Depression Among Undergraduate Students Essay Sample

Introduction To Depression Among Undergraduate Students At The University Essay

New Undergraduate students face several mental health issues in their educational institutions in the UK. The topic which is going to be focused on in this essay is depression among international students. In this essay, the problems which have been faced by undergraduate students which disrupt their health are going to be elaborated on. The reasons behind developing depression and the impact of this health issue on their higher studies are also going to be focused on. There is a vivid description of the management strategies and psychological theories for dealing with these health issues are going to be analysed.

Main body

Problems faced by undergraduate students at university in maintaining their health and well-being

The UK is one of the preferred places for pursuing undergraduate studies and higher studies among students. Every year more than 2.86 million students are admitted to different UK universities (Clark, 2023). Maintaining the health and well-being of undergraduate students has become a major challenge. Out of the total number of undergraduate students, nearly 40% of students are from different countries and belong to the age group 15 to 30. Different atmospheres, cultures, people and habits have a significant impact on the health and well-being of students. Being distant from family and friends aggravates anxiety and stress among students. New culture and eating disorder increases the feeling of anxiety and stress among undergraduate students. High-paced lifestyles and changing daily routine patterns provide no room for students to contemplate and self-care. Excessive pressure on studies, evaluations, and assignments also poses a potential threat to the mental health of students. Eating disorders, sleep disorders and anxiety about finding new friends are some additional problems for students in a new country while pursuing an undergraduate degree.

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Maintaining mental peace and well-being is a challenging factor for students. Accommodating in a new culture and struggling to balance life emanates depression among students. The number of students dealing with depression and requiring medical assistance is increasing day by day.

It is evident in the above-mentioned figure that, nearly 41% of young students have experienced feelings of depression in the UK in 2022 (Stewart, 2022). It can also be said that the number of depressed young students has been increasing over the years. The language barrier and not being able to share feelings are other associated factors of depression. According to a study by Jenkins et al. (2021), loneliness and anxiety among college students in the UK aggravate feelings of depression among students. Cultural shock has a huge impact on the mental health of students. Some students face financial struggles to continue higher studies in the UK as the cost of living in the UK is higher compared to many other countries. Managing finances increases the feeling of depression among students. Communication problem is another problem faced by students in pursuing an undergraduate degree.

Reasons for developing depression among students

It is the new culture which gives international students a cultural shock when they go to study abroad for studies. Because of cultural shock, international students cannot be able to maintain their well-being which further leads to depression. The cultural shock creates difficulties for the international students and they are not able to manage in a new environment. They have started to face a sense which is related to disorientation which lowers their sense of belongingness in a new environment. According to the viewpoint of Gebregergis et al., (2019), minimum self-esteem is the reason for why, international students face depression when they enter into undergraduate level in their educational institution. Minimum self-esteem among the students appears because of the language barrier. In the UK, it is preferred to use the English language within the educational institution. However, due to a lack of knowledge of this language, international students cannot be able to engage themselves in direct communication with native students or professionals. In the UK it is Chinese students along with Indian students who face maximum depressive symptoms when they study abroad to complete their undergraduate degree (Khanal and Gaulee, 2019). The financial constraint has been the reason for which they start to face depression while they are continuing with their undergraduate degree. Many international students do not get financial aid properly from their family members and the increased tuition fees as well as living expenses in this country cause depression among them. According to the viewpoint of Mofatteh, (2021), social abuse is another reason for which international students start to face depression. It has been reported that in the UK, nearly 51% of students reported that they have faced sexual abuse through online mode (Ucl.ac.uk, 2021). This statistical information also confirms the viewpoint that international students during their undergraduate degrees face this kind of social abuse in this country.

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Impact of health-related Issues on Students at University and Higher Studies

Due to depression among international students, international students in their under-graduates start to face lower grades. It has been reported that excessive levels of depression can reduce the lifespan by more than 12% (Kabir et al., 2021). By analysing this statistical information it can be said that international students may face a lower lifespan in the future which negatively affects not only their mental health but also their physical health. The rate of burnout has increased among international students due to prolonged depression. Depression adheres to psychological exhaustion and excessive level of psychological exhaustion disrupts the balance between their personal life as well as work life. Depression and anxiety have a massive impact on the mental well-being of students. Prolonged dealing with anxiety makes a student extremely irritable and anxious. Depression affects the performance of students in assessment and it has been evident that Asian international students have more depressive symptoms than European international students (Kabir et al., 2021). Marks and grades of students can also deteriorate due to anxiety and depression. The feeling of pessimism and lack of concentration are two significant impacts of depression on the health and well-being of undergraduate students.

