what to write about mental health essay

Presentations made painless

Get Premium

113 Mental Health Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked or stigmatized in society. Writing about mental health can help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote understanding and empathy. If you are looking for inspiration for your next mental health essay, here are 113 topic ideas and examples to get you started.

The impact of social media on mental health
The stigma surrounding mental illness in society
How to support a loved one with a mental health condition
The benefits of therapy for mental health
The relationship between physical and mental health
The role of exercise in improving mental health
Mental health in the workplace
The connection between trauma and mental health
The importance of self-care for mental health
Mental health in the elderly population
The impact of substance abuse on mental health
The role of genetics in mental health conditions
The relationship between sleep and mental health
Mental health in the LGBTQ+ community
The effects of chronic stress on mental health
The link between nutrition and mental health
Mental health in children and adolescents
The impact of technology on mental health
The benefits of mindfulness for mental health
Mental health in marginalized communities
The role of medication in treating mental health conditions
Mental health in the military
The connection between mental health and creativity
The impact of climate change on mental health
Mental health in the criminal justice system
The effects of bullying on mental health
The relationship between mental health and homelessness
The role of music therapy in mental health treatment
Mental health in the refugee population
The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health
The benefits of art therapy for mental health
The effects of social isolation on mental health
The role of spirituality in mental health
Mental health in the immigrant population
The connection between mental health and physical illness
The impact of peer pressure on mental health
The benefits of journaling for mental health
Mental health in the entertainment industry
The relationship between perfectionism and mental health
The effects of social comparison on mental health
The role of pets in improving mental health
Mental health in the age of technology
The connection between mental health and climate change
The impact of social media influencers on mental health
The benefits of volunteering for mental health
Mental health in the education system
The relationship between mental health and addiction
The effects of discrimination on mental health
The role of exercise in preventing mental health conditions
Mental health in the aging population
The connection between mental health and chronic illness
The impact of poverty on mental health
The benefits of group therapy for mental health
The relationship between mental health and personality traits
The effects of childhood neglect on adult mental health
The role of mindfulness in preventing mental health conditions
The connection between mental health and physical health
The impact of social media on body image and mental health
The benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy for mental health
The relationship between mental health and financial stress
The effects of trauma on mental health
The relationship between mental health and social support

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your mental health essay. Remember, mental health is a complex and multifaceted topic, so feel free to explore different angles and perspectives in your writing. By shedding light on mental health issues, you can help promote understanding, empathy, and support for those who may be struggling.

Want to research companies faster?

Instantly access industry insights

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Leverage powerful AI research capabilities

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

100 Mental Health Essay Topics

Essay topics on the subject of mental health are many and varied. If you are charged with writing an essay on mental health, you could choose to focus on any number of subtopics related to the field.

But to craft a well-written essay on mental health, there are a few basics you should keep in mind to ensure your writing is informative, authoritative, and most importantly, accurate.

To help you create a mental health essay that hits all the right marks, we’ve put together this guide covering everything from outlining to research to writing your conclusion. We’ve also created a list of 100 mental health essay topics to help get you started.

Getting Started: How to Write a Mental Health Essay

Before you start writing your mental health essay, it’s essential to understand the assignment’s requirements. Pay close attention to the prompt or question you’ve been given, as this will help you determine the focus and direction of your essay.

Once you understand what’s required, you can start brainstorming ideas and developing a thesis statement. This will be the foundation of your mental health essay, so it’s important to take the time to get it right.

Your thesis statement should be clear and concise, and it should state the main argument or point you will be making in your essay. For example, if you are writing an essay on the importance of early intervention programs for mental health, your thesis statement might look something like this:

“Early intervention programs are essential for improving mental health outcomes and preventing serious mental illness.”

Once you have your thesis statement, you can develop an outline for your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your argument flows smoothly.

Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In your introduction, you will want to grab the reader’s attention and give them an overview of what you will be discussing in your essay.

Your body paragraphs will be where you make your argument and support it with evidence. And in your conclusion, you will want to sum up your main points and leave the reader with a strong impression.

If you’re struggling to get started, try looking at some mental health essay examples. This can give you a better understanding of how to structure your own essay and the different elements you should include.

Doing the Research

Once you have a thesis statement and outline, it’s time to start doing research for your mental health essay. This is an important step, as it will help to ensure that your essay is accurate and well-informed.

When researching your mental health essay, you will want to look for reputable sources that are relevant to your topic. For example, try to find scholarly journal articles, government reports, or other reliable sources of information.

If you’re not sure where to start, try looking in the mental health section of your local library or searching for mental health essay examples online.

When taking notes from your research, be sure to record the author’s name, the title of the article, and the publication date. This will make it easier to create citations for your essay later on.

