How to help students cope with mental health challenges

As a well-being and confidence expert, I have had the privilege of working closely with students and young adults navigating the challenges of higher education. College, a time often romanticised as the best years of one’s life, can unexpectedly become a source of stress, anxiety, and mental health issues. Students often find themselves overwhelmed by the need to make important decisions. Additionally, academic demands and social pressures make it challenging for them to manage everything effectively. Here we look into the common concerns of college students and provide practical solutions to help, protect and improve their mental well-being.

● Understanding the pressure

One of the primary stressors for college students is the monumental decisions they face when choosing their courses and universities. The fear of making the wrong choices can be overwhelming, leading many to experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety. It is crucial to recognise that these decisions need not be definitive; they are stepping stones on the path to self-discovery.

Solution: Embracing flexibility and exploration

Encourage students to view their academic journey as a dynamic exploration rather than a rigid roadmap. They should feel empowered to embrace change and modify their course selections, if needed. Universities often provide resources such as career counselling services that can guide students in aligning their interests with their academic pursuits, building confidence in their chosen path.

● Navigating the academic maze

The academic demands of college life, including exams and coursework deadlines, contribute significantly to student stress. The fear of failure and the relentless pursuit of perfection can take a toll on mental health and push students to the brink of burnout.

Solution: Time management and mindfulness

Educate students on effective time management strategies to alleviate the burden of deadlines. Encourage them to break down tasks into manageable chunks, prioritising their workload. Additionally, promoting mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can empower students to navigate the academic maze with a calm and focused mind.

● Conquering the fear of the unknown future

The uncertainty of what lies beyond graduation often haunts the minds of college students. The pressure to secure a job, repay student loans, and embark on a successful career can contribute to a pervasive sense of anxiety.

Solution: Career guidance and goal setting

Universities should prioritise career counselling services to assist students in setting realistic goals and planning for the future. Offering internships, workshops, and networking events can provide invaluable insights into various career paths, empowering students to make informed decisions about their professional journey.

● Promoting a holistic approach to well-being

In addressing these concerns, it is imperative to emphasise the importance of a holistic approach to well-being. Mental health is intrinsically connected to physical health, and creating a balance between the two is essential for overall resilience.

Solution: Integrating physical activity and mental health services

Encourage students to engage in regular physical activity, as it has been proven to have positive effects on mental health. Universities should provide access to recreational facilities and organise fitness classes to promote a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, mental health services should be readily available, destigmatising seeking help and providing students with the resources they need to navigate mental health challenges.

Safeguarding the mental health of college students is a collective responsibility and requires a collaborative effort from universities, educators, parents and students themselves. By acknowledging the common concerns students face and implementing practical solutions, we can create an environment that nurtures not only academic excellence but also resilient and confident individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

By equipping students with the essential tools, our goal is not just to help them get through, but to enable them to flourish during this pivotal phase of their lives. After all, the well-being of our students today plays a crucial role in shaping the future leaders and contributors to our world. ●

The writer is a Dubai-based certified family coach and founder of Nava, a coaching company focused on helping teens and supporting parents in the process