Management strategy to overcome depression problem for an undergraduate student

Overcoming depression in undergraduate students necessitates a complete strategy that combines individual, institutional, and community support. First and foremost, awareness and education are important. Academic institutions should vigorously boost mental health understanding and educate students, staff and faculty about the signs and manifestations of depression. By decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health, people can promote early intervention for aspiring help (Aqeel et al., 2022). Furthermore, counselling services should be readily available and easily accessible. Universities should engage trained experts who can offer personalised treatment and support to handle depression and provide students with strategies to handle their mental health effectively.

Peer support plays a key role in the healing process. Demonstrating peer support networks or groups can furnish students with a sense of belonging and relieve the isolation that often accompanies depression. Attaching students who have experienced or are presently battling depression allows them to communicate experiences and present mutual support. Academic accommodations are essential for students negotiating with depression. Institutions should offer flexible academic support, such as extended deadlines, temporary leaves of absence or reduced course loads, to help students handle their coursework while prioritising their mental health (Steiner-Hofbaue and Holzinger, 2020). Lastly, encouraging a healthy lifestyle is integral to managing depression. Encouraging regular balanced nutrition, physical activity, and adequate sleep can contribute to overall well-being. By executing these multifaceted strategies, people can entrust undergraduate students to overcome depression and thrive academically and personally.

Sociological theories related to depression and student psychology

Sociological theories furnish valuable understandings of the complicated relationship between depression and student psychology, explaining how societal factors can impact the mental health of undergraduate students.

First, the Social Strain Theory, rooted in the works of Emile Durkheim, suggests that depression in students can be connected to the strain resulting from the difference between societal anticipations and individual achievements. When students sense a considerable gap between their educational or social aspirations and their actual acts, they may experience feelings of hopelessness, and inadequacy ultimately creating depression. The pressure to excel academically and socially, particularly in the highly competitive conditions of universities, can create significant strain on students, leading to psychological misery.

The Social Support Theory states that the presence or absence of social support plays a critical role in students' mental health. As outlined by Durkheim and others, a shortage of social support can leave students feeling isolated and detached from their peers or support networks, causing them more sensitive to depressive symptoms (Lew et al., 2019). Strong and supporting relationships and social integration, on the other hand, act as protective factors against depression, presenting a cushion against the challenges of academic life.

In addition, the Social Learning Theory, which was formed by Albert Bandura, highlights how individuals learn behaviours through observation and support. In the context of student psychology, direction to depressive manners within their social environment, whether through friends, family, or media, can significantly impact students' psychological well-being. This theory highlights the contagious nature of emotional states and behaviours, making it imperative to promote a positive and validating social background for students (Zavala and Kurtz, 2021).In conclusion, these sociological theories help us understand the intricate dynamics between societal factors and depression in undergraduate students. By recognising the role of social strain, the importance of social support, and the impact of social learning, universities and communities can better address and support the mental health needs of their students, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient student body.

Psychological theories related to depression and student psychology

Psychological theories of depression, such as the Cognitive Theory of Depression, Behavioural Theory of Depression, and Learned Helplessness Theory, offer useful insights into the dynamics of depression among undergraduate students, shedding light on the complex interplay between thought patterns, conduct, and passionate well-being.

The Cognitive Theory of Depression, pioneered by Aaron Beck, suggests that adverse thought patterns and mental distortions play a key role in depression (Boddez et al., 2021). For students, the stress of performing academically and socially can lead to distorted thinking, with self-critical and suspicious thoughts prevailing. When students always analyse their experiences through this negative lens, it can worsen feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, contributing to the growth and continuation of depression.

According to the Behavioural Theory of Depression, depression is influenced by reinforcement and learnt behaviours. Students may encounter too much or too little positive reinforcement in their social and academic lives when attending a university. Motivation might decline and depression symptoms can intensify in the absence of benefits or favourable As per Martin Seligman's Learned Helplessness Theory, sadness may result from feeling as though you have no control over your circumstances (Trindade et al., 2020). Students may feel powerless in the classroom when they are faced with excessive workloads, high standards, and little influence over their educational journeys. This helplessness can heighten symptoms of depression and lead to a dismal feeling.

