By: Daisy Moraa
Worth Noting:
- Social isolation and identity exploration present further challenges, as noted by Shadrack Wanyonyi from the University of Nairobi. “You come to campus, and you’re supposed to figure out who you are,” he remarked. “But fitting in with certain groups and living up to expectations can really mess with your head.” Many students struggle with a sense of disconnection, especially when they fail to meet societal or familial expectations. This can lead to withdrawal, loneliness, and worsening mental health.
- The pressure to excel academically also takes a toll, as Michelle Wangui from Kaimosi Friends University explained. “It’s not just about attending classes; it’s the exams, assignments, and expectations to perform well every semester,” she said.
Mental health challenges, particularly stress and depression, are widespread among students in higher learning institutions. Globally, mental health conditions affect one in seven adolescents aged 10–19, with anxiety and depression accounting for nearly 40% of these disorders. Suicide, tragically, remains the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29, reflecting the severity of this crisis. Conversations with students from various universities shed light on the many dimensions of mental health struggles on campus, highlighting how relationships, financial difficulties, academic pressure, and social isolation intertwine to affect student well-being.
Amos Bahati from Rongo University expressed concerns about how students often misattribute mental health issues to relationships alone. “People think relationships are the main cause of depression in school, but it’s not just about that,” she shared. “Yes, they can affect mental health, but focusing only on them makes students ignore other serious triggers.” While unhealthy relationships—whether romantic, familial, or friendships—can lead to emotional stress, Bahati emphasizes that mental health issues are often the result of multiple overlapping challenges rather than one singular cause.
Financial instability emerged as another significant stressor, according to Ouma James from Masinde Muliro University. “Some of us come from homes where even raising school fees is a struggle,” he said. “Now you get to campus, and everything costs money—food, rent, class materials. If you can’t meet these needs, the stress catches up with you, and it’s hard to concentrate on your studies.” Financial stress can be particularly debilitating for students from low-income households, leaving them juggling part-time jobs and coursework to survive. The uncertainty of meeting basic needs while keeping up academically can exacerbate anxiety and depression.
Social isolation and identity exploration present further challenges, as noted by Shadrack Wanyonyi from the University of Nairobi. “You come to campus, and you’re supposed to figure out who you are,” he remarked. “But fitting in with certain groups and living up to expectations can really mess with your head.” Many students struggle with a sense of disconnection, especially when they fail to meet societal or familial expectations. This can lead to withdrawal, loneliness, and worsening mental health.
The pressure to excel academically also takes a toll, as Michelle Wangui from Kaimosi Friends University explained. “It’s not just about attending classes; it’s the exams, assignments, and expectations to perform well every semester,” she said. “When you feel like you’re drowning in deadlines and no one understands, it becomes really tough to cope.” The relentless demand for academic performance without sufficient support structures often results in burnout and anxiety, making it difficult for students to stay motivated and engaged.
To address these mental health challenges, institutions need to provide comprehensive support systems. Accessible counseling services and mental health awareness campaigns are essential to ensure students feel safe seeking help early. These interventions can prevent minor issues from escalating into severe mental health crises. “We need to talk about it more, so people don’t feel embarrassed about seeking help,” Jane added, emphasizing the importance of reducing stigma.
Financial assistance programs can also play a critical role in easing the burden on students. Scholarships, work-study programs, and emergency funds can help mitigate financial stress. Furthermore, universities can encourage students to develop financial literacy to manage limited resources more effectively.
Fostering social inclusion is equally important. Encouraging students to join clubs, peer support groups, and extracurricular activities can create a sense of belonging. This helps mitigate isolation and provides a supportive network for students navigating personal challenges. Universities must also promote open dialogue about mental health to destigmatize these conversations, making it easier for students to access help without shame or fear.
The World Health Organization and UNICEF stress the importance of creating protective environments for young people, particularly as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. When mental health challenges remain unaddressed, the impact can extend well into adulthood, limiting individuals’ ability to thrive personally and professionally. However, with the right support systems, students can overcome these challenges and focus on their academic and personal development.
Shadrack summarized it well, saying, “We need to realize that mental health matters just as much as physical health—if not more.” Addressing mental health issues requires collaboration between universities, families, and communities to ensure students receive the tools and support they need to navigate university life successfully. By fostering awareness, providing adequate resources, and creating safe spaces, institutions can empower students to thrive both mentally and academically.
Daisy Moraa
Rongo University.
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