A Study on Depression of University Students due to Academic Stress in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Academic stress and depression in students are complex and with multifaceted issues. Stress is an inevitable part of academic life that negatively impacts students’ mental health, including depression. This study investigates depression among university students due to academic stress, identifies risk factors, examines barriers to mental health treatment access, and suggests recommendations for educators and mental health experts. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from university students in the Colombo district. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis tests were employed to evaluate the relationship between academic stress and depression. A total of 83 respondents participated in this questionnaire, out of which 55.4% were female and 44.6% were male respectively. Students’ mental health negatively affects academic performance at 71.1%, with 63.9% having no access to mental health professionals at university. Uncertainty in mental health services is reported by 43.4%, while 42.2% know where to seek help for depression. According to the study, there is a significant relationship between academic stress and depression, as well as between depression and gender. Regularly, more than 40% of respondents’ report experiencing difficulty concentrating, anxiety, disappointment, sleepiness, and anger. University students’ mental health and well-being require attention from mental health experts and professionals. demic stress; Student depression; Risk factors;eatment access; Coping echniques