An assessment of the main mental health issues presented by students in The Student Counselling Centre in UBT-Higher Education Institution

Session

Psychology

Description

Mental health issues among University students around the world have lately become a growing problem and concern. Studies show that among main psychological problems faced by students are anxiety and depression. Although students are in great need for psychological support, the social stigma associated with seeking help remains an obstacle. There are many Student Counselling Centers in major Universities in different countries, offering psychological support to their students. Following these models, but adapting to the cultural context, the Student Counselling Centre in UBT, which is one of its kind in Kosovo and the region, was established to promote the importance of mental health among students and to offer them support in overcoming difficulties and in gaining emotional resilience. The aim of this study, using the method of Case Study, was to examine the main themes and mental health concerns presented by students in the SCC during its one and a half course. Among main concerns expressed by students were: difficult interpersonal relationships, mainly with parents; anxiety; depressive mood, difficulties in overcoming traumatic events; and lack of purpose in life. Psychological support was offered to all students that sought it, mainly through individual counselling. As expected, students that attended the sessions regularly and for a longer period of time showed the greatest improvement.

Keywords:

Students, mental health, Student Counselling Centre, psychological support.

Session Chair

Edmond Dragoti, Denis Celcima

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-550-19-2

Location

Pristina, Kosovo

Start Date

26-10-2019 3:10 PM

End Date

26-10-2019 3:20 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2019.97

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Oct 26th, 3:10 PM Oct 26th, 3:20 PM

An assessment of the main mental health issues presented by students in The Student Counselling Centre in UBT-Higher Education Institution

Pristina, Kosovo

Mental health issues among University students around the world have lately become a growing problem and concern. Studies show that among main psychological problems faced by students are anxiety and depression. Although students are in great need for psychological support, the social stigma associated with seeking help remains an obstacle. There are many Student Counselling Centers in major Universities in different countries, offering psychological support to their students. Following these models, but adapting to the cultural context, the Student Counselling Centre in UBT, which is one of its kind in Kosovo and the region, was established to promote the importance of mental health among students and to offer them support in overcoming difficulties and in gaining emotional resilience. The aim of this study, using the method of Case Study, was to examine the main themes and mental health concerns presented by students in the SCC during its one and a half course. Among main concerns expressed by students were: difficult interpersonal relationships, mainly with parents; anxiety; depressive mood, difficulties in overcoming traumatic events; and lack of purpose in life. Psychological support was offered to all students that sought it, mainly through individual counselling. As expected, students that attended the sessions regularly and for a longer period of time showed the greatest improvement.