By Khadijat Ogido
MATT HAIG an English author and journalist said “mental health problems don’t define who you are ,they are something we experience, you walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain. Therefore, student who experience any symptoms of mental issues should not panic, and always make sure to seek advised and help or talk to someone and don’t keep things to themselves.
As a student, maintaining a good health is essential in every day of our life. Our wellbeing is a holistic journey that integrates physical, mental, and emotional health. Mental health is a cornerstone of our overall wellbeing, though many students often overlooked. Mental health problems can affect a student’s energy level, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism, which hinder their performance. Student consider symptoms like Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychotics, and mood swings as normal experience which often lead to mental illness.
According to mental health research conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in four students has a diagnosable mental illness. “A lot of pressure from parents, Stress from exams, the pressure of getting good grades in university. These aspects destroy the inner peace of students. In a world where stress and fast-paced demands are commonplace, prioritizing self-care and balanced living can significantly impact health and happiness. However, the case is often different for most students. The stress of pursuing academic excellence at times lead to the neglection of their health. In order to pass their exam, most students stay up late, Reading for more that 16 hours a day, some stays without taking proper care of their diet which have resulted in mental, physical and psychological problem among students.
Mental health is important at every stage of life from childhood to adolescence then to adulthood. there are several causes of mental health illness on students which stain from depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder etc. most students on campus experience some of these problems but always down play it as usual feeling.
A level three architectural student of Bayero university kano (BUK), Amina Abubakar narrated her experience on how school activities been hard on her and how it affects her mentally. In her word, “ being a student is not easy, because I have to go to lecture, doing test, assignment and presentation. most at times, if I come back from school, I will be having serious headache. something, the headache last for more than two days and i won’t be able to eat or sleep”.
Similarly, Maryam Jibrin a student of economics department also lamented about the price of being a student. she said, “being a student, trying to get good grades, maintaining social relationships and trying to cope with the current hardship is on another level because it’s really affecting most students in many ways. At times student feel depressed, stress out. Some students will even lock their self inside and don’t want to talk to anybody and when u ask them what is wrong them, they will say they are fine”.
Consequently, Mental health issues among students has significant affect in their academic performance. social relationships, behavioural issues, physical health, lack of concentration, insomnia (having difficult with sleeping) and others problem which might affect students physically, mentally and psychologically.
MATT HAIG an English author and journalist said “mental health problems don’t define who you are ,they are something we experience, you walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain. Therefore, student who experience any symptoms of mental issues should not panic, and always make sure to seek advised and help or talk to someone and don’t keep things to themselves.
In conclusion, since academic stress is a most for students to pass through, the University authority should help in creating enabling environment that will enable the students study. By building a counseling hall for students to go to when they feel depressed. also, family and friends should not leave their love one alone without checking up on them. As this might lead to them feeling alienated. Student should engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation, eat on time, take a break give yourself time to rest, exercise and make sure to be healthy. Health is wealth. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it . Your mental health matter and seeking help is a sign of strength not weakness.
Khadijat Ogido is a Public Affairs Analyst.
