1.0 Chapter one

Introduction

1.1.             Background to the study

A state of mental wellbeing known as mental health enables people to effectively manage life's challenges, reach their full potential, learn and work efficiently, and contribute back to their communities. Access to mental health services is a fundamental human right and is necessary for social, cultural, and individual development (Busari and Amedu, 2020). In terms of public health and policy, the problem of students' poor mental health in higher education is becoming increasingly significant (Busari and Amedu 2020). Over the past several years, the percentage of people worldwide who suffer from mental health disorders has increased from 12 to 50%. Most of these disorders start in people who are between the ages of 15 and 24 (Busari and Amedu, 2020). In low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria, mental diseases like depression and anxiety are quite common among the general population [Lake & Gould 2014]. According to a study, Among depressed individuals in Nigeria, anhedonia (9.1%), suicidal thoughts (7.3%), hopelessness (6.9%), and psychomotor impairment (1.8%) were the most common depressive symptoms. There are no trustworthy local statistics on the incidence of mental disease in the Nigerian community, despite studies indicating extremely low frequency for anxiety and depressive disorders (3.1% lifetime anxiety and 5.7% lifetime depression). In the end, all of this made it difficult for this significant issue to get much attention on a local and global scale. Since then, it has become more critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic [Lake & Gould 2014].

Mental illnesses are also reported among university students in Nigeria [Dowie 2020]. 58% of students in a Nigerian university participated in the study; the percentages of students with mild, moderate, moderately-severe, and severe depression were 37.0%, 15.7%, 3.9%, and 1.67%, respectively [McCrae, Gettings , Purssell 2017]. In contrast, a study on mental health concerns in youth revealed that college students frequently have mental health difficulties, with one-third of them exhibiting significant symptoms including depression, generalised anxiety disorder, or suicide ideation (Kaplan & Haenlein 2011). More than 73% of college students have a mental health issue, and more than 4.5 million children between the ages of 3 and 17 have behavioural challenges, 4.4 million have anxiety disorders, and 1.9 million have depression [Lake & Gould 2014]. They also have detrimental educational, social, and economic implications, such as low academic performance and a higher risk of dropping out of university (Dowie 2020). While social isolation and loneliness are closely linked to poor mental health, a strong sense of belonging and a strong support network are significantly associated with mental wellbeing and happiness (Kaplan & Haenlein 2011). When college students leave their homes to attend universities, they must navigate more difficulties on their own as they make the journey from adolescent to adulthood. This change is frequently linked to an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression (Kaplan & Haenlein 2011). During this time, mental diseases can have serious negative effects that include poor academic performance, relationship problems, college dropout, and reduced emotional functioning. When these impacts come together, they could be harmful to one's chances of obtaining a professional job in the future as well as one's physical health. Previous studies have also demonstrated a relationship between the mental health of college students and socioeconomic factors including gender and financial status. Reports state that having a bully on campus, living away from home, experiencing financial struggle, or having an unstable family can all raise the risk of mental health problems (Amedu &Busari 2020). Concern over the topic of college students' mental health is growing. The transition from late adolescence to emerging adulthood and the particular stage of psycho-social development that occurs during college years are when mental disorders are most likely to arise (Amedu &Busari 2020).

Students attending postsecondary institutions comprise a greater proportion of adolescents, the age group that signifies the shift from childhood to maturity (World Youth Report (WYR), 2003).Tertiary education represents a transitional period of a new independence life from their parents and a dependent life at school. The period is characterized by rapid interrelated changes both of body, mind and social relationship (Busari and Amedu, 2020). According to National Institute of Mental Health is the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of diseases and infirmity (National Institute of Mental Health 2020). University students are more vulnerable to various kinds of health problems, ranging from increased stresses to unhealthy lifestyle (Adewuya, 2006). The primary health issues that have been noted among university students are emotional disorders , psychological issues, and mental health (National Institute of Mental Health 2020). However, adolescents and mental health have been linked more often. 11.5% of the world's disease burden was attributed to it (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020). Worldwide estimates place the number of persons with brain or mental disorders at about 450 million. It is estimated that 20% of people in Nigeria alone suffer from mental disease (National Institute of Mental Health 2020). Mental health is a major public health challenge, yet suffers institutional neglect. Over 30% of countries lack good mental health policy. Even though Nigeria's Mental Health Policy was developed in Nigeria  in 1991, it was not easily implemented (Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Programme (MHLAP) 2012).

Due to the lack of implementation of mental health policies, there is a significant rate of neglect, stigmatisation, and street wandering among those who are affected. The detrimental effects of mental illness on university students' academic performance(Kaplan & Haenlein 2011). Notwithstanding these issues, there are insufficient national health policies in Nigeria that consider measures to combat the threat of mental illness among students.To provide a long-term solution to students' health issues, tertiary institutions must first identify the mental health concerns of their students as early as possible.. The higher institution students in Nigeria lack this information. It is to this the study centres on mental health issues among students and effective coping strategies within academic environment.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

According to National Institute of Mental Health (2020) Research has shown that 1 in 5 youths are suffering from a diagnosable mental disorder (and some certain mental health concerns are depression and suicide which have increased significantly among youths in recent years. Looking at the low level of information and campaigns this has led to more mental health issues

The high level of media  and drug consumption among others have created many challenges and risks for young people's mental health. However, the government and other non governmental agencies have served as vehicles for numerous campaigns on mental health and the prevention of mental health disorders, many of which are directed towards young people with the goal of raising awareness, fostering positive attitudes, and encouraging positive practices regarding their mental health.. It is to this therefore, this study is centered on mental health issues among students and effective coping strategies within academic environment

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The major purpose of this study is to examine mental health issues among students and effective coping strategies within academic environment . Other objectives of the study are

1 To asses the prevalence of mental health issues among students in tertiary institution  in Nigeria 

2 To outline the causes of mental health issues among undergraduate students in Nigeria

3 To examine the role of media in curbing and creating awareness against mental health issues among youths and students in Nigeria

4To recommend Urgent Need for the Governments of Nigeria to Address the Mental Health Needs of Students

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1 What is the prevalence of mental health issues among students in tertiary institution  in Nigeria? 

2 What are the major causes of mental health issues among undergraduate students in Nigeria?

3 What is the role of media in curbing and creating awareness against mental health issues among youths and students in Nigeria?

4What is Urgent Need for the Government of Nigeria to Address the Mental Health Needs of Students?

1.5 Hypotheses:

HO1: The media does not plays a significant role in creating awareness and curbing mental health issues among undergraduate  students

HO2: The causes of mental health issues does not influence the academic performance of students in tertiary schools

1.6  SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study would be of immense benefit to educational sector, the Nigerian public and the general public as it attempts to unravel the impact of mental health on youth development and counseling. The study would also benefit students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing further study on the subject matter.

1.7  SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study is restricted to determining the level of mental health information campaigns in nigeria

1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9  DEFINITION OF TERMS

INFORMATION: Information is an abstract concept that refers to that which has the power to inform. At the most fundamental level, information pertains to the interpretation of that which may be sensed, or their abstractions

MENTAL HEALTH: Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

CAMPAIGNS: an organized course of action to achieve a goal

STUDENTS: A student is a person enrolled in a school or other educational institution. In the United Kingdom and most commonwealth countries, a "student" attends a secondary school or higher; those in primary or elementary schools are "pupils