Mental Health Challenges Among Students in Zambian Higher Institutions of Learning

Abstract

This chapter discusses the myriad challenges that threaten the mental health of many students in Zambian higher institutions of learning. The unit chapter with the title ‘Mental Health Challenges Among Students in Zambian Higher Institutions of Learning’ fits well in the main theme of ‘Digital Transformation in Emerging Economies: The Future of Business, Education, and Governance’. It particularly addresses the issues related to education and governance in higher institutions of learning. Mental health affects everyone, and students in higher institutions of learning are particularly vulnerable. The chapter, therefore, unfolds several possible causes of mental health challenges. They include, but are not limited to, academic stress, social isolation, financial stress, digital overload and social media, lack of family support, romantic relationships, generalised anxiety, and bereavement. These, among many others, have been identified and analysed to be contributing heavily to mental health challenges among students. Having identified the causes, the chapter discusses interventions and strategies to address mental health challenges. The need for campus mental health policies that help sensitise students in higher institutions of learning has been emphasised. It must be noted that this chapter presents well-researched data from many credible sources, including the World Health Organisations and other credible studies done in Zambia. It is the hope of the author that students and management in higher institutions of learning will take time to implement some of the suggested strategies and interventions to help address mental health in their institutions.