The attainment of high-quality education remains a primary goal for many students in every part of the world. Unfortunately, mental health is a major challenge that affects learners in universities. One of the conditions affecting these individuals is depression. Since they are usually in a crucial stage in their lives, the onset of this problem makes it impossible for them to lead high-quality lives or pursue their career objectives successfully. This cause and effect examines the nature of this mental health issue, its potential causes, the outstanding impacts, and the best strategies to help the affected individuals.
Background
Past scholars have focused on the prevalence of various mental challenges among learners in different institutions. A study by Joseph (2019) revealed that the aspects of health among students were poorer in comparison with those of the general public. The percentage of troubled and depressed individuals in institutions of higher learning is around 30.6 percent (Jiang, Li, Chen, & Chen, 2015). However, some universities have more students why affected the most by this problem than others. Individuals in this stage of life have to make timely decisions and pursue their unique goals in life diligently. Different stakeholders take the mental health concerns of these students seriously in order to ensure that they achieve their potential.
Causes
The causes of depression in this at risk population will differ significantly from one individual to another. However, there are specific attributes or factors that increase the prevalence of this health issue in different universities. Firstly, learners are expected to handle complex academic tasks, engage in class discussions, and complete their assignments in a timely manner. They should follow all academic policies and ensure that their actions are in accordance with the outlined codes of ethics (Jiang et al., 2015). However, these requirements result in tremendous pressures, thereby making it hard for many students to cope. Secondly, cases of discrimination have continued to be reported in different institutions in the United States and across the globe. For instance, Wahed and Hassan (2019) indicate that many students from poor backgrounds or ethnic minorities are viewed as arrogant or incapable of completing their tasks successfully. This form of discrimination has remained a major risk factor for depression in many universities. Thirdly, the issue of economy remains a leading determinant or cause of stress in learning institutions. More often than not, students are required to stay in school to pursue their academic goals successfully. Unfortunately, most of these individuals lack adequate financial support from their parents, sponsors, or guardians. Sometimes funds might be delayed, thereby making it impossible for them to pursue their goals.
Fourthly, students are known to establish or form new relationships with their counterparts or classmates. Although some of these unions might remain healthy, some of them will encounter diverse challenges or problems. A good example is when a partner decides to end the affair without providing convincing reasons. The end result is that one of them will experience numerous challenges while trying to accept the new reality (Ngin et al., 2018). Fifthly, university students are supposed to make complex decisions regarding their career aims and future expectations in their lives. These requirements force them to make wrong choices, thus being unable to achieve their objectives. The available counselling and guidance services might not be adequate or capable of meeting the needs of these individuals. Some learners from minority backgrounds might be affected the most since they find it hard to receive high-quality support (Landow, 2006). Those from troubled families will be forced to seek help or guidance elsewhere. When these resources are unavailable, chances are high that the students will become more depressed.
Possible Effects
When students encounter most of the above challenges, they will record increased stress levels and be unable to pursue their goals in life. Depression will usually manifest in different ways depending on the nature of the affected person. Some of the possible impacts include lack of adequate sleep and poor eating habits. Anorexia has also become common among depressed young women who might be unable to pursue their career or life choices (Wahed & Hassan, 2019). The greatest majority of the affected individuals in different universities will be unable to take good care of their bodies and living rooms. The area of academic performance will be affected significantly since the most of these learners will be unable to concentrate or focus on the presented instructions. They will be unable to complete assignments in a timely manner or make desirable decisions. When the situation worsens, most of these victims will opt to quit school, destroy their relationships, and even fail to establish meaningful relationships with others. The end result is that such individuals will find it hard to focus on their aims in life. If the situation worsens, chances are high that the victims will develop suicidal thoughts and even attempt to kill or maim others. Some might go a step further to engage in substance abuse or become alcoholic (Ngin et al., 2018). These new problems or malpractices complicate the situation and make it hard for them to recover. The final outcome is that the affected individuals might record additional mental health and physical complications. These additional challenges will eventually require new support or immediate empowerment.
Recommended Solutions
An evidence-based model is essential to support and meet the needs of students who are affected by this mental health problem. The approach should be personalized if more learners are to receive high-quality care. Firstly, those in schools should benefit from adequate financial support, guidance, counselling, and reasonable academic schedules. Secondly, those who have started to show signs of depression should be monitored and counselled (Joseph, 2019). Institutions can hire skilled professionals to monitor or identify those who are at risk and offer personalized care and empowerment. If some learners have become troubled due to this problem, it would be appropriate to offer appropriate medications and social support in order to continue focusing on their aims in life. The government can also consider superior policies and incentives that have the potential to meet the needs of more learners in different universities and guide them to achieve their potential.
Conclusion
The above discussion has identified depression as a major problem that many university students have to go through. Many institutions lack adequate resources and social support systems to meet the needs of these individuals. The absence of funds, strained relationships, troubled families, and cases of discrimination are some of the leading contributors or causes of depression. The affected individuals eventually quit school, become alcoholic, or failure to achieve their academic goals. Some might fail to make appropriate decisions in their lives. The introduction of appropriate support and empowerment will meet the needs of this at risk population.
References
Jiang, C. X., Li, Z. Z., Chen, P., & Chen, L. Z. (2015). Prevalence of depression among college-goers in mainland China: A methodical evaluation and meta-analysis. Medicine, 94(50), e2071.
Joseph, S. (2019). Depression, anxiety rising among U.S. college students. Reuters. Web.
Landow, M. V. (Ed.). (2006). Stress and mental health of college students. New York, NY: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Ngin, C., Pal, K., Tuot, S., Chhoun, P., Yi, R., & Yi, S. (2018). Social and behavioural factors associated with depressive symptoms among university students in Cambodia: A cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 8(9), e019918.
Wahed, W. Y. A., & Hassan, S. K. (2019). Prevalence and associated factors of stress, anxiety and depression among medical Fayoum University students. Alexandria Journal of Medicine, 53(1), 77-84.