HOW HIGH PRESSURE TO SUCCEED ACADEMICALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY LEADS TO DEPRESSION AMONG AMERICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Abstract
The research will entail a detailed exploration of how high pressure to succeed academically and professionally leads to depression amongst American students from high universities. It will discuss the various factors that contribute to this problem and offer potential solutions. The pressure to succeed comes from many sources, including family, friends, and society. This pressure to succeed can lead to academic and professional success, but it can also greatly lead to serious depression among students
Various methods were involved in the process to help gain appropriate information concerning the topic. Various students were interviewed and were mostly done through questionnaires and other scientific methods. A general outcome showed that various groups depicted high symptoms of depression and were at risk of this problem. This illness of depression could be highly depicted in the following groups; economically disadvantaged, among first years, those that were married, and those living in the diaspora regions of the campus.
Other significant variables related to depression included; academic performance, year of study, college attended, and religion. Older aged students were also more likely to be depressed. There are some limitations related to this whereby based on the symptoms where at some point it may not be reliable. This is because it may be false due to it relying on self-report when based on the cross-sectional study.
The conclusion could be that depression could occur in a certain number of students. Interventions should be put across in higher learning Institutions to treat after detecting these disorders paying some attention to the ones at risk. Nevertheless, this may create more problems amongst students than expected. A good number of students undergo psychological problems without the consent of the public.
Introduction
There is a growing problem of depression amongst American students from high universities. This is often due to the high pressure to succeed academically and professionally (Gokcen, N. 2012). This can lead to a feeling of inadequacy and a lack of self-worth. In this case, many students are overwhelmed in the manner that they feel like they are not giving their best. Many students not only in American Universities but even across the world pass through this problem.
Factors Contributing to the Problem and the methods were researched and included in the report. Several outcomes showed that a good number of students were going through depression. This was research done by some researchers. An interesting outcome of some research from other universities was that students taking medicine courses were less affected by depression unlike those taking other courses.
Less depressive symptoms could be depicted in medical students (Varga, M.D, 2012). Some authors in the same study highlighted the average depression rate in the population of the university was similar to that in secondary schools in the(same) country but lower compared to other countries ‘reported rates e.g., Turkey which was at 32.1% (Henfield, M.S, 2012).
The few depressions among students of university don’t measure explicitly levels of depression. While an investigation between depression and anxiety association among paramedical and medical students focused on symptoms only on actual diagnosis hence depression level was unstated in the study. The author notes that some student’s percentage had a feeling of seeking help for their symptoms (both depression and anxiety. Some authors focused on investigating between loneliness and depression
Objectives
The main aim focused on assessing depressive symptoms and describing the socio-demographic determinants amongst university students from various universities. Thereafter, a conclusion can be written. There are various symptoms concerning various levels. These too could need some other specific interventions to curb the case.
Many factors contribute to the problem of depression amongst American students from high universities.
Roaten, G. K (2012) says that depression among American students from high universities is a serious problem with many risks and consequences. Some of the risks associated with depression include academic problems, social isolation, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Depression can also lead to serious consequences such as dropping out of school, poor job performance, and substance abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it is important to seek professional help.
Many factors contribute to the problem of depression amongst American students from high universities. These factors may include:
-The feeling of being inadequate.
The pressure to succeed academically and professionally can come from many sources, including family, friends, and society. When students feel they are not meeting the expectations set forth by parents, teachers, or society, they may begin to feel depressed (Bland, H.W, 2012). This can cause them to withdraw from activities, have difficulty concentrating, and experience changes in eating and sleeping patterns. If left untreated, depression can lead to serious consequences, such as suicide.
– The pressure to succeed academically and professionally.
One of the main reasons is the pressure to succeed. In today’s society, there is a lot of pressure on young people to do well in school and to get into a good college. This can be a lot of pressure for some students, and it can lead to depression. The pressure to succeed academically and professionally can lead to depression among university students for several reasons. First, the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming and can lead to feelings of anxiety and helplessness. Second, the pressure to succeed can lead to students comparing themselves to their peers and feeling like they are not good enough. Finally, the pressure to succeed can lead to students feeling like they have to sacrifice their personal and social lives to succeed, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
– The lack of self-worth.
The lack of self-worth is one of the main factors that can lead to depression among university students. When individuals feel that they are not good enough or do not have what it takes to succeed, they may start to believe that their life is not worth living. This can lead to a feeling of hopelessness and despair, which can be debilitating. Additionally, the lack of self-worth can also lead to social isolation, as individuals may feel that they are not worthy of being around others. This can further compound the issue, as individuals may start to feel even more alone and helpless.
