MHM Magazine

Issue 6 | 2024 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 15 MHM Mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness; it's influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) mental health is a state of well- being in which individuals can recognise their potential, handle everyday stress, work productively, and contribute to their community. In recent years, the mental health and well-being of university students have become a significant public health issue. Many students report high levels of stress and cognitive overload, especially first-year students, who are particularly vulnerable to anxiety and depression due to academic pressures like exams, tight deadlines, and the need to succeed to increase the likelihood of future opportunities. In addition to the pressure due to educational requirements, students also face challenges like irregular sleep, relationship changes, post- graduation worries, body image issues, and self-esteem concerns. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues among students, affecting about 12%, while depression affects 7-9% of students. Depression rates are even higher for students than for their age-matched peers in the general population. Suicide, unfortunately, is a significant concern among young adults and university students. Recent studies have shown that eating disorders, ADHD, and substance use issues like alcohol and nicotine are also prevalent among this group, with alcohol use disorder affecting about one in five students. By Prof Ankebé Kruger PhD Psychology / PhD Sport Science Registered Counselling Psychologist / Senior Lecturer / Sport Scientist Centre for Health & Human Performance Ankebe.Kruger@nwu.ac.za MENTAL HEALTH AMONG STUDENT-ATHLETES | 2024 | Volume 11 | Issue 6 | Mental health among student-athletes MHM