ALMOST 40 percent of students in South Africa reported lifetime mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorders, and anxiety disorders including social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, preliminary findings from a study indicate.
The spotlight has been placed on mental health as the country marks Mental Health Week this week, with issues affecting students taking focus amid countrywide student unrest.
The Mental Health Information Centre, Stellenbosch University and UCT Medical Research Council (MRC) unit on anxiety and stress disorders embarked on an international study on student health and wellness, part of the WHO World Mental Health Surveys International College Student Project.
Preliminary findings from the study indicated that between seven and 36 percent of students reported lifetime suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
Janine Roos, of the Mental Health Information Centre at the MRC said: “Our data shows that mental health problems may be very prevalent among South African students.
"Previous findings have also highlighted that numerous students who need help or treatment for a mental health condition do not seek help or receive the treatment they need.”
Students with existing mental health problems may experience flare-ups because of the high levels of violence on campuses, she said.
“They are finishing their final year and all the students are now preparing for their final exams. The campus unrests are piling up anxiety about whether they will be able to finish because at a few universities classes have not yet resumed.
"The thought of being so close to the finish line and possibly not be able to complete their long training may worsen these conditions.”
She also said the thought of repayment of student loans may also weigh heavily.
Roos said students should prioritise and tackle the easiest tasks first and use a daily planner to deal with daily stresses.
“Break tasks down into pieces. Set realistic and manageable goals. Take a break and focus on something else for a while. Do something that you enjoy – draw, write a letter, cook,” she said.
Roos also encouraged physical exercise for at least 30 minutes three to five times a week, which can improve sleep and help combat anxiety; and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
Dan Stein, head of UCT’s department of psychiatry, said: “There are a number of risks faced by students. One major issue is the culture of drinking at many universities; this increases the risk for developing alcohol or other substance-use disorders.”