• Home
  • Articles
  • Effective Solutions and Strategies for the Mental and Physical Health of Adolescents in Facing Academic Loads

Effective Solutions and Strategies for the Mental and Physical Health of Adolescents in Facing Academic Loads

25 Jul 2025

Source: https://l1nq.com/0ArMB

After entering the lecture period, of course our study hours and study methods will change due to various things, such as more assignments to be done by lectures, organizational or association assignments, and maybe some of us also have a job in the midst of a busy university schedule. The various types and numbers or assignments that students have to do become a pressure and sometimes make students feel overwhelmed in managing their lifestyle.

According to the Kompas website,  I-NAMHS Survey (2022) noted that one in three adolescents (34.9%) experience mental health problems, but only 2.6% access counseling services and also according to the articles at National Library of Medicine website and surveys at various universities indicate a significant increase in cases of stress, anxiety, and burnout among students, primarily due to assignment pressure, a tight credit system, GPA requirements, career, etc. Students often neglect sleep, nutrition, and exercise in favor of academic pursuits, ultimately reducing their productivity and quality of life. So, this article aims to discuss effective solutions and strategies for maintaining students’ mental and physical health during their studies.

The Center for Collegiate Mental Health that is based at Pennsylvania State University published a report in 2022. Receiving data from many counseling centers nationwide, they stated that academic stress impacts students from dropping out of college. The less students feel stressed, the more likely they are to stay in higher education. These stresses are primarily sourced from the pressure that students feel to do well academically, as it will lead to better jobs. 

Many colleges have attempted to provide resources and infrastructure to help these students. There are many colleges that offer professional mental health counselors to give students the help they need, one of them being Seattle Central College.

Excessive academic workload certainly has negative impacts on the mental and physical health of adolescents. Some of these effects include increased risk of stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, as well as physical health issues such as headaches. According to the Navigate360 website, in a survey, nearly 80% of children aged 8–17 reported feeling stressed at school most or all of the time. High school students tend to experience a rise in academic stress due to increased peer pressure and emotional changes during puberty. Judging from the impacts mentioned above, it proves that stress is not only experienced by adults who are overwhelmed by work, but also by many adolescents who suffer from stress due to the heavy academic workload.

Indonesian teenagers are facing a significant challenge with a growing mental health crisis that is intertwined with the increasing difficulty of maintaining healthy physical habits. In a world dominated by digital distractions and readily available junk food, the path to well-being is often obscured. This isn’t just a matter of individual struggle, it’s a widespread issue that shapes the foundation of their future lives.

The solution begins with a simple yet powerful action, speaking up about one’s feelings. This opens the door to addressing mental health, which is directly linked to physical care. The focus isn’t on restrictive diets or forced exercise, but on making small, sustainable swaps in daily routines, like choosing fruits over instant meals or finding enjoyable physical activities. By fostering open conversations and encouraging a collective shift towards more mindful, healthy choices, this generation can build a resilient foundation for their well-being, impacting not only their personal happiness but also the country’s future.

References

Kelompok 3 CP H&E - KMG 25'26