As I sit in the bustling campus café , nursing a lukewarm cup of coffee, I can’t help but reflect on the relentless pressure of university life. The demanding course load, the never-ending stream of assignments, and the struggle to maintain even a semblance of a social life – it’s all taking a serious toll on my mental health.
I’m not the only one feeling this way. My friend Tonny, a fellow student, has been grappling with similar challenges. “Sometimes, it feels like we’re just expected to power through, no matter the cost,” he confesses, his brow furrowed with concern.
Recent studies have revealed a staggering surge in anxiety and depression among college students, with some campuses reporting a 30 per cent increase in demand for mental health services. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this crisis, leaving many of us feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and utterly drained.
“The truth is, I can’t perform at my best if I’m constantly running on empty,” Tonny continues, his voice tinged with frustration. “Our mental health is the foundation upon which we build our futures – if we don’t address it, the consequences could be devastating.”
Yet, the stigma around mental health issues remains pervasive. Many students, like me, are hesitant to seek help, fearful of being seen as “weak” or “incapable.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this crisis, leaving so many of us feeling isolated and drained,” Tonny interjects. “We’re expected to juggle so much – academic demands, extracurricular activities, the challenges of emerging adulthood – all while navigating the fallout of a global health crisis. It’s a perfect storm of stress and pressure.”
READ ALSO:
That’s why it’s so crucial for universities to prioritize student well-being alongside academic achievement, Tonny argues. “We need robust campus support services – counselling centers, peer-to-peer groups, and the like – that are accessible and destigmatized. But it can’t just be the institution’s responsibility.”
I nod in agreement, chiming in, “We all have a role to play in creating a culture where it’s not just acceptable, but encouraged, for students to take the time they need to recharge and address their mental health concerns. It’s going to take a collaborative effort from universities, policymakers, and the broader community to make meaningful change.”
Tonny’s eyes light up with conviction as he continues, “The stakes are too high to ignore this crisis. If we don’t act now, the consequences could be catastrophic – not just for us as individuals, but for the future of higher education as a whole.”
Mental health care is not just a personal issue, but a societal one. Investing in comprehensive mental health support for students can have far-reaching benefits, not only improving academic outcomes but also fostering more resilient, healthy, and engaged citizens. By prioritizing mental well-being, we can empower the next generation to thrive, both in their studies and in their lives beyond the campus walls.
I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration bubbling up as well. This is a critical issue that demands urgent attention and action. “The data is clear – the campus mental health crisis is spiraling out of control, and we simply can’t continue to ignore it,” I declare.
Tonny nods in agreement, underscoring the gravity of the situation. “Universities, policymakers, and the broader community must come together to address this issue head-on. We need to destigmatize mental health, provide robust support services, and foster a culture wlihere student well-being is truly prioritized.”
As we finish our discussion, the weight of our words underscores the urgency of this crucial issue. The campus mental health crisis has reached a tipping point, and the stakes have never been higher. Universities, policymakers, and the broader community must come together to tackle this challenge head-on, lest the consequences become too dire to ignore.
By Tonny Kyule
Tonny Kyule is a student at Rongo University in Migori County
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
