Volume 1 Issue 4 | 2024 | View PDF
Paper Id: IJMSM-V1I4P102
doi: 10.71141/30485037/V1I4P102

Identifying Mental Health Challenges Among Students in Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), Glasgow,United Kingdom

Oruikor Gabriel Jeremiah, Wamanyi Yohanna, Dotimi Doris, Durotoye Modupeoluwa, Aristide-Flore Gabriel Jeremiah

Citation:
Oruikor Gabriel Jeremiah, Wamanyi Yohanna, Dotimi Doris, Durotoye Modupeoluwa, Aristide-Flore Gabriel Jeremiah, "Identifying Mental Health Challenges Among Students in Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), Glasgow,United Kingdom" International Journal of Multidisciplinary on Science and Management, Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 10-18, 2024.

Abstract:
The prevalence of mental health issues among students in higher learning institutions like Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is alarming. Studies conducted in the last 5 years showed increased cases of mental disorders, where academic pressure, financial dilemmas, and social isolation were found to be the leading causes. A review of literature involving qualitative research was conducted with the aim of identifying the mental health difficulties of students attending GCU. The review involved a systematic search done across numerous databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Google Scholar. The criteria for inclusion were based on the fact that only articles published in the United Kingdom were considered, with a focus on university students and studies that used qualitative or mixed-methods designs. The purpose of this review was to determine the prevalence of mental health concerns among GCU students, the underlying causes, and the recommendations for enhancing the existing mental health support for the students. The review outlined several major factors that affect the psychological health of students at GCU. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly amplified the levels of worry and depression among students, particularly multinational and low-income learners. Stress due to education fees, accommodation costs, and undertaking jobs, all contributed in worsening mental health consequences. Discrimination and lack of culturally responsive services to minority students made the learning process more difficult for them. The mental health problems worsened due to the physical distancing, particularly among first-year and international learners. The study highlights the need for specific mental health support services at GCU as a way of preventing the negative consequences of stress among students. For the university to meet these objectives, the following goals have been established: concerns about the mental health of students, awareness of resources accessible to students with mental health problems, and policies friendly to learners with mental health issues. GCU should raise awareness of mental health problems and combat stigmatization by launching campaigns and initiatives. The university should guarantee that mental health services are conveniently available and culturally appropriate. Also, daily well-being checks and assistance with social belonging can reduce mental health difficulties. Students are advised to consult with specialists, use university services, and adhere to schedules in order to support their mental health.

Keywords: Mental health, Identifying, Challenges, Students, University.

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