A recent survey involving 1,000 university students, both current and alumni, has unveiled that a staggering 43% consistently experience anxiety during their academic journey. Students’ fears include the dread of failing, social integration issues, and the daunting pressures surrounding life after graduation.
A troubling 55% confessed to having moments where they doubted their educational future and contemplated quitting their courses. The survey showed the first and final years were particularly stressful for students, with the second term noted as especially taxing.
Dr. Naveen Puri, Bupa’s Medical Director, shed light on the issue: “Starting university comes with a lot of worries and fears. However, these often don’t surface until later when the initial fun and excitement of the first term fade, and the demands of the second term set in.
“Many think students have it easy and that this is the best time of their life, but for some, it can be an incredibly stressful period. This can include managing coursework, handling finances, or simply being away from home.”
Coinciding with Bupa’s launch of its new health subscription service, the research emphasises the critical need for students to have accessible mental health and medical care.
The findings showed that 23% of students often or frequently feel depressed at university, with half acknowledging that the unforeseen academic challenges had a huge effect on their mental well-being.
Stress and anxiety also led to behavioural changes, with 39% consuming more unhealthy food, 34% missing lectures, and many others avoiding social interactions or failing to meet deadlines. But a concerning 30% of students confessed they didn’t know where to seek assistance.
Second-year student Kali Kuszyk-Whittall, 20, spent a year devising coping mechanisms after experiencing severe anxiety during her first year at university. A “work overload” triggered up to 10 panic attacks a day, leaving her feeling overwhelmed.
Initially, Kali found her first term at Birmingham City University “exciting,” as she balanced studying, making new friends, and adjusting to her new environment.
“It was a big change, going from being at home to moving into a completely new environment,” she detailed. “At first, I didn’t feel like I really understood the work, and doubt quickly crept in.”
By the second term, she admits she underestimated the time and effort required for her degree. Juggling her academic duties with a part-time job became too much, leading to debilitating panic attacks.
To help deal with her panic attacks Kali took four months off, while she received help. During her break, Kali engaged in bi-weekly therapy sessions with her university therapist and obtained extra support from her GP.
With her partner, also a student at Birmingham City University, by her side providing emotional backing, she was encouraged to venture beyond her home confines.
Kali shared insights into the coping strategies she unearthed for tackling her anxiety:”Cold water or ice on my wrists helped stop a panic attack in its early stages. I’d also distract myself with things like listening to music, watching new TV shows, or reading books.”
In the stretch between June and August 2024, Kali embarked on six Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) appointments and simultaneously began to reintegrate into university life.
Now, nearly twelve months on, Kali reveals she’s in a “better” space and can sustain attendance at lectures for a few hours a day. “It’s definitely not perfect, but it’s manageable, and I’m slowly getting back to feeling like myself,” she remarked.
Many student face hurdles when seeking healthcare, noting that some were apprehensive of overreacting (35%), constrained by time (34%), and anxious their issues would be dismissed (32%).
Dr. Puri stated: “For many students, seeking help for physical or mental health problems can be daunting, especially for those who have previously relied on their parents to handle medical issues.
“However, it’s vital for students to receive the support they need as they navigate their studies.”