– The feeling of being alone.
Some factors can lead to depression among university students. One of the most common is the feeling of being alone. When students are away from home and family, they can often feel isolated and alone. This can be compounded by the fact that they are living in an unfamiliar environment and may not have many friends. This can all lead to a sense of loneliness and depression. Additionally, university students often face a lot of pressure to succeed. They may feel like they have to meet high standards to get good grades, get into a good school, or get a good job. This pressure can be overwhelming and can lead to anxiety and depression.
– The feeling of being overwhelmed.
The feeling of being overwhelmed can lead to depression among university students for several reasons. First, when students feel overwhelmed, they may feel like they are not doing well in their studies, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Additionally, feeling overwhelmed can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, which can worsen depression symptoms. Finally, feeling overwhelmed can make it difficult for students to enjoy their time at university and make friends, which can further contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Financial pressure is another one.
University and College are expensive, and many students have a lot of debt. This can be very stressful, and it can lead to depression. Some come from disadvantaged Families where they may lack the full support from home or the support may not be enough concerning the College or university needs. Balancing out and understanding the situation may be constricting in the way that students may lack understanding of situations. Another way can be that students may feel that they need to earn a certain amount of money to be successful in life, and this can be a source of stress and anxiety.
– Social pressure
Another reason for depression among college students is social pressure. There is a lot of pressure to fit in and to be popular in college. For some students, this can be very difficult, and it can lead to depression. The pressure to succeed can also lead to social isolation. Students may feel like they have to put all of their energy into their studies and don’t have time for anything else. This can lead to them feeling cut off from their friends and family.
Additionally, the competitive nature of the American education system can lead to students feeling like they have to compete with their peers in all aspects of their lives. In America, there is immense pressure to succeed academically and professionally. This pressure often leads to depression in students attending high universities. The competitive nature of the American education system creates an environment in which students are constantly comparing themselves to their peers. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. Additionally, the pressure to succeed can lead to students feeling like they have to sacrifice their mental and physical health to achieve their academic goals. This can lead to further feelings of depression and anxiety.
- 3. Methods
Zheng F.(2018) says that These are methods that help researchers collect information and come up with reliable information. This journal is based on a qualitative study. The data was collected through interviews with American students from high universities. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
The data for this journal was collected with the help of the following sources:
-The American College Health Association National College Health Assessment
The National College Health Assessment is a national survey that is conducted every other year. The survey asks college students about their health, including their mental health.
-The National Center for Education Statistics
The National Center for Education Statistics is a government agency that collects data on education. The agency collects data on college students, including data on their mental health.
-The National Center for Health Statistics
The National Center for Health Statistics is a government agency that collects data on health. The agency collects data on college students, including data on their mental health.
-The National Survey of College Counseling Centers
The National Survey of College Counseling Centers is a national survey that is conducted every year. The survey asks college counseling centers about the mental health of their students.
-The American Association of Colleges and Universities
The American Association of Colleges and Universities is a professional organization for colleges and universities. The organization conducts surveys of college students, including surveys on their mental health.
-The American College Health Association
The American College Health Association is a professional organization for college health professionals. The organization conducts surveys of college students, including surveys on their mental health.
-The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a government agency that collects data on health. The agency collects data on college students, including data on their mental health.
-The National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a national organization that works to improve the mental health of Americans. The organization conducts surveys of college students, including surveys on their mental health.
The data was collected with the help of these sources using the following methods:
-Interviews
Interviews were conducted with university students, staff, and faculty to get their opinions on depression among American universities. The interviews could be conducted in person, over the phone, or via email.
The interviewer asked each participant questions about their thoughts on depression among American universities. The questions were open-ended and allowed the participants to share their opinions freely. The interviewer took notes on the participants’ responses. Interviews were conducted with college students about their mental health.
-Surveys
Surveys were sent to college students about their mental health, friends, or close associates. A survey was conducted to help collect reliable data concerning depression among American universities. The survey could be administered to a sample of university students, staff, and faculty. The survey could ask questions about the respondent’s experience with depression, whether they have ever been diagnosed with depression, and whether they have ever sought treatment for depression. The survey could also ask questions about the respondent’s knowledge of university resources for mental health and their attitudes towards seeking help for mental health problems.
