Factors Associated with Mental Distress among College Students

Factors Associated with Mental Distress among College Students
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Mental distress is a significant public health concern that includes depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms like headaches, sleeping problems, and fatigue. Previous studies found that college students constantly experience increased levels of mental distress (Farumi, 2020). This high prevalence is attributed to multiple stressors, including academic load, financial burden, constant pressure to succeed, competition with peers, unsatisfying relationships, family separation, exams, substance abuse, lack of interest in the course, family history of mental problems, and low social support (Mboya et al., 2020). High levels of mental distress among college students lead to impaired cognitive ability, learning disability, and poor academic performance. Out of these factors, four major ones identified from the previous studies include financial problems, failed relationships, pressure to pass exams, and pressure to study the major against one's will.
Studies have demonstrated that pressure to get quality grades is one of the major factors that lead to mental distress among college students (Mboya et al., 2020). Students find it challenging to Balance School, assignments, social life, and extracurricular activities. In college, every student has the freedom to do what they want since all students are adults and are aware of what they need in the future. When assigned tasks, they could feel overwhelmed, lost, and distressed. Another significant factor is financial worries. (Nandi et al., 2020) found that financial difficulties like being unable to afford bills make students feel distressed. They could be in a situation where they cannot pay their rent, buy college materials, and even pay tuition fees. Because of this problem, the students resort to loans that leave them with mental distress upon defaulting.
The causes of mental illness among college students cannot be complete without mentioning failed relationships. Mofatteh (2021) noted that conflicts and breakups in relationships play a significant role in negatively impacting the student's mental health and academic outcome. It is a common problem for the students. According to Pedrelli et al.(2015), students dating in college have to manage their time wisely because they have to study and meet their companions. This reduces their complete concentration on their school projects and assignments. When their relationships end, they become distressed and depressed about not focusing on their studies.
The fourth factor found in the previous study is pressure to study the major against the individual's will. It is always advisable for students to choose their major. This allows them to set their minds on the career they want to pursue. Each student has a major in their mind. However, pressure from parents may prevent them from doing what interests them (Nandi et al., 2020). Some parents play a significant role in the student's choices. Students who are unsure of what they want to pursue will always follow their parent's advice. They end up finding the ...