ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to analyze student awareness and practice for mental health promotion, with a focus on the University of Lagos in Lagos State. The study looked into whether or not pupils are aware of mental health issues. The study also examines whether pupils develop a good attitude toward mental health treatment. The study goes on to see if school administration helps pupils’ mental health. Finally, the study looks into how to raise mental health awareness among students. The survey descriptive research design was used in this study. The survey yielded a total of 77 valid replies. The findings revealed that students are aware of mental health issues based on the responses they received and examined. Students also develop a good attitude toward mental health practice. Furthermore, school administration promotes student mental health. Finally, by promoting positive self-esteem, encouraging students to eat healthy and providing healthy eating options, providing outlets to relieve anxiety and stress, and promoting school policies that support mental health, such as bullying prevention, there can be an improvement in student awareness of mental health. As a result, the report recommends that universities take effective public mental health action now and in the future to minimize the burden of sickness and the cost of mental illness. University healthcare professionals should also be cognizant of their own attitudes and how they affect their patients. Finally, it is necessary to pay attention to demonstrating empathy in order to guarantee that students with mental health concerns are taken seriously, and as a result, patients are encouraged to adhere to the therapy they are undergoing.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Mental health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of well-being in which a person makes full use of his or her abilities, successfully copes with stress in daily life, works efficiently and productively, and is capable of making a constructive contribution to society. Mental health is an inextricable aspect of overall health, reflecting a balance between an individual and their surroundings. Mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being allow a person to function effectively in his or her environment, achieve goals, and grow as a person (WHO, 2005). All of these categories have been identified as significant factors to consider if one want to build and improve one’s mental health (WHO, 2001). The promotion of mental health has a lot in common with the promotion of physical health. The focus of promotion is mostly on protective characteristics (Verhaeghe et al. 2012). The goal of prevention is to focus on risk factors in order to prevent risky behavior or the development of mental disorders. Over the years, governments, as well as other European and international institutions, have issued dozens of documents outlining recommendations and regulations for the establishment and implementation of mental health promotion programs. Mental health protection and developing one’s true potential should be taken as seriously as medical treatment, according to WHO recommendations. University students, for example, are among the people who profit from such initiatives (Stallman, 2010).
Promoting and protecting pupils’ mental health allows them to advance and take on new developmental challenges. At the same time, it keeps kids from being mentally ill. Starting university, young adults are exposed to a wide range of psychological issues. Students’ failure to cope with stress appears to be the most serious issue they face.
In reality, students are at a significant risk for mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, emotional problems, and personality disorders (Stallman, 2010). Depressive feelings (26,4%), general anxiety disorder (21,1%), and anxiety attacks (13,9%) are the most common issues reported by young Polish individuals (Moskalewicz and Boguszewska, 2012). Missing classes and failing grades are the result of mental health and emotional issues, as well as a difficulty coping with stress.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Teachers and administrators can work to raise awareness with their students until mental health education becomes a mandatory part of all schools (Verhaeghe,2012). The concept of self-care and responsibility for one’s own mental health and wellness, with an emphasis on the fact that mental health is an intrinsic part of health, and the concept of recovery from mental illness are two key elements to highlight (Stallman,2010). Teachers and students should be taught how to spot the indicators of growing mental health issues, and chances should be provided for learning about and managing mental health emergencies, such as the danger of suicide or self-harm.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The study’s overall goal is to measure student awareness and practice in the area of mental health promotion. As a result, the study’s precise goal is as follows:
To find out if pupils are aware of mental health issues.
To see if students develop a positive attitude toward mental health practice.
To see if school administration promotes student mental wellness.
To look into methods to raise mental health awareness among students.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
For this study, the following questions have been written.
Is there a mental health awareness among students?
Do pupils have a favorable attitude about mental health treatment?
Is school administration supportive of students’ mental health?
What can be done to increase student awareness of mental health issues?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will look at how well students are aware of mental health issues and what they can do to improve their mental health. As a result, it will be noteworthy in the following ways:
Government: This study will be significant because it will highlight the need for mental health to be included in the school curriculum.
Academia: This study will be important to the academic community since it will add to the existing literature on the assessment of mental health awareness and practice among students.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this study is to see if pupils are aware of mental health issues. The research will also look into whether pupils develop a good attitude about mental health care. The study will also look into whether school administration promotes student mental wellness. Finally, the study will look into how to raise mental health awareness among students. As a result, the scope of this research would be limited to the University of Lagos in Lagos State.
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Financial constraints – A lack of funds impedes the researcher’s efficiency in locating relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data gathering procedure (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint: The researcher will be working on this subject while also doing other academic tasks. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
The act of assessing someone or something is referred to as assessment.
Awareness refers to one’s understanding or perception of a situation or truth.
Practice, as opposed to theories, is the actual application or usage of an idea, belief, or approach.
Promotion: any activity that aids or stimulates the advancement of a cause, venture, or goal.
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