Adjusting to Stressors and Mental Health Issues Among First-Year Students in Higher Learning Institutions

Abstract

Higher learning institutions are expected to churn out knowledge and cater to the mental well-being of their students. Overwhelming evidence suggests that while students attend studies, exposure to stressors interferes with their academic abilities, social adaptability, and mental health. The study analyzed published studies on mental health issues and student stressors together with adjusting strategies to address mental health in higher learning institutions. By adopting the conceptual analysis framework, the results revealed that students face various stressors: academics, relational, anxiety, depression, substance use, economic stressors, mobile phone usage, sexual orientation, and eating disorders in the institutions. The study recommends that higher learning institutions set up wellness and counseling centers equipped with mental health professionals to negate the effect of various stressors on the mental health of first-year university students. The study also recommends emphasis on positive psychology and psychoeducation to change students' perceptions of mental health.