By Veronica Mrema
It is no longer a matter to sit quietly about. It is an important, necessary, and specific topic that must be discussed openly.
Mental health is not something to be ignored within society. Now, young people have decided to put it on the table as an agenda with solid arguments and an open discussion that requires answers.
The key question is: where did we come from, where are we now, and where are we heading? Incidents and tragedies have dominated recent years in schools, directly linked to mental health challenges.
In various universities, several students have reportedly committed acts such as suicide, with stress being cited as the main cause behind these actions.
The Ethics Lecturer at Kairuki University College, Abraham Mwalugeni, says that the challenge of mental health for university students is currently significant.
“We have a big mental health challenge. Students commit suicide, and others drop out of school,” he says, a statement that opens a broad debate: how will we recover from where we are?!
WHAT IS THE REALITY?
A student joining university has an average of one, two, three, up to five years to complete and obtain the qualification they are expecting.
“Studies have a high demand; there is also personal pressure [on the student], pressure from parents/guardians, and from lecturers demanding a certain pass mark.
“Frequent exams, therefore, force the student to do things outside rules or expectations, such as not sleeping or eating well,” he explains.
The statement of the President of the Student Government at Kairuki University College [KUSA Kairuki] Ayoub Daffa.
According to … all these affect the students’ mental health and psychology, and as a result, many also perform poorly in their exams.
Mwal. Mwalugeni notes, “Perhaps our systems fail to receive [young people] equally.”
His statement is supported by various studies in the country. A study published in the BMC Psychiatry journal about university students in Tanzania shows that a significant number of students report mental distress symptoms.
Alongside this study, some other research shows that approximately 70% of students face mental health challenges such as stress and anxiety.
A study conducted at the University of Dodoma shows that more than half of the students [51.8%] reported mental distress symptoms.
Researchers indicate that this situation demonstrates the magnitude of the problem within higher education institutions.
In the Mwanza Region, a study involving non-medical universities found that approximately 35.7% of students had symptoms of depression.
These figures demonstrate that mental health among university youth is not a theoretical issue, but a reality that requires action.
SUDDEN CHANGES
Mwal. Mwalugeni says that the educational journey of a child in Tanzania changes suddenly upon entering university.
“From first to seventh grade, the child is under the supervision of parents and guardians. In secondary school, they are still closely monitored and reminded of their academic responsibilities.
“But when they get to university, they find themselves under their own rule [autonomy and personal decisions] with new responsibilities,” he explains.
He emphasizes, “Here, university is different from primary and secondary school. No one forces you to write or study; you must be careful and follow what you have learned.
“What I see is that this student fails to ‘transform’ their life,” says Mwal. Mwalugeni.
THE BOOM ‘DISRUPTS’
He also addresses the issue of higher education loans [boom]. For some students, these funds, instead of supporting studies, become a source of disrupting direction.
“When they get the ‘boom’, it completely disrupts them. Some leave university and spend the money until it runs out, then they return.”
In his view, it is not just a matter of money but the lack of psychological and financial preparation.
Sudden freedom without sufficient guidance makes some young people fail to manage their new lives.
This is where expert opinions and studies intersect; many students enter university without adequate preparation.
Dealing with academic pressure, financial challenges, social changes, and loneliness.
These factors significantly contribute to increased symptoms of stress and depression.
A GLOBAL CHALLENGE
From a national and international perspective, retired Professor of Mental Health and advisor at Akili Platform Tanzania, Prof. Gadi Kilonzo, says the issue of mental health is not limited to universities alone.
It is a global challenge, which is why various efforts have been made in every country to secure the future of its citizens.
He points out that statistics show there are approximately 450 million people living with mental health problems worldwide each year, with over one million committing suicide annually.
Also, approximately 150 million people live with depression, 25 million have schizophrenia, 28 million have epilepsy, and about 90 million face alcohol abuse problems.
For Tanzania, various studies indicate that mental health problems affect between 0.32% and 31% of citizens.
Research also shows that in general clinics, preliminary attendance indicates that 49% of patients suffer from stress-related problems.
The Director of Akili Platform Tanzania, Roghat Robert, says that young people are the most affected by challenges impacting mental health.
“This includes difficult economic conditions, drug use, and moral decline,” he says.
HOW DO WE MOVE FORWARD?
Mwal. Mwalugeni recommends the presence of ‘financial management mentorship’ programs and guidance within universities.
“If students receive at least once to four times a year training on financial and life management, it will help them and help us greatly.”
The mental health of university youth is not only an individual issue. It reflects our systems of upbringing, education, and social support.
Prof. Kilonzo emphasizes that every small step to improve mental well-being is important, including establishing youth-friendly psychological services.
Educating parents and teachers, and ensuring young people get early support before problems escalate.
Daffa says this is why they took further action to establish the KUSA YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE platform.
“It is an important platform, bringing us together with mental health and psychiatric professionals. We discuss openly,” he says.
He adds, “Young people learn from each other; some have experienced challenges and share their stories, while others learn, especially to build mental health while at university.
“Essentially, mentorship is very important; you learn from someone who has gone through challenges and get something to help you in the future.
“One of the best treatments is talking. I believe that before taking any step, I follow and speak to someone who has experienced it.
“How did they overcome it? These challenges come as a surprise, but when you recall, I spoke to someone about it, and they came out safely,” he explains.
The statement is emphasized by the Director of Akili Platform, Robert, who stresses, “We aim to raise the voices of young people and encourage them to break the silence, as silence does not heal mental health.
“It is important to have support systems, mentorship, and early guidance,” he says, highlighting long-term solutions to rescue young people.
These include improving education and awareness of mental health in society and universities, promoting family care and positive relationships.
Creating strategies for early identification and support of young people facing stress, depression, or other psychological issues.
.., and increasing access to mentors, psychologists, and gender desks for students.
This shows clearly that mental health is not only an individual responsibility; it is a responsibility of the entire society, universities, families, stakeholders, and the government.
These measures will help ensure that young people receive support, education, and opportunities to build mental well-being, enabling them to achieve their dreams and contribute to national development as a whole.
Chapisha Maoni