Writing the Essay

Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to start writing your mental health essay. Begin with an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and gives them an overview of your argument.

Your body paragraphs should each focus on one central point, and they should be supported with evidence from your research. Be sure to include in-text citations whenever you use information from a source.

And finally, conclude your mental health essay with a strong conclusion that sums up your main points and leaves the reader with a positive impression.

If you’re struggling to write your essay, try looking at some mental health essay examples for inspiration. Just be sure to use your own words and ideas, and don’t plagiarize.

Editing and Proofreading

Once you’ve finished writing your mental health essay, it’s important to edit and proofread it before you submit it. This will help to ensure that your essay is well-written and free of any errors.

Start by reading your essay aloud, as this can help you spot any errors or awkward phrases. Then, revise your essay for clarity and conciseness. And finally, proofread your essay carefully to catch any typos or grammatical errors.

If you’re struggling to edit and proofread your work, try reading your essay backwards. This will help you focus on each word and catch any errors you might otherwise miss.

You can also try using a grammar checker or having someone else read your essay. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to make revisions, as rushing this process can result in mistakes being missed.

With the detailed guide above, you should have no trouble writing a mental health essay on your own. But if you’re struggling to choose a topic, here are 100 mental health essay topics to consider:

Mental Health Essay Topics About Mental Illness

What are the most common mental illnesses?
How can mental illness be diagnosed?
What are the causes of mental illness?
How does mental illness impact a person’s life?
What are the treatments for mental illness?
Are there any effective preventative measures for mental illness?
How does society view mental illness?
Are there any stigma surrounding mental illness?
What are the challenges of living with mental illness?
How does mental illness affect relationships?

Mental Health Essay Topics About Mental Health Treatment

What are the different types of mental health treatment?
How effective is mental health treatment?
What are the side effects of mental health treatment?
How can mental health treatment be accessed?
Who provides mental health treatment?
What are the challenges of mental health treatment?
Can mental health treatment be forced?
What are the rights of mental health patients?
How does mental health treatment impact a person’s life?
Are there any alternatives to mental health treatment?

Mental Health Essay Topics About Mental Health in the Workplace

What are the impacts of poor mental health in the workplace?
How can poor mental health in the workplace be prevented?
What are the challenges of addressing mental health in the workplace?
How can employers support employees with mental health issues?
How does mental health affect productivity in the workplace?
What are the legal implications of poor mental health in the workplace?
How does mental health discrimination impact the workplace?
What are some successful workplace mental health initiatives?
How can employers create a mentally healthy workplace?
What role does management play in supporting employees with mental health issues?

Mental Health Essay Topics About Mental Health in Schools

How does poor mental health affect academic performance?
What are the impacts of bullying on mental health?
How can schools create a positive and supportive environment for students with mental health issues?
What is the role of teachers in supporting students with mental health issues?
What are some effective intervention strategies for mental health issues in schools?
How can school counselors support students with mental health issues?
Are there any legal implications for schools regarding mental health?
What are the challenges of implementing mental health programs in schools?
What are some successful examples of mental health initiatives in schools?
How can the stigmatization of mental health be addressed in schools?

Mental Health Essay Topics About the Mental Health of Children

What are the most common mental health disorders in children?
How can mental health disorders in children be diagnosed?
What are the causes of mental health disorders in children?
How do mental health disorders impact a child’s life?
What are the treatments for mental health disorders in children?
Are there any effective preventative measures for mental health disorders in children?
How does society view mental health disorders in children?
Are there any stigma surrounding mental health disorders in children?
What are the challenges of living with a mental health disorder as a child?
How do mental health disorders affect relationships?

Mental Health Essay Topics About Mental Health Disorders

What’s the difference between paranoia and anxiety disorders?
How do depression and eating disorders differ?
What is PTSD, and how does it differ from other anxiety disorders?
What are the causes of schizophrenia?
Is there a difference between mental illness and insanity?
How do experts diagnose clinical vs. environmental mental illnesses?
Is there a genetic component to mental illness?
How do different cultures deal with mental illness?
What is the difference between a nervous breakdown and a mental breakdown?
What are some of the most common alternative therapies for mental illness?

Mental Health Essay Topics About The Mental Health Of Veterans

What are the most common mental health disorders among veterans?
How does military service impact mental health?
What are the risk factors for mental health disorders among veterans?
What are the treatments for mental health disorders among veterans?
Are there any effective preventative measures for mental health disorders among veterans?
What mental health issues are specific to veterans and not the civilian population?
How does the Veterans Affairs system deal with mental health disorders?
What are the challenges of diagnosing and treating mental health disorders among veterans?
What are some successful examples of mental health initiatives for veterans?
How can the stigma surrounding mental health be addressed among veterans?

