By Rosalinda Baniedawe Abajuah
Level 300, Communication Studies Student, UCC
Depression among university students is emerging as a growing mental health concern, driven largely by academic pressure and social isolation, experts and student leaders have warned.
Specialists say the demanding academic environment of tertiary institutions, combined with personal loss, financial stress, and limited social support, is increasingly pushing students into depression, with serious consequences for their academic performance and overall wellbeing.
The Commversashin podcast highlighted the issue during its maiden edition, which explored the link between academic pressure, social isolation, and depression among university students.
Speaking during a live session on the programme, Dr. Ivy Kesewaa Nkrumah, a Senior Lecturer and Cognitive/Educational Psychology expert at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), described depression as a silent but significant health challenge affecting many students.
“Depression affects how students think, feel, and act. Students experiencing depression often lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, struggle with concentration, and experience persistent feelings of emptiness and sadness,” Dr. Nkrumah said.
She explained that although genetic factors may play a role, academic pressure and social isolation are key contributors to the rising cases of depression across tertiary institutions.
According to Dr. Nkrumah, academic stress can quickly develop into depression when students are overwhelmed by heavy workloads, unrealistic expectations from family members, and intense competition among peers.
Sharing her perspective, Lydia Akuffo, a Level 400 Communication Studies student and former Vice President of the Faculty of Arts Students’ Association (FASA) at UCC, identified fear of failure, financial pressure, and perfectionism as major causes of depression among university students.
“The overwhelming anxiety of not meeting academic expectations can be depressing. Financial pressure linked to tuition and upkeep, as well as the constant demand to produce perfect results, also takes a toll on students’ mental health,” she said.
Dr. Nkrumah further outlined groups that are particularly vulnerable to depression within the university community. These include international students, who may face language barriers and social exclusion; first-year students adjusting to the demands of university life; female students, due to certain biological factors; and students from low socio-economic backgrounds or minority groups who often experience discrimination and lack of acceptance.
She also challenged common misconceptions surrounding depression, noting that it is not limited to romantic relationships, not exclusive to females, and not confined to older adults.
“Depression can affect anyone, including adolescents and university students, regardless of gender,” she said.
Ms. Akuffo also shared her personal experience with depression while serving in student leadership roles. She recounted periods during her second and third years when balancing leadership responsibilities with academic work became overwhelming.
“As a Level 200 vice president, I had to take on additional responsibilities while keeping up with my academics, which was extremely draining. In Level 300, managing leadership duties alongside exams and major projects led to burnout, and it affected my academic performance,” she said.
Drawing from her experience, Ms. Akuffo advised student leaders to prioritize their mental health by seeking support, delegating tasks, and taking breaks when necessary.
“Being vulnerable is not weakness. You don’t have to do everything on your own,” she said.
Dr. Nkrumah also offered practical strategies to help reduce depression among students. She encouraged students to manage their time effectively, begin academic work early in the semester, build social networks through clubs and associations, and seek mentorship from lecturers or professional counselors.
She urged families to remain actively involved in their children’s lives by checking in regularly, visiting when possible, and offering support without judgment.
As academic pressure continues to intensify within universities, stakeholders are calling for a collective effort by students, families, and institutions to address the growing mental health challenge.
Experts stress that prioritizing students’ mental wellbeing alongside academic success is critical to safeguarding the future of the next generation. The audiences have been prompted to expect more editions of The Commversashin podcast.
This is an interesting subject for all stakeholders in academic circles to explore especially in this dispensation where digitisation is further worsening isolation.