Sam Court’s Post

This data from Active Minds, Inc. and TimelyCare paints a concerning picture of loneliness and its impact on students' mental health, particularly among LGBQ+ students. Here are some key takeaways: Loneliness is a widespread issue: The high percentages of students reporting feelings of isolation, being left out, and lacking companionship highlight the prevalence of loneliness on campuses. Mental health suffers from loneliness: The data shows a clear link between loneliness and severe psychological distress, underlining the importance of addressing both. Mental health is a priority for students: A majority of students recognize mental health as a crucial campus issue, and many prioritize good mental health and self-care. LGBQ+ students face unique challenges: The higher rate of loneliness reported by LGBQ+ students highlights a need for targeted support and fostering inclusive environments. Engagement gap exists: There's a disconnect between recognizing mental health issues and actively working to address them. Encouraging student involvement is crucial. The commitment by Active Minds and TimelyCare to empower mental health advocates and create supportive campuses is a positive step. By working together, these challenges can be addressed, and campuses can become places where loneliness is transformed into a sense of belonging and community.

''Exploring the Hidden Struggles: How Hypothyroidism Affects Academic Performance in Students'' Here’s an exploration of the main ways hypothyroidism can impact students’ academic lives: 1. Cognitive Decline and Memory Issues Memory Lapses: Hypothyroidism can impair working memory, making it difficult for students to retain information and recall it during exams or assignments Poor Concentration: Sluggish cognitive functions can reduce focus and mental clarity, often mistaken for a lack of interest or engagement in class. Slowed Processing Speed: Students may find it challenging to keep up with fast-paced lessons, particularly in subjects that require quick thinking, like math or science. 2. Emotional and Psychological Impact Depression and Anxiety: Hypothyroidism can contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or increased anxiety, leading to a lack of motivation and confidence in academics. Low Self-Esteem: Academic and social struggles due to cognitive limitations can affect self-worth, making students less likely to participate in class or form connections with peers. Mood Swings: Frequent mood changes can create conflicts or misunderstandings with teachers and classmates, impacting their social environment and focus on schoolwork. 3. Physical Symptoms Impacting Daily School Life Fatigue and Low Energy: Persistent tiredness can reduce students’ ability to attend classes, participate in extracurriculars, or complete homework, especially in the mornings or during exams. Cold Sensitivity and Discomfort: In colder environments, students with hypothyroidism might find it difficult to focus as they are more sensitive to freezing temperatures, making classrooms uncomfortable. Weight Changes: Sudden weight changes can lead to bullying or body image issues. 4. Academic Underperformance and Behavioral Misinterpretations Teachers and peers may misinterpret these symptoms as a lack of motivation, laziness, or disinterest in school, rather than recognizing the medical challenge underlying them. Students with hypothyroidism might avoid group work or participate less due to cognitive and emotional challenges, which can be mistakenly attributed to shyness or antisocial behaviour. Support Students with Hypothyroidism:- 1. Medical Management: Regular thyroid function testing and medication adherence can help stabilize hormone levels, reducing the intensity of these symptoms. 2. Classroom Accommodations: Flexibility in deadlines, extended test-taking times, and seating arrangements can create a more supportive learning environment. 3. Counseling and Support Groups: School counselling services and support groups can provide students with the tools to manage emotional and cognitive challenges and improve their confidence. #Hypothyroidism #StudentHealth #HiddenStruggles #ThyroidHealth #MentalHealthMatters #EducationAndHealth #LearningChallenges #AcademicChallenges #ThyroidSupport

The Anxiety Epidemic in Education: Why Students Are Struggling to Cope" I recently did a number of Motivational sessions at schools and found many teachers and lecturers worried about student engagement. In recent years, anxiety has become the most cited reason for students struggling with university life. I note it more and more in the Sports coaching I do as well. Many report feeling overwhelmed by workloads, multiple assignments, or even basic tasks like attending classes, booking appointments, and managing their finances. The pressure of deadlines often leads to requests for extensions, while social interactions are increasingly avoided in favor of emails or texts. A study involving 11,000 students across six Russell Group universities found that 30% of students reported anxiety disorders since 2022. This growing trend shows how stress and anxiety are reshaping the educational experience for today’s students. Instead of thriving in an environment meant to foster growth, many are feeling burned out, unable to balance academic demands with their personal well-being. Anxiety should not define the student experience, but for many, it has become an all-too-common reality. With proper interventions, institutions can address this epidemic and help students regain control over their education and lives. Student Mental Health Survey 2023 by Student Minds reported that 52% of students feel overwhelmed by their workload, with anxiety being a leading reason for absenteeism and late submissions. Many students struggle with maintaining a balance between academic and personal life. The National Union of Students (NUS) found that 87% of students reported stress and anxiety affecting their studies, especially during exam periods. Financial concerns and housing instability were contributing factors. The Healthy Minds Study, conducted across 200 colleges in the US, revealed that over 60% of students had moderate to severe anxiety, showing a similar pattern to UK students. It highlighted the need for institutions to implement mental health interventions, especially in academic settings. There is a good article on this in Times today.

NEW DATA ALERT! Active Minds, in collaboration with TimelyCare, published insightful new data highlighting the profound impact of loneliness on students' #mentalhealth. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has labeled loneliness a public health “epidemic,” and our data shows this is particularly true for LGBQ+ students, with 70.3% reporting loneliness compared to 60.6% of their non-LGBQ+ peers. Some key findings include:  - Loneliness significantly increases the likelihood of severe psychological distress. - 28.4% feel isolated, 23.1% feel left out, and 21% lack companionship. - Black and Latino/a/e students highly value good mental health and self-care. - LGBQ+ students prioritize friends' mental health more than non-LGBQ+ students. - 53.7% say mental health considerations guide their behavior and decisions. Despite 62.7% of students surveyed recognizing mental health as a key campus issue, only 50% believe in active student engagement to address these challenges. This research underscores the importance of mental health for student engagement, belonging, and success. Active Minds and TimelyCare are committed to equipping mental health advocates and fostering a supportive campus environment. Together, we can transform loneliness into community. https://lnkd.in/e2FbF_bC

Depression by Students: Analysis of Factors Influencing Depression: 1. The Most Influential Factors Increasing Depression (Ranked): Financial Stress: Students experiencing financial stress have significantly higher levels of depression. Sleep Duration: Sleeping less than 5 hours per day significantly increases the risk of depression. Family History of Mental Illness: Students with a family history of mental illness are more likely to experience depression. Study Hours: Students with very few or excessively long study hours are more prone to depression. Suicidal Thoughts: Students who have suicidal thoughts show higher levels of depression. Unhealthy Dietary Habits: Poor eating habits are associated with higher rates of depression. Study Satisfaction: Students dissatisfied with their studies are more likely to be depressed. Age Group and Gender: There is no significant difference between genders, but the 18-25 age group has higher depression rates. --- Recommendations: 1. Enhance Financial Support for Students: Provide scholarships or financial aids to alleviate financial stress among students. 2. Promote Healthy Sleep Habits: Launch awareness campaigns to educate students on the importance of sleeping 7-8 hours daily. 3. Focus on Family Mental Health History: Offer counseling services to families with a history of mental illness. 4. Balance Study Hours: Develop programs to help students maintain a healthy balance between study and rest. 5. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits: Provide healthier food options in universities and schools. 6. Improve Study Satisfaction: Enhance the academic environment by improving curriculum quality and providing better academic support. 7. Address Mental Health Among Young Students: Design targeted mental health programs for the 18-25 age group. 8. Raise Awareness About Suicidal Thoughts: Create safe platforms where students can seek support for suicidal thoughts and mental health issues. #Arab_Data_Analyst_Hero

🔍 Curious about the Latest in Student Mental Health Support? 🔍 Wondering how universities are stepping up their game to support student well-being? 🤔 Let's dive into some of the most exciting recent developments shaping the landscape of mental health support on campuses: 1️⃣ Expanding Counseling Services: How are institutions ensuring students have access to the support they need, when they need it? 2️⃣ Innovative Peer Support Networks: Ever heard of peer-led initiatives transforming the way students connect and support each other? 3️⃣ Integrating Mental Health into Education: What strategies are universities using to equip students with essential coping skills for life's challenges? 4️⃣ Tech-Enabled Solutions: From mental health apps to online therapy, how is technology breaking barriers to care? 5️⃣ Collaborating for Comprehensive Care: Who are universities partnering with to enrich support offerings and tailor care to students' needs? 6️⃣ Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: How are institutions ensuring that mental health support is accessible and inclusive for students from diverse backgrounds? 7️⃣ Prioritizing Stress Reduction: What innovative approaches are being taken to help students manage stress and prioritize self-care? 8️⃣ Early Intervention Strategies: How are proactive measures identifying and supporting at-risk students before crises emerge? 9️⃣ Destigmatizing Mental Health: What initiatives are challenging stigma and fostering a culture of acceptance and support? Join the conversation and explore these groundbreaking developments in student mental health support! Together, let's ensure that every student has the resources and support they need to thrive. 💬🌟 #StudentWellBeing #MentalHealthSupport #CampusWellness 🎓💡

Student Mental Health and Wellbeing - How Can We Help?  There is substantial evidence that links poor mental health to a student’s sense of community. This is often compounded by the ongoing challenges around achieving financial stability. Prof. Janet Lord, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for The Manchester Metropolitan University will be hosting a group discussion at the upcoming Education Strategy Forum in October, on what can be done to combat the wellbeing challenges that students and universities face.  Janet explores how mental health issues impact student experience, the university's responsibilities, the effects of financial hardship on community engagement, and potential support measures for students.  If you would like to participate in the forum, either as a senior leader looking for innovative solutions to the current challenges your organisation faces or as a solution provider ready to assist education leaders with their technological and strategic needs, then enquire here: https://bit.ly/3nGIl2y      #EducationSF #HigherEducation #Education 

It is that time of the year! Students are back to University! 🏫 New students are starting their new challenge and setting themselves up for success, others are continuing their course of studies getting closer to a beautiful achievement, graduate!👩🎓 However, retaining students can be quite challenging due to the increasing number of students dropping out with mental health problems. But, what is student retention and why is it important for universities and students? Discover more: https://ow.ly/5MyF50Tv8hw #AccessElemental #Health #SocialPrescribing #University #Student

The weight of expectation: navigating youth performance anxiety. The rising incidence of performance anxiety among young learners is a serious concern, particularly as it correlates with an alarming increase in suicides within this generation. This issue is multifaceted, influenced by academic pressures, societal expectations, and personal struggles, especially in a middle-class family.  Performance anxiety manifests as intense fear or nervousness in situations where the individual feels that they are being evaluated and assessed for their performance. Symptoms can include stomach ache, excessive sweating, overthinking, and a blank mind. One can even feel numb during the examination. Young learners face overwhelming expectations from their parents, teachers, family members, and themselves. This can reinforce a vicious cycle where the fear of failure diminishes performance and a person develops a negative self-concept of himself. Negative beliefs around their potential and themselves get strengthened over time making it difficult to change as they become a part of our personality. Research shows that students in prestigious institutions experience significant academic-related stress. This pressure is twofold: first, they feel stress about gaining admission to a prestigious institution, and then they face pressure to maintain their performance once they are enrolled. We have numerous examples where students have had second thoughts about their life in prestigious institutions because of this surmounting pressure and alleged mistreatment by peers or other members of the institution. The root of this thought and loss lies in our education system, where some institutions and professions are considered superior to others. An education system that gives more importance to science subjects over social science subjects. A stringent education system based on the performance and categorization of the child. We are based in an education system where the definition of success is limited and a culture of cutthroat competition is nurtured. Our paramount focus is success by hook or crook. Hence the mammoth task that lies in front of us in reshaping what we call success and the values that we are providing to our students in the name of education. Educators, parents, and policymakers need to work together in reimagining an education system that nurtures well-rounded individuals rather than merely high achievers. Follow- https://lnkd.in/d6bQzJHc #Performance #Anxiety #Education #MentalHealth Dr Prakasha G SOmari ChazuaShahzadi ParveenAnsuman Dasaman vermaPreeti DevganPreeti SharmaRaj GauravSaurabh NandaAiswarya Unnikrishnan