Research on the health and well-being of Finnish university students has shown that one in three suffers from symptoms of anxiety and depression.
This, according to the study, has relatively more mental health symptoms and mental suffering than the adult population as a whole.
In February and March of this year, more than 6,000 students responded to the latest student health and well-being survey (KOTT) conducted every four years in a joint project between THL and Kela.
Anxiety and depression among female students were even higher when 40 percent of women studying at universities and polytechnics reported symptoms.
The study also found that female students were three times more likely to develop an eating disorder than men.
THL Development Manager Summer Parikka said mental health questions from other large population-based surveys were added to the latest KOTT study, allowing students to be compared to other adults.
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"The workload of young adults has also been highlighted in other studies, so it is not just a problem for students. However, students have reported that the workload required for their studies has increased during the coronary virus," Parikka said, but added, that mental strain and symptoms of anxiety and depression had increased even before the pandemic.
The effects of the Covid pandemic could then exacerbate those problems, he said.
Distance learning causes isolation, loneliness
The increased workload may be due to the challenges posed by distance learning, Parika added.
The survey was conducted during the third wave of the corona epidemic, in the spring of 2021, when many students were mostly found in their homes. This meant that much of the study was done alone and the opportunities to maintain social networks were significantly limited.
In general, social activities related to student life – such as events, parties, hobbies – were prohibited or restricted at the time.
"In addition, those who started their studies in 2020 may not have developed their study routines, which makes the situation even more difficult," The couple said.
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He added that he hoped that second-year students would be better integrated into the university community during the current academic year.
However, the situation is unlikely to change dramatically in the near future and – although students have at least partially returned to campuses during the fall semester – Student Health Care (FSHS) reported in November that demand for mental health services among university students. this fall has been higher than annual overall levels in the past.
This suggests that the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on health and well-being will not be resolved in the very short term, Parikka added. He therefore called for different and new ways to support students to be considered so that students are not left alone in the queue for congested services.
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Students need support
Parikka also called for an assessment of the need for student support to ensure that the risk of long-term and serious mental disorder does not materialize. However, he added that the most important thing would be to address the root causes.
"If problems are related to distance learning, support from school staff is needed," he said.
In addition to professional help, students have the opportunity to influence their own health and well-being.
The study showed that anxiety and depression were less common among students who exercised, for example, while many respondents reported that phone browsing affected their sleep.
"A good night’s sleep and a healthy diet contribute to the well-being and recovery of students, in addition to maintaining social circles," The couple pointed out.
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However, there is a problem with the above suggestion: it is useless for a deeply depressed person to suggest going for a run or correcting their sleep rhythm, when waking up alone can be such a crushing experience.
"Here again comes the need to assess the need for care. Those in need must be able to" The couple said.
However, it is clear that student health care and mental health services alone will not solve the mental health problems of young adults. The situation must also be resolved through cross-sectoral cooperation, Parikka said, and universities should actively seek out students in difficulty within the school safety net.
"Universities should emphasize and strengthen community spirit, peer support and guidance in basic education," The couple suggested.
However, the means by which this is happening are not yet clear.
Source: The Nordic Page
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