-Focus groups
Focus groups were conducted with college students about their mental health. To ensure that the data collected in the focus group is reliable, the moderator asked questions that were open-ended and allow the students to share their experiences freely. The moderator also encouraged all the students in the group to participate in the discussion.
Focus groups were used to collect reliable data concerning depression among American university students from high universities. In a focus group, a moderator would lead a discussion with a group of university students about their experiences with depression. The moderator would ask questions about the student’s experiences with depression and how they coped with it. The discussions in the focus group would be recorded, and the recordings could be used to analyze the data.
–Observations
The researcher(s) visited a variety of American universities to get a sense of the overall climate and to look for any patterns in the way depression is manifesting among students. They would take note of any visible signs of depression, such as students who appear to be withdrawn or isolated, and any overt displays of distress, such as crying or self-harm. They would also talk to students, staff, and faculty to get a sense of the general atmosphere on campus and to see if there are any specific concerns about depression or mental health.
The researcher(s) reviewed any available data on depression among university students, such as surveys or studies that have been conducted on the topic. This would help to provide a more comprehensive picture of the problem and to identify any trends that may be emerging.
-Secondary data analysis
A researcher conducting secondary data analysis on depression among American universities would likely collect data from a variety of sources, including the US Department of Education, the US Census Bureau, and various university surveys. The researcher would then analyze this data to identify trends in depression among American universities. To ensure that the data is reliable, the researcher would need to carefully select reputable data sources and reliably collect data. The researcher would also need to carefully analyze the data to identify any potential biases.
There are several potential solutions to this problem. These include:
– Providing support to students. This may include any support; psychological support comes in to be one of the most important kinds of support needed.
– Encouraging students to seek help if they are feeling depressed.
– Helping students to develop a healthy sense of self-worth.
– Encouraging students to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Results
Based on the data collected, it was found that the high pressure to succeed academically and professionally leads to depression amongst American students from high universities. The pressure to succeed comes from many sources, including family, friends, and society. The pressure to succeed can lead to academic and professional success, but it can also lead to depression. These are just but some of the sources concerning depression.
FINDINGS
After the interview this was a response from one of the students As an American student, I feel immense pressure to succeed academically and professionally. This pressure often leads to depression, as I feel like I’m not good enough or that I’m not doing enough. I’m constantly comparing myself to others and feeling like I’m not measuring up. This pressure is especially intense during finals week or when I’m applying for jobs. I often feel like I’m not good enough and that I’m not doing enough. This pressure can be overwhelming and lead to depression.
It’s hard to balance the pressure to succeed with the reality that everyone’s journey is different. I often find myself feeling like I’m not doing enough, even when I am. I know that I need to focus on my journey and not compare myself to others, but it’s hard when the pressure is always there. I feel like I need to be perfect to succeed, and anything less than perfect is a failure. This pressure is exhausting and can lead to depression.
I know I’m not alone in feeling this pressure. I know there are other students out there who feel the same way. I think it’s important to talk about this pressure and find ways to cope with it. I need to remember that I’m on my journey and that success looks different for everyone. I need to give myself grace and remember that I am doing my best.
The participants generally had negative things to say about depression in American universities. They spoke about the high pressure to succeed, the competitive environment, and the lack of support from faculty and staff. Some participants said that they had personally experienced depression while attending university, and others said that they knew people who had. Overall, the participants felt that depression was a problem at American universities.
The findings of the survey can be used to help improve mental health services and resources for university students, staff, and faculty. The findings could also help to raise awareness of depression among university students and to promote help-seeking behaviors. Almost all the results from all the research methods seemed to be correlated. There were not many differences.
The results noticed after the observation research are that depression appears to be a problem among American university students, with many students appearing to be struggling with mental health issues. There is a general sense of anxiety and stress on many campuses, and students often feel like they are not getting the support they need. There is also a growing concern about the impact of social media on mental health, with many students feeling like they are constantly under pressure to perform and meet unrealistic standards.
Symptoms
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on academic and professional success in America. This has led to increased pressure on students to succeed in school and their future careers. Unfortunately, this pressure can often lead to depression (Kapfhammer, H.P.2022).
There are many symptoms of depression that can be related to this topic.
These include feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness. Additionally, depressed individuals may withdraw from friends and activities that they once enjoyed. They may also experience changes in sleep and appetite, as well as fatigue and decreased concentration. The pressure to succeed academically and professionally can be overwhelming for some students. If not managed properly, it can lead to serious mental health problems such as depression. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of depression and to seek help if you are struggling. Others may include feeling sad or down, feeling exhausted, and overwhelmed.
