May is the month of Mental Health Awareness. For those who have gone to college, the purpose of dedicating a month to this nationwide issue would be incomplete without acknowledging that 90% of student loan borrowers have experienced “significant anxiety” due to their debt burden. A recent survey by Student Loan Planner also showed that,
- 53% of student loan borrowers have experienced depression because of their student debt, and
- One in 15 borrowers has even contemplated suicide due to student debt.
College education helps us on the path to financial freedom but as the cost of this education continues to escalate, it is becoming a financial trap for many mired in student debt. Students are forced to borrow without having complete knowledge about the future implications of the stress that debt will bring to their life. It begs the question, why are we subjecting students to the financial burden of student debt when they should be more focused on academic excellence and launching their careers in the most optimal way possible?
In the spirit of Mental Health Awareness month, let us now discuss how to first avoid student debt and when applicable manage it to mitigate the stresses that come from it.
Financial Literacy
It would be ideal if high schools and colleges offered practical financial literacy training focused on managing finances, saving, investing, and other concepts that are crucial to success in career and life. Here are some resources that we can recommend that will help you become more knowledgeable about basic financial concepts and terms with the hope of encouraging responsible financial behavior leading to improved economic and mental health outcomes.
- 10 Free Online Personal Finance Courses for College Students
- 10 Personal Finance Books Every College Student Should Read
- The Pros and Cons of Student Loans
- 9 Common Misconceptions About Paying for College
- Why Financial Literacy Matters for Students of Color
- 3 Best Personal Finance Books Not About Personal Finance
Research
Whether you are in high school, attending college, or already in the workforce, research or doing your homework (pun intended 😉) plays a crucial role in avoiding mental health problems. Knowledge is empowering! It fosters logical thinking, planning, and prudent decision-making.
Self-Care
Academic and financial pressure is bound to get students stressed out. Simple things like indulging in a good diet, exercising or playing a sport you enjoy, and taking some time out for your hobbies can go a long way towards relieving stress. Consider practicing yoga or pursuing meditation and other forms of spirituality to clear your mind and stay away from negativity. Indulging in self-care can also boost your energy levels making it easier to complete assignments, quizzes, job responsibilities, etc.
Ask For HELP
There might be moments when you feel stressed out due to financial pressure and other negative factors. During such times, seek guidance. You can get access to professional help on mental health-related issues. Click here to view a few of them. You can also reach out to us for financial tips, career guidance, or how to best manage student debt.
Family & Friends
Finally, don’t forget about family and friends who can be a wonderful support system throughout your life. Make sure to share your difficulties with them and talk about your emotions around the challenges you might be going through. They may or may not offer the right solutions but just sharing with your loved ones can go a long way to relieving stress and anxiety.
