Student mental health has gained rapid popularity across the globe and UAE is no exception.  The increasing pressures of academic performance, changing social dynamics and personal development are a few reasons that fuel mental health issues among students. That said, the mental health issues of a student can significantly affect their academics. Therefore, it is necessary to address these issues and cater to the root causes of such issues. 

To highlight the significance of mental health, here we have elaborated on the impacts of students’ mental health on education in the UAE. 

Impacts of Students’ Mental Health on Education

Students’ mental health can create a multifaceted impact on their education. This includes disruptive behaviour, impaired learning and a drop in academic performance. 

Following are some of the core impacts that students’ mental health creates on education. 

Drop in Academic Performance

The first and foremost impact of mental health is on academic performance. Students struggling with mental health issues which include anxiety, depression, or stress face different problems in their academics. Issues like concentrating, retaining information, and performing well in exams are some of the most common ones. 

Such issues can lead to lower grades, affecting academics negatively. On the other hand, students with good mental health are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their education. 

Low Attendance and Participation

Mental health issues are also held accountable for affecting student attendance and participation. Students with severe anxiety or depression may frequently miss school or avoid participating in class activities. Absenteeism and lack of engagement can create gaps in learning, hindering academic progress. 

Disrupted Social Relationships

Student mental health significantly influences social relationships within the school environment. Poor mental health can force students to social withdrawal, isolation and difficulties in maintaining friendships. 

This can create a feeling of loneliness that can adversely affect mental health issues. Whereas, other students with good mental health support positive social interactions and relationships. This fosters a supportive and inclusive school community. 

Increase Behavioral Issues

Disrupted mental health can create significant behavioural issues in a student. Students having mental health issues usually exhibit disruptive behaviour followed by aggression and non-compliance. Addressing these concerns through counselling and support services can help mitigate these behaviours.

Create Emotional Resilience

Students with good mental health are better equipped to cater to the daily stress and challenges of academic life. These students have higher emotional resilience, which helps them to cope with setbacks. That said, resilience is necessary for students’ personal and professional growth.

Affect Teacher-Student Relationships

After peer, the first thing that mental health affects is the teacher-student relationship. Students face difficulties in communicating with teachers, seeking help or keeping themselves engaged. This can affect the teacher-student relationship, impacting the overall learning experience. Conversely, a supportive mental health environment fosters positive teacher-student relationships. In this positive environment, students feel comfortable in seeking guidance and support from their educators.

Impact on School Culture

The collective mental health of students influences the overall culture of a school. Schools that prioritise mental health create a more positive, supportive and inclusive environment for all. The positive culture helps in promoting mutual respect, collaboration and a sense of community. Conversely, neglecting student mental health can lead to a negative school culture characterised by stress, competition and disengagement.

Student mental health has a significant impact on the educational environment in the UAE. Mental health can influence academic performance, attendance, social relationships and behaviour. Therefore, addressing mental health issues and promoting mental well-being are essential.