User talk:GHS1226/sandbox

Overview (Topic Paragraph)

Mental health is a global issue that should be taken more seriously. For decades, mental health has been stigmatized and overlooked without being addressed. Millions suffer from mental disorders, and a high percentage do not receive the necessary help or treatment. A large population of those suffering from such disorders are students attending universities. They are there to receive a higher education, but unfortunately, some are unable to complete this chapter of their life due to a decline in their mental health. Depending on the university and area of the world, students may have more resources than others. South Africa is a prime example. Students attending South African universities lack fundamental support for their mental well-being. Today, the topic is still heavily stigmatized in the country. There need to be policies implemented and actions taken place in order to meet the needs of the students. Raising awareness is a starting point to reducing the rate of failure and suicidal thoughts of South African students stemming from the want to further their education. With all three factors combined: destigmatization, policy implementation, and increased funding, the statistics are likely to change in a positive direction providing a better future for these students.

Annotated Bibliography

Docrat and Lund wrote an article about the expenses that go toward mental health in South Africa. Though steps have been taken such as reforming mental health care acts, developing national policy frameworks, and implementation of various mental health plans, there have been challenges and inconsistencies. National Health insurance has also been unsuccessful due to the lack of urgency to treat mental health. There are many gaps that are not prioritized, with the main one being faulty spending. Only 5% of the health budget is spent on mental health with a 92% treatment gap. Not even 1 in 10 people are treated. The cost to treat mental disorders also differs depending on the area by up to over an R200 difference. The authors did note plans to move forward and improve the disparity, for example, bettering investments into the healthcare systems.

Stemming from the study conducted at the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University, not only do the students have high rates of psychological issues but reports of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Studies showed that students were at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts if they were experiencing depression or anxiety, and about 34.4% of first-year undergraduates experienced one or the other. Out of the 34.4%, nearly the entirety of those students had thoughts of suicide, more than half made a plan, and a small percent went through with the act. The statistics produced by these specific institutions combined are higher than South Africa’s general population, as well as other regions globally. This source is beneficial in extending the conversation from the study conducted by Bantjes and his colleagues. It gets rid of the scientific data, complicated graphs and figures, and uses diction that can be interpreted by anyone who reads the article. It also provides more information about the actions taken by students who are receiving the help they need in their universities. It brings more awareness to the cause.

Some universities in South Africa have created mental health policies, just as the University of the Free State has done. In the policy, having a moral duty is emphasized when speaking about mental health. It includes students having a safe space to talk about their issues, but having guidance as well within the academic community. Actions were taken to accommodate students, preventing an increase in disadvantages while battling mental disorders and maintaining good academic standing. Student resources are available such as student counseling and development, a center for universal access and disability support, and reasonable accommodations when necessary. Overall, there has been a push to destigmatize mental health, helping students rather than dismissing or overlooking them. The policy outline is a supporting source for the other studies and articles because it gives a thorough plan of what could be implemented. Studies talk about creating change and providing resources but do not go into extensive detail. The document is legitimate and has been signed and put into place at the university.

This article lays out the estimated cost of attending specific universities in South Africa. The purpose of this information is to give insight into how expensive higher education can be for students. It adds factual evidence to the argument, that cost potentially plays a role in students' mental health due to financial burden.

The Stellenbosch University website displays the results of a national student survey governed towards mental health. Not only did it produce quantitative results of the percentage who battle disorders but various factors that play a role. These include "exposure to trauma, food insecurity and gender-based violence on university campuses." A question that was also surveyed that did not often occur in other surveys was asking the students how they felt about receiving treatment and if they had a negative or positive view. Part of the information displayed on this page includes results from Bantjes' study. Stellenbosch displaying research information and evidence for students, staff, and parents to access provides further credibility to the author while also reiterating the importance of mental health.

