Impact On Academic Performance Due to Poor Mental Health

Mental health issues can significantly affect students' connections with friends and family members, as well as their quality of life, academic achievement, physical health, and enjoyment with their college experience. Students' future careers, earning potential, and overall health may be harmed as a result of these concerns. When left untreated or undertreated, coping with the pain of mental illness can contribute to self-harm, including thoughts of suicide, which is now the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24.

According to some researches, the rate of Malaysian students who suffer from mental health problems doubled in less than a decade (10% in 2011 to 20% in 2016; Hezmi 2018), for example approximately 30% of medical students in Malaysia reported a high prevalence of stress (Yusoff et al. 2010), associated with depression and anxiety (Rosal et al. 1997; Shapiro et al. 2000).

These studies have demonstrated that mental health issues among Malaysian students are substantial and must be addressed. So, based on reliable sources, we've developed a list of all the key elements to consider when caring for our mental health including the key impacts of poor mental health and ways to improve academic performance for university students.

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Buddha

Key impacts of poor mental health on students

Poor mental health can affect students at all stages of their university experience. Loneliness, anxiety or even depression, these difficulties can have a significant impact on a student’s ability to engage with their studies, make friends and make the most of their university experience. Here are six key impacts on student performance due to their poor mental health

• Engagement

Having less interest or enthusiasm in learning their course, not willing to engage in discussions and being absent for their class attendance. They may also feel unable to attend lectures or face the social interaction which is a must in university life. These kinds of withdrawals caused them to be less proactive in engaging their university life.

• Concentration

They may be struggling in focusing through their classes especially when they already feel the strain on their mental health. They are unable to concentrate and easily get distracted resulting in being unable to understand or comprehend the lessons.

• Attainment

The consequence of both impacts from above can be observed through their results which decline as their academic studies were badly affected. Feeling pressure from high expectations around them may be the focus for anxiety, stress or depression.

• Progression

They may not be interested in their long-term progression whether their career goals or future employment as mental health risks can affect their thinking. They are unable to think beyond their problems, unable to see what future lies ahead causing them to withdraw from carrying on to the next stage of their studies.

• Enthusiasm

They may feel less enthusiastic about university life and as a result, they may miss a lot of things that should be experienced by students such as extra-curricular activities, social occasions and university events. They are unable to engage with their peers and face new challenges that come with university life in which they will become more isolated.

• Relationship

Becoming less sociable or less interested in making friends and building new relationships. They become withdrawn, unwilling to participate in any social activities or university events. They have difficulty in communicating with their peers causing them unable to have a support network that can help them in the future.

Ways to improve academic performance

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” — Kahlil Gibran

Are you considering strategies to boost your academic performance? If that's the case, you've come to the correct place. You don't need a life coach to inspire you if you're having trouble improving your grades. Often, even the best students find it difficult to focus on their studies, resulting in a situation in which their grades begin to collapse. Continue reading if you're interested in learning more.

• Consult your lecturers or professors

When establishing a strategy for increasing your grades, it's always a good idea to discuss with your professors or lecturers. Most lecturers are sympathetic and eager to assist you in improving your grades. Inquire about the sections you're having trouble understanding. Get suggestions on how to improve in those areas by formulating and implementing strategies. Teachers like assisting students who are putting out an effort.

• Set goals and priorities

Make sure you establish realistic objectives for yourself and prioritize your time appropriately. Taking the time to prepare and concentrate on studying is a simple method to improve academic achievement. Make a list of your personal, professional, and academic activities in order of importance. Your schedule should include time for self-care, family, and sports, as well as academics. Make a daily routine for yourself, divide your day into time intervals, and schedule enough study time. Increase the amount of time you spend on courses or subjects that you've identified as difficult.

• Use technology to your advantage.

Set daily screen time limits on your phone specifically with social media apps. You will be amazed how much you can get done if you’re not getting sucked into scrolling on social media. You can also use the “Do not disturb” mode. People use it on their phones all the time to focus without distraction. As a student, do the same, so people know you can’t be reached because you’re cranking out great work.

• Take care of yourself

There is a lot of evidence that physical activity helps students do better in school. Learning and behavior are both influenced by physical exercise. Physical activity can also help students improve their attitudes and behaviors in the classroom, which are crucial for academic success. You can choose an easier exercise that you actually enjoy. Some examples include walking while listening to music that drives up your energy level. Make sleep a priority. Try to get a full 8 hours of sleep each night. Create a restful sleep environment by making sure your bed is comfortable and keeping the room at an optimal temperature for sleeping.

Nutrition has an important influence in improving grades. It's not a difficult task. You must eat properly in order to study effectively. Healthy eating offers our bodies and minds the energy they need to develop, feel good, be active, remain healthy, and study.

• Know your limits

Don’t take on more than you can handle in terms of campus/college involvement, organization. You don’t want to fall behind because of extracurricular activities. Students also should not study at all hours of the night. The immune system is harmed by staying awake all night. It impairs one's capacity to concentrate as well as remembering. Students must establish a study schedule that does not entail staying up all night, as this might have the opposite effect.