Common Mental Health Challenges Faced by College Students

Mental health is becoming a major concern today, especially for students facing academic challenges. According to the Survei Kesehatan Jiwa Remaja Nasional (I-NAMHS), 1 out of 20 teenagers in Indonesia are experiencing university mental health challenges.

In addition, Prof. Dr. Semiarto Aji Purwanto, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Indonesia (FISIP UI), stated that 60% of new university students at UI show high levels of depression, highlighting how serious this issue is among young people.

University Mental Health Challenges Faced by Students

Here are some common mental health problems faced by college students that can affect their daily lives and academic success.

1. Anxiety Disorders

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety disorder causes constant fear or worry that’s hard to control and affects daily life, and about 26.7% of teenagers experience this condition.

2. ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder that causes trouble focusing, sitting still, or controlling impulses. About 10.6% of teenagers experience this condition, which can impact their learning, behavior, and daily activities.

3. Major Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorder, or depression, is a common mental health condition where someone feels deep sadness or loses interest in things they used to enjoy for a long time. About 5.3% of teenagers experience this, affecting their daily life and relationships.

4. Conduct Disorders

Conduct Disorder (CD) is a mental health condition where children or teens show a repeated pattern of aggressive or antisocial behaviour that violates the rights of others or social rules. About 2.4% of teenagers experience this disorder, making it less common but still important to recognize and address early.

5. PTSD

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a condition marked by ongoing symptoms such as reliving the traumatic event. About 1.8% of teenagers experience PTSD, showing that even a small percentage can be deeply affected and need support.

Factors Contributing to Mental Health Challenges

Mental health challenges among students are influenced by various factors, but only 2.6% of teenagers in Indonesia access mental health services, so here are a few factors contributing to students' mental health.

1. Academic Pressure

High expectations and heavy workloads can cause stress and anxiety that lead to mental health problems, especially among teenagers.

2. Social Pressures

Teenagers often feel the need to fit in, be accepted, or keep up with peers, especially on social media. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and low self-confidence, especially if they face bullying, exclusion, or unrealistic comparisons.

3. Financial Stress

Worries about family finances or personal expenses can create anxiety in teenagers. It may affect their focus at school, limit social activities, and lead to feelings of shame or helplessness, especially if they compare themselves to others.

How to Cope with Mental Health Challenges

Here are a few ways to overcome mental health challenges and achieve your best academic results.

1. Practice Mindfulness

Take a few moments each day to breathe deeply, stay present, and calm your thoughts. It helps reduce stress and improve emotional balance.

2. Learn to Manage Time Effectively

Use a planner or make to-do lists to stay organized because breaking tasks into smaller steps can make things feel less overwhelming.

3. Talk to Someone

Sharing your feelings with a friend, family member, or counsellor can make you feel supported and less alone.

4. Healthy Diet and Sleep

Eating nutritious food and getting enough rest help your brain and body handle stress better.

5. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity releases endorphins—natural mood boosters, or you can do short walks that can clear your mind.

6. Don’t Forget to Take “Me Time”

Make time for activities you enjoy, like reading, drawing, or listening to music. It helps recharge your energy.

7. Reach Out for Help

If things feel too heavy to handle alone, don’t hesitate to ask for professional help, and keep in mind that this action is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Now You Understand the University Mental Health Challenges

Mental health challenges are increasingly common among university students due to academic pressure, social demands, and personal struggles. A supportive environment is key to helping teenagers manage these issues. Sampoerna University offers student support services aimed at promoting mental well-being.

Through its unique four-year program, students can earn both an Indonesian S1 degree and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, while receiving the guidance they need to thrive academically and emotionally. Start your journey with Sampoerna University today and experience a supportive environment!