Mental Health Essay Topics About Alternative Mental Health Therapies

What is art therapy, and how does it work?
What is music therapy, and how does it work?
What is drama therapy, and how does it work?
What are the benefits of using alternative mental health therapies?
Are there any risks associated with using alternative mental health therapies?
How do alternative mental health therapies compare to traditional therapies?
What are the challenges of using alternative mental health therapies?
Are there any successful examples of using alternative mental health therapies?
How can the stigma surrounding mental health be addressed through alternative therapies?
What role do alternative mental health therapies play in treating mental health disorders?

Mental Health Essay Topics About Outdated Mental Health Therapies

What are the differences in how mental health was treated 100 years ago and how it is treated today?
What are some outdated mental health therapies that are no longer used?
Why were mental health therapies from the ’50s considered effective at the time?
How have mental health therapies evolved over the past decade?
Are there any risks associated with using these outdated therapies?
What can we learn from these outdated therapies?

Mental Health Essay Topics About the Impact of Technology on Mental Health

How has social media impacted mental health?
Are there any benefits to using technology in treating mental health disorders?
Are there any risks associated with using technology to treat mental health disorders?
How does cyberbullying impact mental health?
What is the impact of social media on body image and eating disorders?
How does technology addiction impact mental health?
What are the challenges of treating mental health disorders exacerbated by technology?
What are some successful examples of using technology to treat mental health disorders?
How can the stigma surrounding mental health be addressed through technology?
What role does technology play in treating mental health disorders?

Mental Health Essay Topics About Trauma and Mental Health

What is trauma?
How does trauma impact mental health?
What are the risk factors for developing mental health disorders after trauma?
What are the treatments for mental health disorders caused by trauma?

With these 100 mental health essay topics combined with a list of helpful writing tips, you should be well on your way to writing a great mental health essay. Just remember to choose a topic you are passionate about and do some research to find reliable sources.

Persuasive Speech Topics for High School & College Students
70 Casual Essay Topics
120 Expository Essay Topics
160 Satire Essay Topics
120 Argumentative Essay Topics

Undergraduate	Studying for 1st degree
Master	Studying for Master’s degree
PhD	Pursuing Doctoral degree

Testimonials

311 Powerful Mental Health Topics to Write about & Essay Examples

Research studies show that nearly 25% of American adults may have a mental illness in any given year. That is why it is crucial for all of us to become aware of such issues.

We gathered 225 brilliant essay topics about mental health, paper examples and ideas that would fit for any kind of essay: argumentative, persuasive, discursive, and so on. So…

Let’s dive in!

🏆 Best Mental Health Topic Ideas & Paper Examples

👍 good essay topics about mental health, 💡 simple & easy mental health essay topics, 🎓 most interesting mental health topics to write about, 🔎 interesting topics to write about mental health, ✍️ mental health essay topics for college, ❓ research questions about mental health.

