shows that media descriptions of mental health often continue the stigmatization. Media always focus on the individual with mental illness rather than on what might have led to the situation.
Why it’s important for students to develop mental health awareness?
Raising mental health awareness can help college students identify early symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other problems so they can seek help in time.
An Access article 2024 shows that “when students are aware of the importance of mental health, it will be more conducive to improving student retention, academic success, and overall quality of life. It will also help universities and students strengthen communication, and universities will realize how to effectively provide support and create a better environment for students.”
“Exactly, when I realized that feeling overwhelmed was normal, I began to reach out for help. It made me feel less alone”, Cheng said.
Turnbull said: “When more students participate in mental health conversations, seeking help will no longer be seen as weakness but rather a sign of courage and self-care, which can also help reduce stigma. Greater awareness leads to better self-care, a healthier balance in handling pressures, and improved academic performance.”
Disclaimer:
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