On Students' Mental Health

       One's emotions and how he or she approaches the problems in life constitute the mental health of that person. People with good mental health can approach the issues in a positive way. They can reduce stress by themselves and conquer hurdles. There have various factors which influence the mental health of a person. That includes, genetics, family history, environment, experiences and so on. 

     According to National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 75 percent of mental health disorders begin before the age of 24. So, in the case of college students, mental health has a major role in their educational experience.  If we look into the common mental health issues, it includes depressing thoughts, suicidal ideas and anxiety. Uncontrollable emotions, suicidal thoughts and sense of hopelessness or sadness include in the signs of depression. Anxiety is a common emotion but it can become uncontrollable with the rise of pressure and stress. 

     The experiences that a student will have in the college are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. So prioritisation should be there for the mental health of students. They have to be prepared to deal with whatever life throws at them. The mental health support work of a college can bring out changes both in the general well-being of students and academic achievements. Moreover, students should be aware of the importance to improve their personal health. It can be done through some ways. 

     Improving the time management skills of students can reduce their stress. The preparation of schedules and establishing time restrictions for certain tasks contributes to it. Organising is another way. Proper organisation will help them from the exhausting experiences of leaving things messy. It can make them stressless, reduce despair and will promote better sleep.

     Proper support networks including friends or even professors will help them when having troubling thoughts or if he or she needs to make a difficult decision. Being a volunteer in the activities like raising funds for a charity can make them happier and less stressed. Proper rest and sleep also plays a vital role in students' mental health. Doing activities like bicycling and taking breaks after completing certain tasks or when studying contributes to their positive mind. Doing meditation is another guided technique for good and positive mental health for all and It is important for people of all ages.

Ms. Thazna Mol, Assistant Professor of English, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna