(FILE PHOTOS) UDST students
Doha, Qatar: As university students return to campuses for a new academic year, mental health should be treated as a key part of academic success, with early recognition of stress and timely support helping prevent temporary distress from developing into more serious problems, a clinical psychologist has said.
A Clinical Psychologist at Sidra Medicine, Dr. Nour Abdelghani said the beginning of an academic year is a period of transition and growth that can bring anxiety, self-doubt and uncertainty, particularly for students adjusting to a new environment.
“Setting the tone right at the start of the year in terms of a student’s mental and emotional health helps them fall into a routine earlier in the year and focus their efforts on their studies, as well as their goals for the year,” she told The Peninsula.
While stress is a normal response to academic pressure, students need to recognise when it persists beyond the immediate trigger.
A student who struggles to sleep before an examination but returns to a normal sleep pattern afterwards is likely experiencing a temporary stress response. However, persistent sleep problems, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, memory and recall, or constant worry about future assignments and examinations could indicate a need for support.
Feelings of inadequacy or an intense fear of failure should also be taken seriously when they lead to avoidance of academic work, falling behind or performing below a student’s capabilities. Social withdrawal and distancing from others are further warning signs.
Dr. Abdelghani described social media as a “double-edged sword” for students. While it can help them connect with peers, discover events and share experiences, it can also create unrealistic expectations about what university life should look like.
Students may feel that everyone else is coping better, achieving more or enjoying a fuller university experience, leaving them feeling that they are “not doing it the right way”.
She advised students to set their own goals and intentions at the beginning of the academic year and revisit them regularly rather than measuring their progress against what they see online.
Loneliness can also affect students despite being surrounded by people. Finding a social circle takes time, particularly for those moving from familiar school environments into a large university.
“Being patient at the start is key,” she said, encouraging students to attend activities that interest them, introduce themselves to others and gradually build a support network.
Parents, friends and university staff should pay attention to marked changes in a student’s behaviour, including social isolation, not responding to calls or messages, poor hygiene, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, risky behaviour, frequent absence from classes and failure to submit assignments.
Yet many students hesitate to seek professional help because they feel embarrassed, believe they should cope alone or are unaware of available services. Concerns about confidentiality can also discourage them.
Dr. Abdelghani stressed that mental healthcare in Qatar is governed by strict confidentiality and privacy laws. For students aged 18 and above, seeking mental health support does not mean that treatment becomes part of their academic record or is disclosed to faculty or family members.
“Challenging the stigma around receiving mental health support and normalising support can help avoid long episodes of anxiety or depression,” she said.
She also called on universities to go beyond providing counselling by promoting open dialogue about mental health and training faculty and staff to recognise warning signs and connect students with support.
Her message to students beginning the new academic year is to be patient with themselves and seek help when needed.
“Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a dear friend who is embarking on a big journey,” she said. “The earlier you do so, the faster you will get relief and begin to truly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
