Despite being a critical component of student wellbeing, mental health is often disregarded. With the pressure to perform academically and socially, it’s easy to overlook signs of mental distress. However, it’s important to recognize when help is needed and take the necessary steps to seek support.

In this article, we'll go through nine signs that indicate a student may need help with their mental health. Early detection of these signs may aid in getting students the support they need to succeed at college and in life. Continue reading to learn more.

9 Most common signs showing a student may be experiencing mental health issues
 

1.   Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks

The first warning sign that may help spot mental health issues in students is difficulty concentrating or completing tasks. Seek expert assistance if you find yourself unable to focus or finish assignments.

It’s also worth checking on your classmate or friend if you see that they need support or if there are any underlying mental health concerns that need to be addressed. However, empathy and compassion should characterize your approach. Some people may find it difficult to discuss the subject of mental health.

Yet, if you seek help with your academic assignments to reduce your workload, it’s okay. Many students order essays from an online essay writing service so they can focus on other responsibilities or take a break. For example, you can use your free time to practice self-care.

2.   Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

Changes in eating and sleeping patterns may be caused by a range of mental and physical issues. Thus, If you suffer from insomnia, it is crucial to identify the root problem. Conversely, people on the verge of depression might find it difficult to get themselves out of bed in the morning. They may also spend days in bed without any motivation to do anything.

Changes in your eating habits are yet another sign of mental illness. You might notice a substantial difference in your appetite. Whether binge eating or not eating at all, these are the reasons why you should seek help to address any potential mental health concerns.

3.   Withdrawal from social activities or relationships

A student suffering from depression or other mental health issues might start to isolate themselves from others. No matter if it's their friends, family, or classmates, they might feel like they don't want to burden others with their problems. Or, that no one will understand what they're going through. 

You can also see that they show less enthusiasm for activities that they used to enjoy. They may give up their hobbies, stop doing sports, stop attending classes, or even skip meals. Get in contact with them to show your support and understanding. Make sure they know that they're not alone and that you're there to help them.

4.   Difficulty coping with everyday stressors

The next sign of underlying depression is difficulty coping with everyday stressors. These include tasks that were once manageable, but now seem overwhelming. For example, a person may have been able to easily balance studying and personal responsibilities in the past. Yet, now he or she finds it difficult to even complete basic daily tasks, such as doing laundry or cooking a meal.

Although students can always turn to the best research paper writing services to find a professional essay writer for their college assignments, inability to finish one task when needed is a warning sign. This may cause feelings of frustration and hopelessness, further exacerbating the depression.

5.   Extreme mood swings or irritability

We often experience changes in our mood throughout the day. These can be related to external events, like bad weather or traffic. They can also cause irritability and stress. However, you may notice that you experience extreme mood swings and irritability frequently. And they are not related to external factors. In this case, you should see a healthcare professional.

Experiencing emotional outbursts, extreme distress, or anger, can signify a mental illness. Having them for an extended period of time may interfere with your daily life and relationships with others. Thus, it's important to find a healthcare professional who can diagnose and treat any underlying mental health conditions.

6.   Experiencing intense or prolonged anxiety or panic attacks

We all experience anxiety or stress from time to time. Yet, it may happen that different symptoms of anxiety show up frequently and unexpectedly. Often, messing with your life and failing to leave you for a lengthy amount of time. These can include extreme sweating, dizziness, trembling, headaches, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, restlessness, and a racing mind. These signs may indicate the presence of a mental health problem, such as an anxiety disorder or other mental health issue.

7.   Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness

Another indicator of an underlying mental health condition is persistent melancholy, pessimism, or feeling of worthlessness. If you are experiencing these feelings often, you should know that they are treatable. You have the ability to enhance both your well-being and the quality of your life with the right assistance.

Therapy or medication may be helpful for those who suffer from chronic sadness. They could also reach out to a support group or talk to a trusted friend or family member about how they are feeling.

8.   Increased use of substances

Substance abuse, such as alcohol or drug use, is a symptom of a number of mental health problems. It may also have a role in the onset of psychological problems. Using substances may have devastating effects on a person's physical and mental health, relationships, and ability to carry out everyday tasks. Thus, if you notice that you are not controlling the situation, it's better to ask someone for help or advice.

9.   Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Last but not least, you are constantly having suicidal thoughts, talking about death, and considering or doing self-harm. These are serious warning signs that require immediate attention. If this is the case, you should seek assistance from a mental health professional or a crisis hotline.

Bottom line

Ignoring the signs of poor mental health can have serious consequences. Thus, it is crucial for students to recognize when they need help and to reach out to trusted resources.

The signs listed in this article are not meant to diagnose any mental health conditions. Yet, rather, it serves as a starting point for individuals to assess their own well-being. Seeking assistance might be challenging, but it is a crucial step towards improving one's mental health.