South African researchers Bantjes and his colleagues did a study on students to see the scope at which mental health disorders impact academic success. A key variable in this study is sociodemographics, as it is suspected to play a role. Not only did the researchers collect data on the success rate before receiving proper treatment, but after as well. Over 1400 first-year students at Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town completed a survey during their first semester, assessing sociodemographic characteristics, 6 common mental disorders, and academic failure. Results showed an association between academic failure and white and black first-generation students, but also in second-generation black students. Data also showed an increase in academic failure as the number of mental disorders a student had increased. A quarter of the first-year students who were surveyed didn’t move on to the second semester. This study is useful at showing the variety of factors that contribute to academic success and failure. It shows evidence that it is not just one race that is more prone to success or failure and that mental health is an issue among the student population as a whole, not just specific groups.

Wagdy Sawahel discusses the need for action after the CoVID-19 pandemic. According to Sawahel, mental health previously has not been taken seriously but living in a new environment, students will need psychological support. With social distancing and limited interactions with others, students are at a higher risk of feeling isolated and alone. Through research, Sawahel believes isolation can lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Not only are students’ social lives impacted, but academically as well. In-class instruction is altered to a virtual world, which can be a major adjustment for many students. Students’ adaptability varies, adding more stress to their lives and further taking a toll on their mental health. Sawahel discussed aspects that will spike mental health disorders in students because of the pandemic. He covered logical aspects and continued the discussion of the stigma surrounding mental health emphasizing the need for change, especially during current times.

Changes have been made towards bettering South African healthcare but have lacked in the area of mental health. Interviews were conducted on patients residing in a facility in a low-resource community. Their perspective revealed the stigma surrounding this topic leads to challenges faced with having mental disorders, negative societal views towards them, and rejection. Though the study used personal testimonies to build credible results, there were also limitations. The study was conducted in Eastern Cape, South Africa using their native language, isiXhosa. Therefore, some meaning of their storied got lost in translation, but the general idea was conveyed. On the other hand, this article circles back to the key issues discussed in the Wikipedia article, providing support and evidence. It explains how culture and uneducated citizens play a role, how mental health can affect livelihoods such as employment and education, and the lack of treatment due to a shortage of funding for adequate resources.

Egbe and her colleagues did a qualitative study on 77 participants observing the stigma surrounding mental health and how it builds barriers for those trying to access treatment. They analyze data collected through the Programme for Improving Mental health care, also known as PRIME. PRIME is a research organization with the goal of providing evidence that implementing programs for mental health disorders leads to improvement. Much of the stigma is due to misconceptions caused by the lack of education. Not only are family and friends major perpetuates, but many health care providers as well. The researchers believe, “media campaigns and interventions to reduce stigma should be designed to address specific stigmatizing behaviors among specific segments of the population.” Also, another solution for dealing with internalized stigma is through counseling. The focus of the results was similar to Booysen et. al, increasing the credibility of the argument on mental health. It outlined the causes and effects of stigma.

GHS1226 (talk) 23:26, 9 January 2022 (UTC)

