Why Is Mental Health Important For Students

Imagine a mechanical watch. 

Its beauty lies not just in what you see on the surface—the elegant dial, the polished case, or the smooth sweeping second hand—but inside, are the intricate gears, springs, and jewels hidden within its movement.

If you’re not necessarily familiar with watches, you can often overlook the condition of their movement whether it’s time for a little winding or well-needed service.

Similarly, with mental health, there exists a realm that’s not always visible to the naked eye.

In this blog, we’ll explore why mental health is important for a student’s well-being. We’ll uncover the importance of identifying signs, delve into how mental health can affect students, discuss actionable steps we can take, and shed light on supporting mental health initiatives.

Identifying The Signs

Mental health concerns can often lurk beneath the surface, presenting themselves in subtle ways that may go unnoticed. Students, with their hectic schedules and academic responsibilities, may not always recognize the signs of declining mental health. These signs could manifest as changes in behavior, mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, or a decline in academic performance.

Both students and those around them must be vigilant and attuned to these signals. By recognizing and acknowledging these signs early on, interventions can be implemented to prevent further decline of their mental health.

According to St. Mary’s College of Maryland Wellness Center, here are some early signs of a student’s declining mental health:

Withdrawal from social activities: A student who starts avoiding friends, family, or group activities they previously enjoyed may be struggling with feelings of isolation or anxiety.

Decline in academic performance: A sudden drop in grades or a lack of interest in schoolwork often reflects the difficulty in coping with mental pressures.

Irritability or mood swings: Frequent mood changes, increased frustration, or emotional outbursts can signal underlying emotional distress.

One of the most crucial steps in addressing student mental health is recognizing when to seek expert advice. Students may sometimes be reluctant to express their feelings or admit they are struggling. This reluctance can stem from the stigma associated with mental health issues or the belief that they should be able to handle their problems on their own.

However, mental health professionals like counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists are trained to help students navigate these challenges. Seeking expert advice isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a proactive step towards maintaining mental well-being. These professionals can provide students with coping strategies, tools for stress management, and sometimes, just a listening ear.

How Declined Mental Health Could Affect Students?

The consequences of poor mental health for students cannot be overstated. In addition to impacting academic achievement, it can harm their entire quality of life and well-being. Persistent stress, worry, or depression can impair focus, memory, and problem-solving abilities—all of which are necessary for academic achievement. Furthermore, untreated mental health problems can result in even more serious effects.

Here are some possible effects on students:

• Impaired Concentration and Focus
  Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress can make it challenging for students to concentrate and focus on their studies. Constant worrying, intrusive thoughts, or emotional distress can disrupt their ability to absorb information during classes, lectures, or activities, leading to decreased academic performance overall.
  
• Difficulty Retaining Information
  Students experiencing mental health struggles may find it difficult to retain information learned in class or while studying. Memory impairment, a common symptom of conditions like depression or anxiety, can hinder their ability to recall important concepts, facts, or details during exams or assignments.
  
• Decline in Motivation and Productivity
  Mental health issues can sap students’ motivation and enthusiasm for learning, decreasing academic participation. Feelings of hopelessness, apathy, or burnout may make it challenging for students to gather the energy and drive needed to complete assignments and deliverables.
  
  Procrastination also is a common coping mechanism for students struggling with mental health issues. Avoidance of tasks or responsibilities due to feelings of overwhelm, perfectionism, or self-doubt can lead to last-minute cramming, rushed work, or missed deadlines, negatively impacting academic performance. Around 80 percent to 95 percent of college students procrastinate according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
  
• Absenteeism and Poor Attendance
  As discussed, mental health issues could lead to procrastination, which could also lead to absenteeism and poor attendance in classes, lectures, or academic activities. Students may struggle to muster the energy or motivation to attend classes regularly, leading to gaps in learning, missed opportunities for participation, and falling behind in coursework.
  
• Difficulty with Time Management
  Mental health issues might impede students’ abilities to manage their time and prioritize responsibilities. Disorganization, distractibility, and trouble planning can all contribute to procrastination, cramming, or feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, resulting in poor academic performance.
  
• Negative Impact on Grades
  Collectively, the academic consequences of poor mental health status above can lead to a drop in grades and GPA for students. Persistent difficulties with focus, motivation, time management, and test anxiety might result in lower performance in school, jeopardizing students’ future academic and career opportunities.

What Can We Do?

Recognizing and addressing these academic consequences emphasizes the value of prioritizing mental health resources and support for students. Educational institutions may support students in overcoming these challenges and thriving academically by providing access to counseling services, academic accommodations, and mental health awareness.

Want to Lend a Helping Hand?

By donating to My Dream in a Shoebox, you directly contribute to providing vital resources and guidance, further nurturing an environment where students feel supported in overcoming obstacles and realizing their full potential.

Through My Dream in a Shoebox, you can help students through our initiatives:

• Dream Kits, which contain school supplies and tools that will provide them with the necessary resources to further their education.

• Educational Hubs (E-Hubs) supply an adopted school community with functional laptop computers, a reliable internet connection, and printing equipment.

• Support a scholar’s education for one year and provide much-needed support to help them pursue their education.

Together, we can empower children to create a brighter future for us all. Let’s bridge the gap for the next generation. Get involved, change lives, and pledge your support today!