19th March 2014 9:00
By Blue Tutors
A recent study has shown that mental health problems are on the rise in the UK, particularly amongst students. Those examining the trend have cited increased work-loads, pressure to achieve top grades, and financial pressure as key sources of anxiety for students. If untreated, these anxieties can lead to depression, eating and sleeping disorders and, in some cases, self-harm. One of the most alarming findings was that there exists a wide-spread culture of acceptance around mental health issues amongst students, with common views suggesting that it is normal for students to experience such issues. As private tutors this is something we need to watch out for, and make sure that we are not inadvertently reproducing negative conceptions of mental health problems.
The most common mistake tutors can make is to fall into the old routine of making light of the stress that students experience around exam time. The stereotypes of cramming, all-nighters and not having time to eat are pervasive and have become seen as a normal part of student life to be looked back on with nostalgia. The reality is that whilst many students can endure short periods of sleeplessness and long hours, some experience deeper problems which are masked by the assumption that this is what studying is supposed to be like. Prolonged pressure to perform can translate into sleeping, eating and anxiety disorders which may follow students to university and beyond.
It is therefore important that tutors never imply that they expect their students to take an unhealthy approach to their studies, even for a short period. This means avoiding joking about the nights they spent cramming and being aware of how their students are coping with their work loads. Part of a tutor’s job, especially around exam time, is to help their students produce a healthy and manageable time-table which will allow them to maintain a sensible routine throughout this stressful period. This will not only help students’ well-being, but also produce better results in the end.