Between Demands and Mental Health
These days, being a university student involves more than just finishing homework and passing tests.
There is a layer of social and emotional pressure that frequently goes unnoticed behind the academic routine.
In addition to achieving academic achievement, students are expected to be constantly productive, involved in groups, and have extensive social networks.
It’s understandable why so many students suffer from anxiety, overwhelm, and even mental health problems.
Regretfully, students tend to hide these problems because they are afraid of being seen as weak or “unable to cope.”
In addition to discussing the negative effects of social and academic pressures on students’ mental health, this article promotes more awareness and proactive efforts to find solutions.
Students themselves should make these efforts in addition to those of the institutions.
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Mental Health: A Real Issue, Yet Low Awareness
In student life, mental health is a significant yet frequently disregarded factor.
The significance of preserving psychological well-being is usually overshadowed by the emphasis on performance, accomplishments, and GPA (Grade Point Average).
Many students think that everything will be alright as long as they can “keep going”, but that isn’t always the case.
A research at a public university found that, according to common measures like the BDI and TMAS, about 29% of students had anxiety disorders and 25% have mild to severe depression.
According to a poll conducted at a Jakarta university, 79.7% of students displayed signs of mental health problems, such as anxiety, PTSD, psychotic symptoms, etc.
This demonstrates how little people know about the value of mental health and how many students have not yet sought professional assistance.
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Pressure from All Directions: Academic, Social, and Psychological
There are three primary mental health concerns that students deal with:
Increasing Academic Pressure
Tight deadlines, piled-up projects, preparing a thesis, internships, and part-time work have all become the norm.
This burden impairs motivation, induces chronic stress, and interferes with sleep cycles.
Social Pressure from Social Media
Students may feel inferior in relation to their friends who seem “successful“.
Feelings of inferiority and excessive overthinking might result from the carefully constructed reality on social media sites, like Instagram and TikTok.
Limited Access and Lack of Safe Spaces to Talk
Counseling services that are accessible to students are still lacking at many campuses.
Not everyone is aware of these services or feels comfortable using them, even when they are available. Even close friends may occasionally be reluctant to share for fear of criticism.
Real Solutions for Student Mental Health
It takes more than simply public appeals to address mental health issues among students.
A more sympathetic stance and tangible steps are required. The following are some potential solutions:
Create Student “Safe Space” Communities
These groups provide an environment for open communication and nonjudgmental listening.
Discussion groups, frequent personal storytelling sessions, or anonymous online forums are some examples of their formats.
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Students Can Feel Much More Connected to Others in Such Settings
1. Campuses Should Be Proactive in Mental Health Education
For instance, including this subject in public lectures or new student introductions, or planning a “Mental Health Week” that includes journaling sessions, relaxation exercises, and open consultations
2. Normalize Stories of Failure and Struggle
Pupils frequently feel pressured to project strength at all times. Sharing failure tales and the highs and lows of human development, however, can actually make people stronger.
These forums for sharing can be facilitated by academic institutions and student organizations.
In Islam, pursuing knowledge is both a collective (fardhu kifayah) and individual (fardhu ‘ain) duty.
“Every Muslim has an obligation to seek knowledge,” stated the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. (Ibn Majah narrates).
This duty extends beyond religious knowledge to include life-improving knowledge, such as an awareness of mental health.
Students can carry out their academic obligations more responsibly and in line with Islamic teachings if they understand how important it is to take care of their mental and emotional health.
The first thing to understand is that it’s acceptable to feel bad. Everybody has their own limitations and capabilities. Avoid contrasting your journey with that of others.
You may take care of your mental health in a few ways:
- Make good use of your time. Establish a daily routine, rank the most critical duties, and make sure to leave enough time for relaxation.
- Be able to say “no”. Don’t pressure yourself to participate in every activity. Pay attention to what is important and within your capabilities.
- Preserve positive social relationships. It can be really beneficial to spend time with friends who are encouraging. Talk about your difficulties; don’t keep anything to yourself.
- Make mental self-checks on a frequent basis. “Am I really okay today?” Ask yourself. If not, look for the reason and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.
- If counseling services are available on campus, take advantage of them.
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Conclusion
Taking care of your mental health is a sign of self-awareness rather than weakness.
Students are human people with feelings and limits, not robots to be evaluated only on their performance or grades.
As a result, both educational institutions and students themselves need to adopt a new perspective.
Campus culture must embrace mental wellness. Let’s start with ourselves: support friends who appear to be having difficulties, speak out when feeling overwhelmed, and take a break when you’re exhausted.
We are all learning how to be strong without disregarding our own emotions, so don’t be scared to ask for support.
From an Islamic standpoint, knowledge serves as a guide to prevent life’s mistakes as well as a tool for achieving material prosperity.
A person who is knowledgeable—both theological and psychological—is better able to set boundaries, practice self-control, and make sensible choices.
As a result, maintaining mental health is also a component of learning new things and carrying out our duties as sane humans.
Writer: Fadhan Al Rasyid
Student Department of Arabic Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka
Supervisor: Muhammad Iman Sastra Mihajat, Ph.D
Editor: Siti Sajidah El-Zahra
Bahasa: Rahmat Al Kafi
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