MENTAL HEALTH STRESSORS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG STUDENTS OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA

Abstract

University life is a critical developmental period for students, characterized by significant
academic, social, and personal challenges, students navigate various stressors that can
significantly influence their mental health. Understanding the stressors specific to this
population is essential for promoting the mental well-being. This study investigated the
knowledge of stressors on mental health of university students, the coping strategies for
mitigating the impacts of stressors. A descriptive survey research design was employed and
200 university students were randomly selected from the institution, data were collected and
analysed. The study revealed that students experienced academic pressure, financial issues,
family expectations, students' academic and personal lives, stressors resulting in heightened
anxiety, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression and their utilization of counselling
services is low among students. The findings indicated that academic pressure, financial
concerns, and family expectations contribute to a substantial level of stress, which in turn
affects students' psychological well-being. The results shows that many students are aware of
coping strategies such as time management and exercise, the under utilization of counselling
services highlights a critical gap in mental health support that needs to be addressed. Effective
interventions include promoting positive peer relationships, providing mental health support,
and encouraging open communication between students and university.