Draft: Mental Health of Students Attending South African Universities

Key Issues

Numerous students who choose to further their education, pay a large amount of money to the institution. Individuals should also be mindful of the difficulty and challenges that students face during this time. Due to the pressure, heavy course loads, and/or financial burden, students often battle mental health issues throughout these years. Therefore, having the proper resources is vital. South African universities have a high rate of students who suffer from mental health disorders but lack essential resources. Bantjes and his colleagues conducted research on students to analyze how mental health disorders impact academic success, along with other factors. Approximately 1400 students participated by taking the survey assessing their gender, sociodemographics, common mental disorders, and academic failure if experienced. The results show how outside factors besides education itself play a role in mental health and success. Aside from the students' degree focus, daily schedule, etc., academic failure was significantly associated with “identifying as male, first-generation white [student], first-generation black [student], second-generation black {student], and having MDD and/or ADHD.”[1] Certain students are at a higher disadvantage than others on top of their unsteady mental well-being, yet the education system fails to provide a helping hand. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the problem. Campus life is not the same as it was before the outbreak. With social distancing and limited interactions with others, students are at a higher risk of feeling isolated and alone. Isolation can lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Not only are students’ social lives impacted, but academically as well. In-class instruction is altered to a virtual world, which is a major adjustment for students. Students’ adaptability varies, adding more stress to their lives and further taking a toll on their mental health.[4] There are two reasons why mental health is not being addressed for university students in South Africa. Mental health is still stigmatized in this country. If awareness is not being raised for the country as a whole, it is difficult to bring light to the issue at universities. Three-fourths of South Africans battling against mental disorders are not receiving proper services due to the lack of prioritization the country has for mental health. Those who do seek help “encounter various challenges, namely limited resource[s], stigma, social isolation and being exposed to distressing and harmful experiences when accessing services.”[6] The misconception that mental illness is a deliberate act, hinders victims from alerting others or receiving treatment. Those who struggle with disorders may also be viewed as aggressive or looked down upon as a weakness[7]. The longer one goes without taking proper measures due to societal views, the more likely their health is to deteriorate. While students are paying hundreds of thousands for an education, their mental health is being neglected. Not because they’re choosing to, but because of the unwillingness of society to take them seriously. To break the stigma the South African people population needs to be educated through “awareness programs through health talks at the clinic, media outreach through pamphlets, and in the print and electronic media, town hall, church and community meetings.”[7] Funding also plays a major role in the lack of mental health services or attention towards the issue. South Africa spends less than 10% of its health budget on mental health, which “is in line with the lower end of international benchmarks of the recommended amount that countries should spend on mental health.” Inpatient care and psychiatric hospitals received the majority of the funds, rather than spending on preventative care or interventions such as therapy.[8] Patients are receiving treatment far too late when they’re in critical condition, alluding back to the stigma. Increased funding needs to occur to fully target the third sustainable development goal (SDG) of good health and well-being. Increasing funding towards mental health across the country will trickle into universities as well. With appropriate funds, policies can be implemented within institutions to support the students. The University of the Free State has created a well-thought-out outline of their implemented mental health policies, which can act as a leading example for other universities to follow. The policy addresses inequalities and disadvantages due to discrimination and social rejection of those with mental disorders and creates a supportive environment. Free and confidential counseling is provided to all students, reasonable accommodations, and educational resources. Overall the goal is to “promote and support the mental health and wellbeing of the student population, destigmatize mental health disabilities and difficulties, and create an institutional philosophy in which confidentiality and human dignity are respected and ensured.”[5] GHS1226 (talk) 19:19, 20 November 2021 (UTC)

Peer assessment links

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Shaskyarw/sandbox

-feeback at the very bottom of page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:JamesBright2#Feedback

GHS1226 (talk) 22:56, 27 November 2021 (UTC)

Solar782's Peer Review of this article.

Firstly, thank you so much for completing your Wikipedia article on mental health which I agree is such an important topic. You outline the key issues associated with this topic to a high level of detail making this article very informative. I was also impressed with the variation of your sources. Your mix of websites and academic journals from South African authors is excellent practice. I will go through the assessment Rubric now to outline where your article is great and where it could be improved.

Whilst your introduction provides a good global overview of mental health I would advise that your lead sentence focuses more on mental health within the South African universities so your introduction is concise and more relevant to your specific area of study. I really like how you mention the core issues (destigmatization, policy implementation, and increased funding) in your introduction as these are explored later in your article. Perhaps you could improve the focus of your introduction by elaborating on these, providing one sentence for each. All the information you provide in the introduction (apart from your inclusion of the global context which I think you should cut down on) is included later on in your article which is excellent practice.

The organisation of your article could be improved to make your work easier to follow. I would suggest using further subheadings to divide the key issues sections. This will help you remain focused and concise on each issue. I would suggest stigmatization, funding and university policy as your subheadings. Despite this advice I would encourage you to keep the Covid 19 information in your article as this offers fantastic and relevant insight into very current problems. You provide a really strong and well rounded description of the key issues associated with the mental health of students attending South African Uni’s. To improve your article I would suggest adding a couple more sections to provide greater breadth on this topic. These sections may include current programs to support students struggling with their mental health at South African universities and maybe a history of policy/ student experiences of mental health support. Your style of writing is appropriate alongside your consistent excellent use of clear, short sentences. Sometimes it seems that you’re expressing your own opinion so I would suggest adding references and citations to far more of your statements to add credibility and hit the excellent marking criteria. As previously discussed your sources are excellent due to their variety and inclusion of South African authors but to improve simply cite more often. Another opportunity for development is including the exact figures when you mention statistics. There may even be scope here to include an image of a graph that represents the lack of funding or awareness for mental health in South African universities. Alternatively, you could include an image of the sources of stress for South African university students.

