We frequently hear about mental illnesses and their potentially issues effects on human health. What exactly are mental illnesses?
Mental illnesses or mental disorders are conditions that have a direct impact on one’s thoughts, feelings, mental state, and behavior. They can be chronic or episodic, occurring from time to time. But do graduate school have an effect on students’ mental health deterioration? Or are there mental illnesses that affect them but not others? Is it possible that schools, universities, and other higher education institutions are a significant source of mental illness?
According to studies and statistics, one in every three graduate students is at risk of developing a mental illness or has previously developed a mental illness. Students are three times more likely than the general population to suffer from depression, and the most intelligent people are more likely to suffer from the effects of mental and psychological diseases. A recent study conducted by the University of Flanders in Belgium found an increase in mental health problems among students as well as an increase in disease incidence.
As a result, Professors F. Anseel advise doctoral students to pay close attention to their mental health because psychological problems can jeopardize your profession and daily life and have serious long-term consequences! The researchers emphasize the importance of seeking community assistance during illness. even if the patient believes it, is a passing phase.
According to a recent survey, 51% of those polled had experienced the most common psychiatric symptoms in the previous weeks. Among the symptoms are: The patients believe they are constantly under pressure. Anxiety causes sadness and frustration, as well as a lack of sleep. They are unable to deal with challenges or enjoy daily activities.
What about a graduate students who are concerned about their professional and academic standing and refuses to disclose their psychological issues? This causes considerable agitation, which is one of the reasons for its widespread distribution among them. The pressure of work and its long hours, the pressure of deadlines for delivering work, close monitoring and continuous accountability for the smallest mistakes, and these academies’ ignoring of mental health problems, like other institutions, and the expectations that exceed reality and the rosy dreams that they hold to shock reality are the other reasons.
As UAlbany grade students, we are lucky to have all the support from the university. The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are happy to help and support our community. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. We are in this together.
References
https://www.science.org/content/article/phd-students-face-significant-mental-health-challenges
https://www.science.org/content/article/graduate-students-need-more-mental-health-support-new-study-highlights https://www.acsh.org/news/2018/03/07/there-mental-health-crisis-among-graduate-school-students-12672
Link to CAPS center: https://www.albany.edu/counseling_center/services.shtml?mt=8
Written by Arwa Mohsinah (amohsinah@albany.edu)
