Mental health is an essential part of the overall well-being of college students. Students’ success in college can often be attributed to their work ethic and intelligence. Mental health is also important in academic success. Research shows that anxiety and depression are early indicators of low GPAs. Dropout rates were also higher when there was a mental health issue. A study showed that 25% of students who had a low GPA (less than 3.0) dropped out, compared to 10% of students who did not have these problems.
Motivation
Complacency and lack of motivation are common in mental illnesses like depression. Sometimes it can be difficult to accomplish simple tasks or even to take the initiative to study and do homework. Students think “How can I do my biology project if I’m not capable of cleaning my desk?” This can lead to procrastination and social withdrawal. These factors can lead to poor academic performance.
Cognitive Problems
Brain fog can be caused by mental health problems. Each case is different and each condition has its own effects. However, overall mental health can have a significant impact on students’ ability to concentrate, remember key details, and perform well. Untreated anxiety can make test-taking difficult for students, which can negatively impact grades. Students suffering from depression might find it difficult to focus in class and not retain the information.
Social Integration
Research has shown that social Integration is a key indicator of student retention. Students who are involved in campus life, make friends, and participate in activities, are less likely than others to leave. Social life is often sacrificed when mental health is a major concern. This makes it more difficult for social integration to take place and increases the likelihood of students dropping out before they finish their degrees.
Future Implications
A student’s academic success can impact their career prospects. Although grades are not the only indicator of success in a career, they can be a barrier to some opportunities that could otherwise be available after college. Mental health problems can cause students to drop out of college, which could result in them not finishing their degrees. This can make it difficult to get into many careers, especially those that the student had planned for throughout school.
Importance Mental Health Services for Academic Success
Mental health is so important for student success. This means that mental health services must be well-developed, comprehensive and communicated clearly and early. These services can be either unique to the college (counselors are available for all students) and redirect students to external helplines. It’s not academically fair, but online writing and tutoring service can also be in handy. Students who are embarrassed to seek help can benefit from campus-led initiatives on mental health stigma. Students will feel more confident asking for help from colleges if they are addressing this issue. Students can get help with their mental health on campus.
