The alarming rise of mental illness among students in varsities has become an oppressive issue that cannot be ignored.
Mental illness stems from various causes including trauma, financial stress, isolation, loss of loved ones, academic pressure which might pose significant threat such as suicide, anxiety and depression, among others.
It is vital that the government and institutions take a decisive action to address this critical issue and prioritize the mental health of students.
Firstly, it’s essential for the institution to ensure provision of counselling services. Guiding and counselling services could help students by ensuring that issues affecting them are dealt with before it’s too late, hence saving lives.
Secondly, peer group support. Peer group support is also among the ways of dealing with mental illness since students know each other and understand their colleagues better. Students can help one another by seeking help in case of any sign of mental illness and reducing the rate of suicide among varsity students.
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
Stakeholders call for measures to address mental health among varsity students
Institutions should ensure they encourage students by inviting motivational speakers and also through talks or blogs using social media platforms such as WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages of the institution and through newspapers. Students should be given a chance to speak their minds therefore aid them vent out their grievances.
In addition, collaboration among different stakeholders such as government to provide part time work so as students from vulnerable family can earn a living. Through culture of care and support, stigma around mental health can be reduced and therefore deter unnecessary loss of life.
Lastly, education and awareness. Promotion of awareness and education can be a shared responsibility for everyone around the university. Institutions can form clubs which could therefore help reduce mental health by making people around aware of the signs of mental illness and how to handle them.
In conclusion, the alarming incidents of mental illness underscores the urgent need for action. Implementing these measures comprehensively could help reduce rise of mental illness.
By Faith Oloo
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