Helplessness
In America, the pressure to succeed academically and professionally is extremely high. This pressure can lead to depression and a feeling of helplessness among students from high universities. The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming for students. They may feel like they have to get perfect grades, get into the best schools, and land the best jobs. This pressure can lead to anxiety and depression. Helplessness is a common symptom of depression. When people feel helpless, they may feel like they can’t do anything to improve their situation. This can lead to a feeling of hopelessness and despair.
Hopelessness
This symptom can be shown in several ways, such as through changes in mood or behavior, withdrawal from friends or activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits, or increasing alcohol or drug use. Additionally, someone displaying hopelessness may talk about wanting to die or hurt themselves.
Worthlessness
Worthlessness symptoms can be shown in many ways. American students may feel like they have to be perfect in everything they do to be successful. They may also feel like they are not good enough and that they will never be able to achieve their goals. This can lead to depression and anxiety.
change of sleep and appetite
A change in sleep and appetite habits is one of the most common symptoms of depression. A person who is depressed may sleep more or less than usual and may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. They may also have changes in their appetite, eating more or less than usual.
Withdrawal from Friends
Withdrawal from friends can be shown in several ways. For example, a student may start to avoid social situations, may stop attending events with friends, or may begin to distance themselves from their friends. Additionally, a student may start to isolate themselves, may stop participating in activities they once enjoyed, or may start to experience changes in their mood or behavior.
Fatigue and decreased concentration
The fatigue and decreased concentration symptoms can be shown by the student’s inability to focus on their studies or work and feeling exhausted all the time. This can lead to the student’s grades suffering or their work performance declining. There are many reasons why American students may experience this type of pressure. Some may feel that they need to live up to the expectations of their parents or guardians. Others may feel that they need to succeed to get into a good college or to get a good job. Whatever the reason, this pressure can lead to depression.
Feeling sad or down
There are a few ways that feeling sad or down can be shown. For example, a person might have a change in their eating habits, start sleeping more or less or have a hard time concentrating. Additionally, a person might withdraw from friends and activities that they normally enjoy. Lastly, a person might have negative thoughts about themselves or feel hopeless about the future. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to reach out for help.
Feeling exhausted or overwhelmed
One way that the feeling of being exhausted or overwhelmed can be shown is through changes in behavior. For example, a student may start skipping classes, stop doing homework, or withdraw from extracurricular activities. Another way this feeling can be shown is through changes in mood, such as feeling more irritable, anxious, or Sad. Lastly, changes in physical health, such as sleeping more or less than usual, may also be indicative of this feeling. Feelings exhausted or overwhelmed.
Solutions
Some solutions to depression for American students from high universities who feel pressure to succeed academically and professionally could include seeking counseling or therapy, medication, and self-care. Some of the solutions are outlined below:
- Counseling or therapy can help individuals learn how to cope with their depression and manage their stressors. A therapist can also provide support and guidance.
- Medication can be an effective way to treat depression. Antidepressants can help to relieve symptoms of depression.
- Self-care is also important for individuals who are struggling with depression. Taking care of oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally can help to reduce symptoms of depression. Engaging in activities that bring joy, spending time with supportive people, and taking breaks from work or school can all be part of self-care.
It is important to seek help if depression is impacting one’s life. There are many resources available to individuals who are struggling.
Conclusion
The pressure to succeed academically and professionally is intense for American students. This pressure often leads to depression, as students feel like they’re not good enough or that they’re not doing enough. It’s important to talk about this pressure and find ways to cope with it. Students need to remember that they’re on their journey and that success looks different for everyone. They need to give themselves grace and remember that they are doing their best.
Recommendations
- Join or create a support group
- Talk to a therapist
- Create a healthy lifestyle
- Set realistic goals
It is important to remember that everyone experiences the pressure to succeed differently. Some students may be able to handle the pressure without experiencing any negative effects. However, for others, the pressure can be too much to handle and can lead to depression. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed, it is important to reach out for help. There are many resources available to help you cope with the pressure and manage your mental health.
There are a few things that you can do if you are feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed. First, it is important to realize that you are not alone. Many other students are experiencing the same thing. Second, reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor about what you are going through. They can offer support and guidance. Finally, take some time for yourself. Make sure to schedule in time for activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good. This can be anything from reading, going for walks, or listening to music. Taking care of yourself is essential for managing the pressure to succeed.
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