World Health Day 2024 is about the universal mental health embedded in an issue that has been increasingly relevant to global students. The thrill and difficulty could provoke international students who choose foreign countries to study as their place of boat. The feeling of moving to a new country to expand the borders of knowledge may give a person a thrilling experience, but at times it can be a complex, difficult and stressful process, especially when it comes to young people which in turn makes it difficult for them to keep their mental health in proper balance. Making it known why mental health matters, and suggesting strategies to students on how to take good care of themselves while studying abroad is what we need to do as the day is commemorated.
Mental Health
Mental health is the overall state of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being that defines the way we think, feel, and act, and is directly associated with our stress management abilities, level of social relationships, and decision-making skills. For international students the stress, which comes from learning how to fit in a new culture, dealing with academics and living away from home, can be the cause of the disbalance of their mental health.
From the international students’ point of view here are some of the things that mental health poses as a top consideration.
Academic Success: A clear mind is the key to increased focus, productivity, and better academic outcomes. When they are mentally well, they get the entire time they need to memorize and follow the instructions better, so at the end of the day they are more productive and have a good relationship with their careers.
Adapting to New Environments: Migration is a contributing factor to episodes of culture shock, feeling lonesome as well as homesickness. Protecting mental health assists in managing emotions and facilitates the transition process to a new country.
Building Healthy Relationships: Besides education, being away from home in a foreign country gives students a chance to meet new friends and people. High mental health levels are enabled to the students through the possibility to communicate quite openly, build solid relationships and thus feel helpful to their peers.
Dealing with stress: International students are usually the ones who have strong pressure because of academic difficulties, financial problems, or the difficulty of getting used to a different lifestyle. Mental health is a priority when it comes to effectively fighting them and avoiding burnout.
Better Future: Creating a successful career and personal life, mental therapeutics while studying set a base. The ability to recover, developing a positive attitude, will be the best because that will be what one will do in life outside of the university.
Common Health-Related Problems among Overseas Students with Emphasis on Mental Health
Cultural Shock: Getting used to the life in a new country may cause feelings of disorientation and annoyance. The culture gap, language, food, social norms, weather, and many other aspects could be barriers that an individual faces in the new environment.
Isolation: Distance and space between family and friends can result in desolation for students from abroad. The lack of people who are both around and familiar to students can drive the latter to solitude and melancholy.
Educational Demands: A lot of international students feel that they have to prove themselves academically in order to justify the investment in education by their parents. As a consequence, they suffer from anxiety and stress.
Money Issues: You might have to face financial challenges, such as housing fees, living expenses, and other issues while studying overseas. Especially for those on very strict budgets and those who have won scholarships, it can lead to financial anxiety.
Linguistic Exclusion: If one doesn’t speak English, it can be perceived as a hurdle, especially the non-regulated experience, and might lead to fatigue and outbursts of anger or even feelings of inadequacy.
Seek Support: Help support devise lead only to these termize the university to health or offer the services of the therapy or health support to the students. When the need arises, try not to take them up, but inform them of the need for help and talk to them if you are planning to know something productive.
Stay Connected: Keep communication lines open with your family and friends from home. By approaching everyday human communication, you’ll feel a much-rooted understanding and would recall that there are many people who are with you.
Make New Friends: Reconnecting with new friends online or in person in the host country can significantly alleviate the onset of loneliness. For example, to find connections and local supporters, join school clubs and social events. Get to know other foreign students with whom you might share similar issues at school.
Exercise Regularly: Aerobic exercise is a natural mood enhancer and it often decreases anxiety. Getting a membership at the gym, walking in the neighborhood or engaging in yoga, will aid your mental health.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Road users can utilize techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness to harness the power of tranquility and relieve stress. Try apps like Headspace or Calm which are beginner-friendly guided meditational tools.
Set Realistic Goals: You’ll be successful in accomplishing your academic and personal goals if you don’t put so much stress on yourself. Instead, finish off the tasks as you can and clap and scream at yourself if you are able to achieve these tasks.
Get Enough Sleep: The absence of sleep can lower your mood levels as well as your work performance. Get uninterrupted sleep between 7-8 hours if you are looking to do your best in whatever activities you are taking part in.