In terms of references, I think you’ve done excellently well in terms of consistency and ensuring key information like the date and hyperlinks are included. Your choice of sources are also fab. I would just advise adding citations to the vast majority of your statements. Remember to include Wiki links too for key terms to allow your reader to explore and understand some of the content in your article - for example you could link to the universities you mention.

Overall it was a pleasure to read your article draft. You provide fantastic detail on the key issues associated with the mental health of students attending South African universities. I’m also impressed with your choice of sources. The focus of your article could be improved with the use of subheadings and slight changes to your introduction. Well done though on a great attempt at the first draft. I look forward to reading the finished piece in January. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Solar782 (talk • contribs) 09:05, 29 November 2021 (UTC)

K2002p's Peer Review of this article.

Hi there :)

This is such a strong first draft, with an extremely interesting topic that is immediately going to grasp anyone that reads it. Your article is super accessible, with your argument and your points being set out clearly in the paragraphs that you've made - with each one tackling a different issue relating to mental health problems amongst these students.

I particularly enjoyed reading about the Stigma surrounding mental health in South Africa - it is crazy to think that even in 2021 there are places in the world where the issue is not being properly addressed and dealt with, with the same kind of attention that is given to physical health.

In terms of where to improve, as the assignment is not an essay, rather a Wikipedia article, I think it may be beneficial to move away from some of the more opinionated sentences and focus on conveying more factual information with evidence. This will just help you when it comes to putting your work next to the mark scheme. :) Your annotated bibliography is amazing and super detailed and it is very consistent. — Preceding unsigned comment added by K2002p (talk • contribs) 13:25, 29 November 2021 (UTC)

Response to peer assessments

• I will include subheadings
• I will focus my introduction on South African students' mental health rather than globally and elaborate a bit more on the 3 key issues.
• I don’t think I will add informations about current programs directly into the article due to the word count, but could potentially include links.
• I will add more citations to credit the statements instead of sounding opinionated and also add graphs for visualization of such percentages.
• I like the idea of wiki links for the specific universities mentioned.

GHS1226 (talk) 20:54, 6 December 2021 (UTC)

Mental Health of Students Attending South African Universities

A map of South Africa and its provinces

Overview

Mental health is a global issue but affects certain parts of the world more than others, such as South Africa. For decades, mental health has been stigmatized and overlooked without being properly addressed. Millions suffer from mental disorders, but a high percentage do not receive the necessary help or treatment. A large population of those battling such disorders are students attending South African universities due to a lack of fundamental support and resources (Docrat and Lund, 2021). They are there to receive a higher education, but unfortunately, some are unable to complete this chapter of their life due to a decline in their mental well-being (Bantjes, 2021). With the implementation of effective policies and proper funding, student needs can be met (Policy of the University of the Free State on Student Mental Health, 2019). Raising awareness is also an adequate technique. With all factors combined: recognition and education, policy implementation, and increased funding, the stigma surrounding mental health will be targeted. GHS1226 (talk) 15:38, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

