by ashley stevens
March 2, 2024
Howard University students engage in mental health activities.
Juggling classes, friendships, finances, and constant interaction on social media can take a toll on college students. And isolation can result in loneliness. During Chegg.org’s second annual Global Student Mental Health Week, which runs through March 3, Howard University students are participating in mental health activities such as a mental health investment roundtable, yoga and wellness day. Masu.
These events are sponsored by Chegg.org and its partner nonprofit Young Invincibles. The two organizations’ goal this week, which began Feb. 26, is to help students cope with loneliness and work with policymakers to request funding to create or expand school-based mental health centers. It is to be.
“Today’s students live in one of the most connected times in history, but many experience a deep sense of disconnection, feel lonely, and struggle to make friends,” said Director of Chegg.org said Heather Hatro-Porter, chief communications officer at Chegg, Inc. The need to foster conversations about mental health has never felt more urgent, and our resolve has never been stronger. ”
Chegg.org is the influence, advocacy, and research arm of the education technology company Chegg, addressing the issues facing today’s students. Young Invincibles works to elevate young people’s voices in the political process and expand their economic opportunities. These two groups, along with a set of additional Chegg.org partners, worked together to shed light on student loneliness.
Social isolation is considered a global health priority, according to the World Health Organization, which warns of the impact of loneliness on physical and mental health and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%. According to Chegg.org’s Global Student Mental Health Survey, 59% of those surveyed said they didn’t get enough sleep, 54% said they experienced anxiety every day, and 46% said they didn’t get enough sleep. They said they had experienced burnout in their studies.
This burnout and stress can lead to health complications. The effects of teenage stress can last into adulthood, according to a study published in January by the American Heart Association (AHA). Cardio-metabolic health concerns can increase later in life, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity, all of which contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, the study found.
The AHA provided tips on how teens can reduce stress and how parents can support teens struggling with mental health issues. Calm, the leading mobile app for meditation, sleep, and relaxation and a Chegg partner, has curated a collection of guided meditations for anxiety and stress for students.
Chegg and the Young Invincibles will also meet with members of Congress and Department of Education officials to discuss mental health issues affecting students. What do they want? A mental health initiative for colleges and universities focuses on prevention and self-care, provides resources for substance use disorder and recovery, and ensures schools have the resources to ensure culturally appropriate and accessible services. Consider implementing a health checklist. This checklist also aims to enhance student voice and increase accessible information for student services.
And to help students understand that their mental health struggles are relatable, even to celebrities, award-winning actress, author, and activist Kerry Washington joined students on social media. We answered questions about how to prioritize your mental health.
“I love going for walks, taking baths, and listening to great podcasts and music,” Washington said on Instagram. “Meditation is really important. Spend time with your family and friends. Keeping a journal sometimes helps and can also help you get a really good night’s sleep.”
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