Investigating the attitudes and current trends influencing Mental health in the undergraduate students of University of Delhi

Abstract

Adolescence is a stage of great turmoil characterized by the transition from being dependent on caregivers to being independent, autonomous young adults. This study aimed to investigate the status of mental health of undergraduate students and to analyse their understanding and attitude towards the importance of mental health. An online health survey was conducted to analyze various aspects of mental health like depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma, substance abuse, eating and sleep disorders. The responses were evaluated by descriptive statistics by excluding arbitrary correlation. Out of the 1014 students surveyed, more than 88.8% participants considered mental health to be as important as physical health. Performance in exams and relationship issues were identified as the main contributors to the increased level of stress or anxiety in the youth. Although 74.8% of the total respondents were concerned about the issues, only 36.9% had the information or knowledge to deal with them. The young adults clearly experience severe symptoms of mental health related issues, but the associated stigma and non-accepting attitude towards mental illness have been identified as deterrents in seeking help. These findings reinforce the importance of awareness/education about mental health in the masses.

URN:NBN:sciencein.jist.2023.v11.566