THE STUDENTS’ STRESS AND ANXIETIES: BRIDGING INSTITUTIONAL GAPS AND STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

The primary objective of study is to examine mental well-being of students at higher education and to bring attention towards this concerning problem as an increasing number of students have been reported to have heightened levels of psychological distress, academic stress & anxiety. Although, many higher education institutions recognize this issue and know the significance of students’ well-being, a noticeable number of gaps still remain in mental health support services, pressure management & environment of campuses. This paper also sheds light on the multidimensional nature of student well-being and challenges they are faced within the higher education system. This study provides strategies to tackle these shortcomings over inclusive counseling systems, ways to balance academic and personal life of students, students-centered policies, and community-building initiatives which can enhance mental and academics well-being of students significantly. The study provides recommendations that shall be taken under considerations for well-being of students that include expansion of mental health networks all over the campuses, implementation of inclusive, flexible and student-centered approaches, promoting faculty-students supportive relationships, enhancing financial assistance frameworks & community building initiatives should be strengthened and made more common throughout all campuses around the country.