Mental Health Key to Superior Academic Performance at Universities

Mental health and academic performance are intricately linked, as various global studies on this crucial psychoanalytic topic point out. According to a 2024 study by Dartmouth College, students with higher levels of anxiety or depression tended to have lower academic performance, often due to reduced focus, lack of motivation, and impaired cognitive function.

Another study conducted in the UAE in 2024 goes even further, ascribing lower grade point averages (GPA) among certain students to the comparatively higher levels of anxiety and depression experienced by them. The study also found that factors like familial socioeconomic status and maternal education levels significantly influenced mental health outcomes, which in turn impacted academic success.

The study emphasized the need for mental health support in academic environments to help students achieve their full potential.

“Junior and senior students at university often face intense academic pressure, uncertainty about their future, and balancing social relationships,” says Dr. Dalia Bedewy, Manager of Counseling Unit and Faculty Member at Ajman University’s College of Humanities and Sciences.

 “These challenges can lead to anxiety, stress, and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, managing transitions—whether from high school to college or into post-graduate life—can trigger emotional strain, requiring compassionate guidance and support,” adds Dr. Bedewy.

Counseling key to managing Mental Health

The importance of counseling in helping students to manage mental health issues can never be overemphasized, according to Dr. Bedewy. Accordingly, the Counseling Unit at Ajman University offers individual and group counseling sessions, workshops, and group meetings tailored to address these specific issues.

"Mental health is the foundation upon which academic success is built. When students nurture their emotional well-being, they unlock their true potential, enabling focus, resilience, and creativity. Supporting mental health is not just about overcoming challenges—it’s about empowering students to thrive in every aspect of their lives," says Dr. Bedewy.

The counseling Unit blends creativity and imagination with initiative to offer programs that involve peer support, disability peer mentorship programs, and mental health awareness campaigns that promote student well-being. These initiatives aim to equip students with tools for stress management, emotional resilience, and effective communication.

VOICES – Enabling Students to be heard

VOICES is perhaps one of the most creative initiatives by the Counseling Unit in the arena of mental health for students.  A monthly magazine compiled by students under the guidance of the Counseling Unit team, it enables them to make their voices heard on and off campus, a crucial aspect of emotional well-being.

Written and edited in Arabic and English by students themselves, the stories narrate their real-life experiences. The graphics enlivening the magazine are also provided by students, offering them yet another avenue for creative expression of their innermost feelings.

Students appreciate the support provided by the Counseling Unit in helping them enhance their overall emotional well-being. While they choose to remain anonymous as mental health is a sensitive issue, positive feedback from students reinforces the importance of mental health support in academic environments.

One student remarked, "I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received at the Counseling Unit. The counseling team was compassionate and helped me develop coping strategies that made a real difference in my life. I now feel much more in control of my stress and anxiety, and my mental health has improved significantly. Thanks to them, I’m able to focus on my academics and personal growth with a positive mindset. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs support!"

Another student, Fatima Jaber, shared her story and her mental health struggle in the VOICES magazine which was published online. She said, “I have gone from surviving to flourishing.”