Mental health among university students raises alarm

A study published in the journal Nature has revealed a significant rise in mental health problems among university students worldwide over the past decade. Stating that the increase in anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm cases is placing existing university support systems under strain, Asst. Prof. Hazal Ayas, Head of the Department of Psychology at Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, emphasized that young people have become more psychologically vulnerable, especially in the post-pandemic period.

Evaluating the study, Asst. Prof. Ayas drew attention to the impact of uncertainty, future anxiety, and fear of failure on students’ mental health, stating that economic difficulties, concerns about the future, and belonging to socially disadvantaged groups are considered major risk factors for mental well-being.

The Nature study highlighted that mental health problems among university students have increased sharply worldwide over the past ten years and that existing support systems are insufficient to meet this growing demand.

A global mental health crisis in universities

The study, conducted with the participation of 72,288 undergraduate students worldwide, pointed to a serious mental health crisis in universities globally. It revealed a marked increase in anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm among undergraduate students over the last decade.

Asst. Prof. Hazal Ayas provided an assessment of the findings.

The pandemic was also a mental health crisis

Asst. Prof. Ayas noted that the research indicates a significant rise in mental health problems during the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by a slight decline afterward. However, she emphasized that an overall increase has been observed since 2013. “The pandemic should not be defined solely as a physiological health crisis, but also as a crisis affecting physical health, social life, and mental health. Therefore, the rise in mental health problems observed during the pandemic period can be described as a crisis,” she said.

The fastest ıncrease in mental disorders ıs among ages 20–29

Emphasizing that mental health problems are not caused solely by individual difficulties, Asst. Prof. Ayas stated that although the active phase of the pandemic has ended, its psychological effects will persist longer. She noted that the World Health Organization identifies the 20–29 age group as the fastest-growing age range for mental disorders. According to Asst. Prof. Ayas, this increase is thought to stem from biological and societal factors rather than purely individual issues. “The average onset age for certain psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is between 19 and 25. This is a biological factor related to the emergence of mental disorders. At the same time, individual and social stressors associated with this life stage can also play a significant role,” she explained.

Transition to university ıs a psychologically vulnerable period

Asst. Prof. Ayas explained why the transition to university is particularly sensitive for young people: “Beyond biological factors, from a social perspective, the university period is a time when individuals become independent from their families, responsibilities increase, peer relationships intensify, financial problems may arise, and time management becomes critical. When these factors are combined with financial hardship, future anxiety, and other socioeconomically disadvantaged conditions, they create a fertile ground for mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. While the changes and independence experienced during the university years support personal development and maturation, negative conditions such as financial disadvantage, lack of social support, and political uncertainty can turn this period into a source of vulnerability. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that these experiences form a very important foundation for adulthood, especially for students studying away from their families.”

Psychological flexibility and emotion regulation are crucial

Addressing the increase in anxiety and depression rates, Asst. Prof. Ayas emphasized that psychological resilience is shaped not by what happens to individuals, but by how they interpret those experiences. “Psychological flexibility is a key factor in reducing the likelihood of developing mental disorders in the face of challenging life events. The ability to recognize, express, and regulate emotions are essential skills that need to be developed to strengthen psychological flexibility and resilience,” she said. She also reiterated that uncertainty, future anxiety, and fear of failure, along with economic difficulties and social disadvantage, are major risk factors affecting students’ mental health.

Preventive mental health services must be strengthened

Asst. Prof. Ayas stressed the need to make psychological counseling services at universities more accessible. “It is crucial that university psychological support units are well introduced during orientation programs, easily accessible to students, and staffed by qualified professionals. In addition, universities should invest in preventive mental health initiatives,” she stated.

Disadvantaged students should be supported socially and economically

Highlighting the importance of preventive mental health efforts, Asst. Prof. Ayas concluded that such initiatives are as vital as intervention programs. “For this reason, universities should support student clubs that develop social skills, organize events, festivals, and activities that help students cope with academic and life challenges, and provide economic and social support to disadvantaged students. These measures constitute essential preventive mental health services for university students,” she said.

Thirteen years of positive psychology education

Üsküdar University, the country’s first thematic university in behavioral sciences and health, has conducted pioneering work in positive psychology since its establishment. Since 2013, Positive Psychology has been offered as a compulsory course at the university.

A pioneer among leading universities worldwide

By integrating Positive Psychology into its academic curriculum years ahead of many leading universities worldwide, Üsküdar University became a pioneer in this field. The course has also highlighted the significance of positive psychology studies conducted in Türkiye.