Clinical psychologists have identified lifestyle pressures, academic stress and social media influence as key contributors to emotional instability among Nigerian university students.

This was stated on Friday during Caleb University’s campus mental health awareness seminar organised in partnership with the department of Psychology to commemorate World Mental Health Day.

Themed, ‘Demystifying Mental Health issues among University students’, the 2-day seminar was aimed at educating young people on the importance of recognising, addressing and managing mental health challenges common in academic environments.

Ayodeji Ajayi, a clinical psychologist from Yaba Neuropsychiatric Hospital, identified several common mental health issues affecting modern-day youth, emphasising how lifestyle pressures, academic stress and social media influence contribute to emotional instability.

Ajayi, in a presentation entitled, ‘The Most Common Mental Health Issues Among 21st Century Youth,’ categorised mental health conditions into distinct types. He also highlighted the importance of self-awareness and self-care practices, encouraging students to prioritise rest, build healthy social connections and seek professional help whenever necessary.

Olalekan Asikhia, Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University, represented by Adesola Ajayi, Deputy Vice Chancellor, research, innovation, strategy and administration (RISA), noted that the programme couldn’t have come at a better time as it was seriously needed now more than ever before especially among young Nigerians.

The second speaker, Gbenusola Akinwale, from the Department of Psychology, University of Lagos, explained that while mental health awareness had gained more attention among youths, misconceptions and stigma still exist.

She discussed both the positive outcomes of open mental health discussions such as improved empathy, self-expression and access to therapy and the downsides, including the casual misuse of mental health terms and self-diagnosis trends on social media.