Health Care
about 3 min read · open as a page
Students are a particularly vulnerable group because their living conditions and way of life change. Many students leave the security of their parents’ home and move into a student residence or a shared household with “flatmates”. They have to adapt to the way the academic community works and to a new way of learning, which also brings greater responsibility for meeting their obligations. The process of integrating into a new social and working environment can therefore be very challenging. What we know so far suggests that many mental disorders begin precisely during the student years. The COVID-19 pandemic made this demanding process of integration even harder by introducing online teaching, removing face-to-face interaction with professors and peers, and causing social isolation as a result. It is important to note that mental health problems among young people are on the rise, and it is estimated that 25% of students have psychological difficulties and disorders that reduce their quality of life, affect how well they study, and require professional help and support. In addition, 75% of mental disorders develop by the age of 24, and if they are not recognised and properly treated, they become chronic. Unfortunately, help is not sought in time, but on average 8 years after the first symptoms appear.
WHEN AND WHY TO CONTACT THE STUDENT COUNSELLING OFFICE
The most common mental health problems for which students seek help are: stress, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, and risky behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse and gambling. Apart from these, common problems include difficulties in relationships with other people, dissatisfaction with oneself, problems adjusting to studying, and learning problems. It is important to seek professional support and help as soon as possible, especially if the difficulties have lasted for a long time and nothing you have tried has helped. Mental health difficulties should be taken seriously, because they very often have a wide range of negative consequences for young people’s academic and social functioning, most commonly: poorer academic performance, putting off obligations, social isolation and an increased risk of addiction. It is estimated that about 5% of students do not complete their higher education because of untreated mental health difficulties. To help young people seek help as early as possible, we need to understand why help is not sought in time. The most prominent reason is usually fear of social judgement, or stigma, but also the lack of organised professional help. There is no need to be ashamed of these problems and difficulties. They need to be recognised in time, and appropriate help should be sought.
Our professionals will help you with their advice and guide you on how to take responsible care of your health.
Student doctor for all study programmes and specialisations of Zagreb University of Applied Sciences
Tony Rumora, dr. med.
Contacts: tonyrumorastamparhr
Hirčeva 1
01/2304-372
even dates – mornings (08-13h)
odd dates – afternoons (14-19h)
