University students are vulnerable to mental health issues. What are the warning signs? And how can healthy habits, exercise, and financial literacy play a role in protecting mental health?
Several reasons may feed the risk of mental health illness amongst young adults.
According to Discovery Health Medical schemes claims data, the company recorded a staggering 120% increase in mental health conditions among young people (ages 18-24) from 2012 to 2022, compared to an average increase of 44% in older age groups in the same period.
Transition to tertiary can be a high-risk periodThe transition to tertiary education can be a high-risk period for developing significant mental health problems.
The general impression that everybody at university knows exactly what they are doing or what they want to do as a career needs to change. This can and often does lead to feelings of hopelessness, inadequacy or guilt. Students must know that it is okay to not be 100% certain of what you want to study when starting, says the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag).