Conclusion

It is true, that undergraduate students coming to university often face many challenges regarding their well-being and mental health. Depression is a common problem that most of the undergraduate students deal with along with their academics. In general, the number of problems, undergraduate students face is evaluated. In addition, the reason behind the development of depression, the situation, and the results are assessed here for the betterment of undergraduate students. Most importantly, the management strategy for handling depression problems is standardised through different theories. It could be concluded that different sociological and psychological approaches provide a framework for comprehending the psychological and sociological processes underlying depression in undergraduate students. By recognising the impact of distorted thinking, maladaptive behaviours, and perceived helplessness, universities and support systems can tailor interventions to address these specific factors and provide the necessary support to promote the mental well-being of students. Recognising and addressing these psychological and sociological elements is crucial for creating a campus environment that fosters the emotional health and success of students.

Reference list

• Aqeel, M., Rehna, T., Shuja, K.H. and Abbas, J., 2022. Comparison of students' mental wellbeing, anxiety, depression, and quality of life during COVID-19's full and partial (smart) lockdowns: a follow-up study at a 5-month interval. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13.
• Boddez, Y., Van Dessel, P. and De Houwer, J., 2022. Learned helplessness and its relevance for psychological suffering: A new perspective illustrated with attachment problems, burn-out, and fatigue complaints. Cognition and Emotion, 36(6), pp.1027-1036.
• Conor Stewart, 2022.Young people experiencing feelings of depression in the United Kingdom 2009-2021.Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1199302/depression-among-young-people-in-the-united-kingdom/#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20Kingdom%20(UK,from%2015%20percent%20in%202010. [Accessed on: 07/11/2023]

1. Clark, 2023.Higher education in the UK - Statistics & Facts. Available at: https://www.statista.com/topics/6938/higher-education-in-the-uk/#topicOverview [Accessed on: 07/11/2023]

• Gebregergis, W.T., Tekie, D., Yikealo, D. and Habte, A., 2019. Antecedents of psychological adjustment of international students studying in China: The roles of self-efficacy and self-esteem. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 7(02), p.233.
• Jenkins, P.E., Ducker, I., Gooding, R., James, M. and Rutter-Eley, E., 2021. Anxiety and depression in a sample of UK college students: a study of prevalence, comorbidity, and quality of life. Journal of American College Health, 69(8), pp.813-819.
• Kabir, R., Isha, S.N., Chowdhury, M.T.H., Siddika, N., Jahan, S.S., Saha, A.K., Nath, S.K., Jahan, M.S., Sivasubramanian, M., Mahmud, I. and Hoque Apu, E., 2021. Depression among the non-native international undergraduate students studying Dentistry in Bangladesh. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(11), p.5802.
• Khanal, J. and Gaulee, U., 2019. Challenges of international students from pre-departure to post-study: A literature review. Journal of International Students, 9(2), pp.560-581.
• Lew, B., Chistopolskaya, K., Liu, Y., Talib, M.A., Mitina, O. and Zhang, J., 2019. Testing the strain theory of suicide–The moderating role of social support. Crisis.
• Mofatteh, M., 2021. Risk factors associated with stress, anxiety, and depression among university undergraduate students. AIMS public health, 8(1), p.36.
• Steiner-Hofbauer, V. and Holzinger, A., 2020. How to cope with the challenges of medical education? Stress, depression, and coping in undergraduate medical students. Academic psychiatry, 44, pp.380-387.
• Trindade, I.A., Mendes, A.L. and Ferreira, N.B., 2020. The moderating effect of psychological flexibility on the link between learned helplessness and depression symptomatology: A preliminary study. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 15, pp.68-72.
• Ucl.ac.uk, 2021. Young peoples' rates of reporting online harassment and abuse are ‘shockingly low'. Available at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2021/dec/young-peoples-rates-reporting-online-harassment-and-abuse-are-shockingly-low. [Accessed on: 07/11/2023]
• Zavala, E. and Kurtz, D.L., 2021. Applying differential coercion and social support theory to intimate partner violence. Journal of interpersonal violence, 36(1-2), pp.NP162-NP187.