Mental health struggles among university students

For many students in Kenya, the transition from high school to university comes with newfound freedom but also more responsibilities. The struggle to balance coursework, part-time jobs, and personal life can be overwhelming to a common comrade who is struggling with financial struggles.

Jane, a second-year student at Chuka University, recalls her battle with anxiety. “At one point, I couldn’t sleep or concentrate on my studies. The pressure was too much,” she says. Like many students, Jane found it difficult to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health.

According to a recent study by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), 60% of university students experience significant stress, with 30% showing symptoms of depression. Despite these alarming statistics, mental health services remain inadequate in many institutions. This has led to many university comrades engaging themselves with drug and alcohol abuse. Most of them do this aiming to relieve themselves and reduce stress. They rarely concentrate with their studies and thus leading to dropping out of the institutions.

Universities and policymakers must prioritize mental health by introducing counseling programs, awareness campaigns, and peer support groups. Parents and educators must also play a role in encouraging open discussions about mental well-being of their sons and daughters who are at higher education institutions. This will bring hope and a brighter future to their children.

As society acknowledges the importance of mental health, it is crucial to break the stigma and provide support systems to ensure that students thrive academically and emotionally.