Section outline

  • Jo (depression and anxiety)

    • Diagnosed with depression and anxiety
    • Hesitant to contribute to seminars or tutorials; feels out of their depth
    • Fears participating in group activities and projects will show themselves as incompetent to classmates
    • Feels dissatisfied with work creating a cycle of low-motivation

    • Anxiety PDF (download) File PDF

    • Depression and Anxiety in Higher Education

      Depression and anxiety are significant concerns for higher education students, with research indicating that students may face an increased risk compared to their non-student peers, although this difference may decrease over time. These issues are influenced by factors like academic pressure, financial stress, social isolation, and the transition to independent living, and they can negatively impact academic performance and overall well-being. UK Universities offer various resources, such as counseling services, which can help students manage these challenges. 
       

      Prevalence and risk factors

      • Higher risk: Some studies indicate that students have a higher risk of depression and anxiety compared to non-students of the same age.
      • Contributing factors:
        • Academic pressure: Higher demands, high workloads, and the fear of low grades contribute to stress.
        • Financial stress: Financial difficulties are a significant concern, with some research showing a rise in students citing financial distress when considering dropping out. University fees are high in the UK, and when you add to that the cost of accomodation and living it is easy to see how financial stress can arise.
        • Social and lifestyle changes: Moving away from home, making new friends, and adjusting to a new routine can be stressful for some.
        • Increased responsibilities: Students face new responsibilities such as time and financial management, which can be overwhelming. 
       

      Impact on students

      • Academic performance: Mental health issues can lead to reduced academic engagement, lower grades, and an increased intention to drop out.
      • Overall well-being: The transition to higher education can be a challenging period, impacting a student's overall well-being if they are not adequately supported.
      • Severe consequences: In some cases, mental health problems can lead to more severe consequences, such as suicidal ideation, if left untreated. 
       

      How students can get support 

      • University counseling services: Many universities provide free counseling services that students can utilize for support.
      • Campus resources: Students are encouraged to take advantage of all available mental health and support resources on campus.
      • Social support: Building relationships with peers and connecting with others can help create a support system.
      • Hobbies and self-care: Maintaining hobbies and making time for enjoyable activities can be valuable for mental well-being. 

    • Case Study - NTU Mental Health Support

      At NTU we have dedicated teams and support staff to help with stdent mental health issues.

      If you have a mental health condition that affects your studies, there's a range of support and advice at NTU to help you manage university life. NTU  are proud to hold a University Mental Health Charter Award which recognises the commitment an institution has shown towards continuous improvement in the area of mental health and wellbeing.

      Mental Health team services

      The Mental Health Mentoring and Access team (MHMA) at NTU support applicants who declare a diagnosed mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, or bi-polar disorder.

      We offer specialist mentoring support to remove barriers to study for students with mental health difficulties. This support is funded through Disabled Students' Allowances and is provided through a mix of internal support and external agency support.

      They work with students on areas such as:

      • anxiety, depression and other mental health difficulties
      • concentration and memory difficulties
      • motivation
      • organisation and time management.

      They can also:

      • support students in applying for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) which funds one-to-one Specialist Mentoring and in some cases IT equipment and books
      • help to agree institutional support through an Access Statement
      • help you explain your needs to your tutor
      • recommend alternative arrangements for examinations and other assessments
      • assist you in planning a realistic way to study and formulating plans that structure the approach to the work
      • advise on maintaining a healthy balance of other elements in life
      • liaise with Student Financial Services regarding funding issues.

      Self-help and advice

      SilverCloud is an online system provided by NTU to its students and staff, designed to help with a range of mental health issues. The content is motivational, easy to use, interactive and relevant to students. It can be especially helpful if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress or eating issues.

      NTU's StudentHub also has a wealth of information, resources and advice. There are useful sections on:

      • Making Friends, getting involved, and loneliness
      • University related stress
      • Eating disorders
      • Sleep
      • Loss and grief
      • Suicide prevention
    • Content originally developed as part of the DiversAsia project,
      as part of the European Union's Erasmus+ programme.

      DiversAsia logo

      https://diversasia-accessible-he.eu