Mental Health in Young Adults: Stress, Self-Harm Risk, and Public Health Interventions in Universities

Abstract

The issue of mental health disorders among the youth adults has become a big public health challenge across the world, especially in the university campuses where academic, social and developmental pressures take a key intersection. University students are a transitory population, which is becoming more vulnerable to psychological distress, stress-related disorders, anxiety, depression, and self-harming habits. These problems are also magnified by the academic competition, lack of finances, social isolation, over-exposure to some digital aspects, and uncertainty concerning future work. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the existing literature on the subject of mental health among the youth adults particularly stress, self-harm risk, and the impact of public health interventions in the university context. Based on evidence gathered on the international and regional level, the review examines the epidemiological tendencies, psychosocial factors, and institutional aspects that lead to mental health issues among students. It also explores the causes and the commonality of self-harm and suicidal behavior, noting that the interactions between the vulnerability of an individual and environmental stressors and inaccessibility to mental health services are very intricate. Public health measures applied in universities, such as mental health promotion, early screening, counseling services, peer support programs and digital mental health interventions are also critically reviewed in the review. The coherent combination of the results in the disciplinary fields enables this review to highlight the necessity of comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and sustainable mental health frameworks in institutions of higher learning. Enhancing the response of the public health in universities is not only helpful to enhance the well-being of the students but also to protect the academic achievements, future productivity, and health outcome in the society.