HOW ARE STUDENTS CURRENTLY COPING WITH STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

University students are constantly stressed, which leads to poor mental health. But how exactly are these students coping? Research from the Hong Kong University’s Research and Impact Initiative on Communications in Healthcare project provides some insights into how students cope with their mental health problems. 

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Some students cope by seeking out professional support. When experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties, students found it beneficial to visit university counsellors. For students with diagnosable mental health problems, clinical therapists were visited. Both types of professional support allowed students to vent their emotions and issues, leading to better emotion regulation and improved mental health. 

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While some students perceived university staff providing support during challenging experiences, this only applied when faculty were aware of student issues. Students believe staff awareness is essential for demonstrating proactivity towards their well-being concerns, highlighting that open communication between students and teachers is necessary to develop effective coping mechanisms. 

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Students also engage in hobbies to help their mental health. Physical activity provides a positive outlet for dealing with frustrations. Hobbies can extend beyond exercising to include engagement with enjoyable activities like interacting with animals. This coping strategy allows students to take mental breaks, preventing them from feeling overwhelmed and effectively managing their well-being.  

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The last theme to emerge was the importance of social support coping mechanisms. Students said friends, colleagues, classmates, and family were vital in promoting positive well-being experiences by limiting feelings of isolation. Social interaction allowed students to relax and vent emotional frustrations, aided by shared experiences within their community, which fostered a sense of unity. 

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Students employ various strategies to cope with stress and mental health problems, commonly seeking professional support, engaging with hobbies, communicating with faculty, and social interactions. Discovering what works best for you is the key to promoting positive mental wellbeing.