By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS— Schools are where students spend most of their time, so it is also where mental health challenges show up the most.
Mental health is a state of well-being where a person can cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, learn effectively, and contribute to their community.
It’s not just “not being mad”. It’s about emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Major parts:
– Emotional: Managing feelings like stress, joy, anger
– Psychological: Thinking clearly, making decisions, learning
– Social: Building healthy relationships.
Mental illness refers to diagnosable conditions that affect a person’s thinking, emotions, behavior, and ability to function.
Common examples in schools: Depression, Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorder.
Differences:
Everyone has mental health – just like everyone has physical health.
Not everyone has a mental illness
Historical perspective in schools
– Pre-1900s: Mental health issues in students were called “laziness”, “weakness”, or “possession”. No support.
– Mid 1900s: Focus was only on severe cases. Counseling was rare, especially in Nigeria/Africa.
– 1980s-2000s: Schools started guidance & counseling units. But the stigma was high.
– 2010s – Now: Global push for “whole-school approach”. The World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education now promote mental health programs in schools. Post-COVID, anxiety and depression among students spiked worldwide.
– Today in Nigeria: More universities and secondary schools are creating counseling centers, but many still lack trained personnel and funding.
Globally, One in seven children/adolescents aged 10-19 experience a mental disorder – WHO
In Nigerian tertiary institutions and secondary schools, studies show:
– Depression and anxiety: Most common. Linked to academic pressure, financial stress, family issues
– Academic stress: 30-40% of students report high stress levels
– Substance use: Alcohol, tramadol, codeine use increasing among students
– Suicide ideation: Underreported, but a growing concern especially during exams
– Underreporting is high due to stigma and “pray it away” culture
Causes
Academic factors:
– Examination pressure, fear of failure, heavy workload
– Poor academic performance, “carryover” fear
Social factors:
– Bullying, cultism, peer pressure
– Sexual harassment, relationship issues
– Loneliness, homesickness for boarding students
Environmental/Institutional factors:
– Poor school infrastructure, overcrowded classes
– Financial problems – school fees, feeding
– Lack of support from teachers/parents
Individual factors:
– Genetics, trauma, low self-esteem
– Poor coping skills, perfectionism
Effects on students
Academic effects:
– Poor concentration, poor grades, skipping classes
– Dropping out, increased “carryovers”
Psychological effects:
– Anxiety, depression, irritability, low motivation
– In severe cases: self-harm, suicidal thoughts
Social effects:
– Withdrawal from friends, aggression, substance abuse
– Strained relationships with lecturers/peers
Physical effects:
– Headaches, insomnia, fatigue, poor eating
Prevention strategies in schools
The goal: Stop problems before they start.
Mental health literacy: Teach students what mental health is in orientation/Civic/GST classes
Safe school environment: Anti-bullying policies, zero tolerance for harassment
Life skills Training: Stress management, time management, emotional regulation
Teacher training: Help teachers spot signs and refer students
Wellness programs: Sports, clubs, peer support groups
Reduce academic pressure: Realistic workload, counseling before exams
Management /intervention at school level:
Guidance and counseling units: One-on-One counseling, group therapy
Peer support:
Trained student mentors/buddy system
Referral system: Link students to psychologists, psychiatrists, or hospitals
Academic accommodations: Extra time, reduced load for students struggling
For students:
Talk to someone: Friend, counselor, trusted lecturer, pastor/imam
Self-care: Sleep, exercise, prayer/meditation, journaling
Professional help: Don’t wait till it gets worse.
Take good care of yourself and mental health
Be positive about your academic life generally
Time management is very important (manage your time appropriately.
Major takeaway for better mental health:
Healthy school = students who can learn. Mental health is as important as physical health. When schools prevent, identify early, and support students, academic performance and well-being both improve.
Tips for students on how to protect their mental health
To be continued…
For questions or medical consultations, contact Dr. Suleiman Tajudeen, CEO and Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos. +234 803 402 4457
