Mental Health-o-pedia
Admission Season and Mental Health
There is no doubt that the admission phase is one of the most important phases of a student's life, but the maintenance of mental health is something most forget to tend to do during these times.
TURBULENCE AHEAD:
Just after appearing for one of the most important exams of their lives, students get pushed into what is considered to be "the most important period" of their lives almost instantaneously.
They get immersed in an endless loop of studying, attending classes, and appearing for exams, all in the hopes of getting into their desired universities.
But the sudden upsurge of pressure and expectations may cause tumult in the students' lives that could lead to mental health issues if not handled well. Many students with existing mental health issues may find their mental health deteriorating without proper help.
EYES ON THE PRIZE, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE JUDGY EYES?:
Students are usually seen to be bombarded with criticism and condescension from family members, relatives, friends, neighbours, and even strangers during the admission exams.
This builds up an unhealthy level of pressure for the students and takes a toll on their mental health.
Most people only seem to focus on what students "achieve" during this phase, but not what they go through.
This mentality in addition to the existing stigma surrounding mental health makes it next to impossible for some students to tend to their mental health while preparing for their admission exams.
NO PAIN, NO GAIN
WHAT IF THE PAIN GOES IN VAIN?:
Many students "see the face of success" during this time while some students battle with "failure". But the definitions of "success" and "failure" in this context are twisted and toxic. Getting into the desired university is a significant achievement in any student's life. But the numerous tangible and intangible factors that play a role in this regard are rarely taken into consideration. The stiff competition, limited opportunity, and a very short period to prove one's competence make it very difficult for students to materialise their dreams.
When society assumes that those who do not "succeed" during the admission phase are not worthy, it creates a narrative that they did not work hard or put in enough effort. The stiff competition, limited opportunity, and a very short period to prove one's competence make it very difficult for students to materialise their dreams. To society, getting into a "good" public university is the equivalent of success. Those who cannot succeed in doing so are labelled a failure and such classification ends up hurting students' mental health.
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY:
The students who can get into their desired university get a boost in self-confidence. Their mental health may also get better in many cases. But those who do not get their coveted results end up with worsened mental health. Many students deal with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders along with suicidal ideation in some extreme cases.
Is change needed?
While the pressure to perform well in admission exams starts crumbling many students' mental health, their deteriorating mental health, on the other hand, starts affecting their capacity to perform well. This double-edged sword starts cutting into every student's heart who can not "perform well" as per society's expectations. Being understanding, kind, and supportive towards the students during this time could go a long way.
Go back