Mental Health-related Challenges faced by Nursing students and Educators in Public and Private Nursing Colleges, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: A Qualitative Study

Background Nursing students and educators face significant mental health challenges that impact their academic performance and well-being. Research on stressors in public and private nursing colleges in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is limited. The demanding nature of nursing education contributes to psychological strain, with international studies indicating high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among students. Qualitative research in South Africa has identified psychosocial challenges, including emotional discomfort and discrimination during clinical learning. Nurse educators also experience psychological strain due to heavy workloads and a lack of organizational support. However, qualitative research on the experiences of nursing students and educators in the Eastern Cape remains scarce. Methods An exploratory qualitative design was used for this study involving nursing students and educators from selected Eastern Cape colleges. Data were collected through audio-recorded focus group discussions from April to August 2026 and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to mental health challenges. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Results Key mental health challenges findings for nursing students included academic pressure, clinical training stress, financial stress, personal coping strategies, and inadequate institutional support. Educators experienced fear, anger, workload stress, and emotional exhaustion. Both groups noted the effects of these stressors on anxiety, depression, and burnout. Conclusions Mental health challenges among nursing students and educators in the Eastern Cape arise from various factors, including academic and social pressures. To promote well-being and academic success, nursing colleges need to implement comprehensive mental health support frameworks, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4. Sustainable improvements require collaborative partnerships among nursing colleges, healthcare institutions, policymakers, and communities, as highlighted by SDG 17. These partnerships can enhance resource sharing and develop evidence-based interventions that foster resilience and quality nursing education outcomes.