Prevalence of Mental Health Issues among International Students

Qualitative Research Proposal
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Qualitative Research Proposal: Prevalence of Mental Health Issues among International Students
Introduction and Literature Review
Mental health continues to be one of the most highly discussed topics currently. Researchers are spending millions of dollars as they try to learn more about the causes, subtle symptoms, and the possible interventions that could be employed to help alleviate the effects of mental health issues. In the U.S., the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that mental health issues affect more than 40 million adults who are 18 years and above. Further, ADAA reports that knowledge about mental health is yet to stir up action for those affected since only 36.9% tend to seek treatment (2021). Mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and depression continue to impact the lives of many people negatively. Apparently, young adults happen to be among those highly affected by mental health issues. All over the world, young adults are becoming greatly susceptible to mental health issues, and many are languishing in the effects of the same. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2021), young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 are the most prevalent to serious mental health issues, with a percentage of 8.6%. The report continues to indicate that this group also represents the least concerned with getting treatment for their mental health issues. This age mainly represents students in universities or tertiary level of education. Apparently, numerous things happen to push this particular group of people into developing mental health issues. Eckersley (2011) reports that the current crop of young adults happen to deal with a more stressful environment that is riddled with various issues, including future uncertainties, heightened competition in academics, the introduction and changing nature of social media, as well as the rapid technological advancements. This lot has to try and maintain a similar pace with the current events, and Eckersley believes that this pressure overwhelms many. Rising expectations also add to the pressure of being a young adult in this generation.
For the international students, the issues identified above are only a part of what they go through. Eckersley (2008) notes that most young adults are in a period of discovery and determining who they are. They are in a vulnerable place as they try to discover themselves and the world around them. Such a period exposes one to the tumultuous waves and uncertainties of the era. For international students, the above is worse because they are trying to establish and discover themselves in foreign lands. So, international students get to undergo the struggle of self-discovery while making sense of the differences in culture and way of life. Forbes-Mewett (2019) cautions against ignoring the impact “mobility to unfamiliar environments” can have on a young adult trying to make sense of the world. She continues to indicate that the cultural differences often introduce shocks that greatly impact international students. Forbes-Mewett (2019) writes on the importance of food and how an element as lowly thought of as food could influence a student...