Key Issues

Recognize Factors Affecting Mental Health

Numerous students who choose to further their education, pay a large amount of money to the institution. Cost can range from as low as approximately R3,750 to R85,000 (Favour, 2021). Students also encounter difficulties and challenges during this time, impacting their mental state. Due to pressure, heavy course loads, uncontrollable factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and/or financial burden, students often battle mental health issues throughout these years (Stellenbosch University, 2020). South African universities have a high rate of students who suffer from mental health disorders but lack essential resources. Bantjes and his colleagues researched students to analyze how mental health disorders impact academic success, along with other factors. Approximately 1400 students participated by taking the survey assessing their gender, sociodemographics, common mental disorders, and academic failure if experienced. The results show how outside factors besides education itself play a role in mental health and success. Aside from the students' degree focus, daily schedule, etc., academic failure was significantly associated with “identifying as male, first-generation white [student], first-generation black [student], second-generation black {student], and having MDD and/or ADHD” (Bantjes et. al, 2020). Certain students are at a higher disadvantage than others on top of their unsteady mental well-being, yet the education system fails to provide a helping hand. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the problem for students, “feeling stressed about the disruption of their studies and anxious about the social and economic implications of the current international health crises" (Stellenbosch University, 2020). Sawahel(2020) describes how campus life is not the same as it was before the outbreak. With social distancing and limited interactions with others, students are at a higher risk of feeling isolated and alone as further discussed by Bantjes(2021). Isolation can lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Not only are students’ social lives impacted, but academically as well. In-class instruction is altered to a virtual world, which is a major adjustment for students. Students’ adaptability varies, adding more stress to their lives and further taking a toll on their mental health (Sawahel, 2020). GHS1226 (talk) 15:37, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

Educate to Destigmatize

Mental health is not being addressed for university students in South Africa because the topic is stigmatized. Since raising awareness has only begun quite recently for the country as a whole, it has been challenging to bring light to the issue at universities. Three-fourths of South Africans with mental disorders are going without treatment and services due to the lack of prioritization for mental health. Those who do seek help “encounter various challenges, namely limited resource[s], stigma, social isolation and being exposed to distressing and harmful experiences when accessing services” (Booysen et. al, 2021). The misconception that mental illness is a deliberate act, hinders victims from alerting others or receiving treatment. Those who struggle with disorders may also be viewed as aggressive or looked down upon as a weakness (Egbe et. al, 2014). Egbe and colleagues(2014) infer the longer one goes without taking proper measures due to societal views, the more likely their health is to deteriorate. While students are paying hundreds of thousands for an education, their mental health is being neglected. To gradually break the stigma, the South African population is offered education through “awareness programs through health talks at the clinic, media outreach through pamphlets, and in the print and electronic media, town hall, church and community meetings” (Egbe et. al, 2014). GHS1226 (talk) 15:44, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

Destigmatizing mental health provides support for students attending South African universities.

— Preceding unsigned comment added by GHS1226 (talk • contribs) 23:38, 9 January 2022 (UTC)

Increase Funding and Policies

Funding also plays a role in the lack of mental health services or attention towards the issue. South Africa only contributes 5% of its health budget to mental health care and ammenities. This “is in line with the lower end of international benchmarks of the recommended amount that countries should spend on mental health" (Docrat and Lund, 2021). Inpatient care and psychiatric hospitals receive the majority of the funds, rather than spending on preventative care or interventions such as therapy. Patients are receiving treatment far too late when they’re in critical condition, alluding back to the stigma (Docrat and Lund, 2021). Increased funding is neccessary to fully target the third sustainable development goal (SDG) of good health and well-being. Increasing funding towards mental health across the country will trickle into universities as well. With appropriate funds, policies can be implemented within institutions to support the students, if universities choose to do so. The University of the Free State has created a well-thought-out outline of their implemented mental health policies, which can act as a leading example for other universities to follow. The policy addresses inequalities and disadvantages due to discrimination and social rejection of those with mental disorders and creates a supportive environment. Free and confidential counseling is provided to all students, reasonable accommodations, and educational resources. Overall the goal is to “promote and support the mental health and wellbeing of the student population, destigmatize mental health disabilities and difficulties, and create an institutional philosophy in which confidentiality and human dignity are respected and ensured”(Policy of the University of the Free State on Student Mental Health, 2019). GHS1226 (talk) 15:52, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

External Links and Resources

• Mental Health at Universities: Universities are Not In Loco Parentis – Students are Active Partners in Mental Health
• Sustainable development goals and mental health: learnings from the contribution of the FundaMentalSDG global initiative
• Mental health policy in South Africa: development process and content
• How can we incorporate mental health education into schools? Consider the 5 T’s.
• More about Jason Bantjes

GHS1226 (talk) 16:07, 10 January 2022 (UTC)