Barakat Oyekan
Mental health is a subject that continues to attract growing concern and attention especially for the young ones. According to Forbes Health, 18-25 age group experiences the highest rate of mental health issues. University students typically fall into this age bracket. University environment often is a blend of self-discovery and academic growth. Life in a university, however, encompasses a range of stressors that can take their toll on students’ well-being.
The challenges of living up to ‘standard’ is Lagos state university
Lagos State university (LASU) students experience different levels of mental stress. Some students are under enormous pressure to perform well academically. LASU is known for its demanding academic programs. Pursuing academic excellence, high academic standards, and demanding workloads can intensify stress, anxiety, and burnout. “School came like a storm in my face. The workload is crazy. Having to give equal focus to different courses and sometimes from different departments is not easy. It affected me. I could not handle everything together. My academic life is in tatters” Deji (Not his real name), a 300-level political science student revealed.
Another kind of stress within the LASU environment is the persistent dread of failure among students. This is often detrimental to the mental well-being and sense of worth of the students. Progress and success in Nigeria is measured by academic grade. Performance anxiety is also made worse due to the intense fear of failure. “I am always anxious about my academic performance. I don’t want to fail, so I am always on my toes, thinking about how not to fail. I get scared sometimes and it affects me” Esther, a 300- level history student revealed.
Isolation in a Connected World
While social media and internet connectivity have opened up channels for communication, they can also make students feel more alone. On social media, comparing yourself to others all the time might make you feel inadequate and alter your perception of reality. Particularly for individuals who have trouble fitting in with the university society, the need to make friends and maintain an active social life can add to students’ emotional burdens.
Transition Challenges: Navigating Change and Uncertainty
For some students, university environments represent a transitional point of a new independent life. This period is characterized by rapid changes in both the body and mind. Leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and family can be a difficult experience, and adjusting to new routines, academic expectations, and increased personal responsibilities can be overwhelming for even the most resilient people.
“The university is another world entirely. When I started three years ago, it was challenging, especially with regards to taking responsibility for my life all by myself. My parents are not here to guide me or tell me what to do. Having to make decisions myself, focus on my studies and be disciplined was challenging, but I just had to adapt, albeit difficult, said David Maduabuchi, a 400-level student of mathematics education.
Experts weigh in
Mr. Toluwalase Adekoya, a lecturer from the department of psychology gives solution to these issues “Academic demands and performance anxiety can have a profound impact on students’ well-being. The pressure to excel academically, combined with demanding workloads, and even fear of lecturers can lead to stress and burnout. Coping strategies should involve time management, seeking academic support when needed, setting realistic goals, and practicing self-compassion. Mindfulness techniques and professional counseling can also be effective in managing these challenges.” he said
Toluwalase Adekoya
With regards to social media and isolation challenge, Dr Olaleye Arinola, another lecturer from the department of psychology proffers solutions to this challenge “Social media can contribute to mental health issues among university students by fostering constant comparison and unrealistic standards. My advice to students dealing with feelings of isolation is to cultivate a healthy relationship with social media by limiting screen time, curating their online environment with positive content, and seeking real-world social interactions to counteract the effects of digital isolation. Building genuine connections with peers can help alleviate feelings of loneliness.” He said
On changes and navigating uncertainties, Mr Adekoya proffered professional solutions to deal with this. He said: “Transitioning to university life can indeed be challenging. To better navigate this transition and manage associated stressors, students should focus on building a support network, seeking guidance from academic advisors, and participating in campus activities to foster connections.
Developing effective time-management skills, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and practicing self-care are essential components of successfully adapting to the new university environment. Students should also start attending events that will help them cope, especially the ones organized by the counseling unit of the university. I am aware of some of these activities specifically for freshers” he said.
Photo credit(healthcentral and lasu website)
