Research Shows Aussie Students Are Feeling the Impacts of Study Stress More Than Ever

Trigger warning: this article discusses mental health and stress.

Today is National Mental Health Day, and while it’s a perfect day to check in with your loved ones and self-reflect, new research from mental health organisation ReachOut shows that Aussie students are experiencing study stress more than ever before.

In a world of COVID-19, lockdowns, and the continued stress of school hanging over young people’s shoulders, it’s clear that study is having a major impact on the mental health of young people in 2021.

Our new research shows that 56% of students reported poor mental health or wellbeing as a result of study stress in September 2021 — this has doubled from 25% in December 2020. More research insights and press release at https://t.co/0vwzd2T5p3 pic.twitter.com/cxlzmQBAKt

— ReachOut.com (@ReachOut_AUS) October 14, 2021

According to the survey conducted in September this year, approximately one-third of Aussie students reported that study stress is a huge factor affecting their mental health and emotional wellbeing. That number is up from 18 per cent in December 2020.

In fact, the number of young people reporting poor mental health and/or wellbeing as a result of their studies had doubled from 25 per cent in 2020 to a whopping 56 per cent this year.

This news comes just a few months after Lifeline reported its highest ever number of calls in a day. On Monday 2 August, Lifeline Australia recorded 3,345 calls in just 24 hours, the pandemic considered the biggest contributor.

The ReachOut study also accounted for the added pressures of COVID-19 and its restrictions. It found that due to these added pressures, 68 per cent of students were unable to focus, which doubled from 33 per cent late last year.

57 per cent of students had trouble sleeping, 39 per cent reported poor nutrition, and 32 per cent reported that they were experiencing issues with their family. Most numbers doubling from the year before.

In fact, when asked about the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic had added, 40 per cent of young students said it has been harder to learn content needed for exams, one in five couldn’t find appropriate places to study, and 23 per cent noted that their plans for study and work post-graduation had changed.

We know young people are feeling exhausted and unmotivated by online learning, but unfortunately it’s here to stay for a little while longer. We’ve put together a guide to support students with de-stressing and to boost their motivation. https://t.co/4u4zqUVYAE pic.twitter.com/pNG4pSyXay

— ReachOut.com (@ReachOut_AUS) September 29, 2021

Despite the clear increase in stress and mental health struggles in young Australians, less and less students are getting the support that they need. In 2019, 85 per cent of Aussie students accessed some kind of support, either from family, friends or professional services, but that number has since dropped to 78 per cent in 2021.

CEO of ReachOut Ashley de Silva said that it was worrying to see students in such high distress and emphasized the support that is available.

“The results of ReachOut’s new research shows that this has been a stressful year for students. It's taking a real toll on their mental health and the fundamentals such as sleep, nutrition and their relationships,” he said.

“ReachOut undertakes research with students about study stress each year and it is concerning to see such a jump in these figures.

“With Term 4 in full swing and some students preparing to return to face-to-face learning, thousands of students across the country still have significant challenges to face before the end of the year. This is particularly true for Year 12 students who are approaching their final exams.”

CEO of ReachOut, Ashley de Silva, shares this message about young people with lived experience and how they're coming together for each other in our Online Community — "Let's continue to look out for each other" this World Suicide Prevention Day #WSPD2021 #SuicidePrevention pic.twitter.com/ITPRHdGVz7

— ReachOut.com (@ReachOut_AUS) September 10, 2021

De Silva also described that if students are struggling, their best option is to proactively seek out support.

“Now is the time for students to take a proactive approach to looking after their mental health and to seek professional support if they need it,” he explained.

“High numbers of young people have indicated in this most recent research that information about how to cope with study stress, connecting with others going through the same thing and psychological support would help them right now. We want to remind students that ReachOut has information about study stress, tips, online communities and pathways to further support.”

Youth wellbeing expert groups are also concerned about the transition Aussie high school students will have when returning back into the classrooms.

Life Skills Group, experts in social, emotional, physical and wellbeing learning have noted that there is a worry that school staff do not have sufficient training to recognise the mental health struggles of young people or hot to correctly assist them.

Dr Louise Metcalf, lecturer at UTS, the University of Newcastle and Macquarie University, and founder/CEO of Gheorg, a start-up that tackles childhood anxiety using technology stated that young people need more resources and learning about social skills and mental health management.

“We need to arm our children and students with social skills such as self-awareness and self-management, by providing the right tools and education right now, as we re-enter back to the ‘real world’, in order to give them the support they need,” she said.

“Both teachers and students need to be supported during this transition to create positive change. This cannot wait. It needs to start now to create positive feelings around returning to school.”

If you’re looking for advice on study stress or mental health, check out our articles here or reach out to a trusted adult, teacher, loved one or mental health professional for extra support.

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts, sexual assault or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

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