A Mental Health Project This project will use a strength-based model, and as such, will focus on how the guidance and counseling practitioners can assist the target young people to collaborate with their peers, families, and the community with […]
Mental Health Issues in the Wednesday Series The main essence of the plot is that the eldest child of the Addams family, a girl named Wednesday, is gloomy and gloomy.
Mental Health Practice Placement However, many people believe that the theory does not offer or is not a reflection of the prevalent actions and complexity of the mental health problems in a population.
Mental Health Counseling Admission Essay The decision to apply for the clinical counseling in mental health program was mainly influenced by an internship that I had at the Carter Center of Mental Health.
Therapy and Mental Health Counseling The scholars emphasize that, unlike medications, therapy is a journey that requires awareness and acceptance of the change to heal from stress and trauma.
The Impact of Mental Health on Society It is not to say that mental health patients lack the skills or expertise to fulfill the assigned tasks. Indeed, it is not only the individuals but also society on the whole that suffers from […]
Phones and Teenagers’ Mental Health Connection This essay aims to discuss the connection between phones and teenagers’ mental health and explain why the use of smartphones is merely a reflection of problems that children would face either way.
Importance of Mental Health Promotion in Society Mental health is an integral part of health which serves as the foundation for the well-being and effective functioning for a person and society.
Strategies for Maintaining Good Mental Health Today, I want to inform you about mental health, including its definition, importance during different stages of development, and strategies for maintaining good mental health.
The Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic on Teens’ Mental Health The study of the impact of the global pandemic on the mental state of adolescents and ways to combat them is of particular interest for this research paper.
Recent Studies on Covid-19 and Mental Health The participants of the studies that pursue the understanding of how COVID-19 leads to the emergence of mental stress reported their concerns about the potential infection that has not yet happened.
Institutional vs. Community Care in Mental Health A review article by Wysocki et al.”Long-term services and supports for older adults: A review of home and community-based services versus institutional care is focused on the analysis of institutional care as opposed to home […]
Self-Care: Physical and Mental Health Also, there is a variety of approaches that can be used to improve self-care, and it is essential to introduce the client to all of them.
The Problem of Mental Health in Florida The health of children is one of the major concerns of the healthcare sector as they are the future of the nation.
Gender Expectations: Impact on Mental Health Such feelings may be overwhelming, resulting in emotional distress and causing the individuals to attempt suicide to end the anguish. Alcohol and substance abuse may be the leading causes of suicide in Australia.
Discussion of Students’ Mental Health This fact is revealed in the low number of students who decided to seek help from a mental health specialist in the past year.
The Role of the Multidisciplinary Teams in Mental Health Nursing Moreover, the effectiveness of the management of the personnel correlates with the effectiveness of the whole treatment and the decrease in time the patient would spend at the hospital.
A Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty Since the goal of obtaining a degree and moving toward the role of APRN prompted me to study in the MSN program, the primary choice was the specialty.
How Social Class Influences Mental Health After a thorough evaluation of class differences in mental health, it becomes clearer that people from the working classes face more problems with mental health in comparison to people from the middle class: downward drift, […]
Access to Mental Health Treatment in Peru The researcher looked through the lens of those within the community, those living in more rural areas, and the suburbs of the Capital of Lima.
Mental Health Counseling Licensure and Certification in Florida The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the requirements and provisions for mental health counseling licensure and certification in Florida and discuss their impact on the public.
Levinson’s “Rain Man”: Reaction to a Movie From a Mental Health Perspective The movie could equally be considered as a despoliation of several false impressions on autism and is inclined toward an improvement of appropriate knowledge of how to address autism.
Nursing Care Plan for Mental Health Unilateral neglect Impaired environmental interpretation syndrome Acute confusion Chronic confusion Ineffective impulse control Impaired memory Impaired verbal communication Hopelessness Risk for compromised human dignity
Mental Health Nursing Practice and Ethical Issues The purpose of the presented case and analysis is to evaluate the ethical aspects of providing care to a patient in a psychiatric ward.
Mental Health and Wellness in Aging Population This research proposal will examine the aspects of wellness with regards to the dimensions of mental health and among the aged.
Medication for Mental Health Conditions The consideration of a patient’s specific conditions and symptoms will guide the medical practitioner to make the best decision. The approach will help minimise cases of depression and guide the targeted beneficiary to lead a […]
Social Media and Mental Health The connection between the positivity of a message and its reception in social media is a crucial piece of information that needs to be incorporated into the current approach toward increasing the levels of public […]
Social Media Users’ Personality and Mental Health The use of social media has impacted people’s mental health by both contributing to their anxiety and creating a stressful and competitive platform on which people have to perform.
Mental Health Problems: Patient Care The first level of care that can be available to SK is that of hospitals. A powerful approach will be considered to assess the needs of SK.
Interview With a Licensed Mental Health Counselor The interviewee acknowledged that burnout is a normal part of practice and anybody planning to become a licensed mental health counselor should be prepared to face burnout and deal with it in a manner that […]
Mental Health and Spirituality How religion helps to define life purpose and provides a sense of meaning among people who are susceptible to depression Many religious people affirm that their lives have a sense of purpose and meaning.
The Connection Between Poverty and Mental Health Problems The daily struggle to earn a daily bread takes a toll on an individual mental health and contributes to mental health problem.
A Beautiful Mind: A Mental Health Portrayal He is the central character in the film and he ends up in conflict due to the struggles that he faces after being diagnosed with a mental disorder.
The Principles of Education in Mental Health Thus, the image of leaner may be represented as a sophisticated combination of mental and cognitive processes that are to be recognized and accounted for in the process of learning.
Preliminary Care Coordination Plan for Mental Health As the shift from hospital care to community-based one has occurred, it is first important to engage the patients in these communities and breach the gap of the lack of information.
Social Media and Teenagers’ Mental Health This book highlights the impact of social media on adolescent mental health and offers several solutions to this problem. 1, 2020, pp.
Social Media Damages Teenagers’ Mental Health Thus, the selected social group that could help improve teenagers’ mental health is sports coaches and organizers of sports activities in schools.
Psychological Wellness and Mental Health It is impossible to imagine the development of the sciences and civilization as a whole without focusing on mental health and areas of wellness.
The Benefits of Fitness for Physical and Mental Health It is necessary to mention that I have been able to improve my sleep schedule and its quality because of exercise.
Sociology of Mental Health and Gender The notion that femininity and masculinity as concepts may significantly affect one’s understanding of mental health is supported by various evidence.
Mental Health Issues Among LGBTQ (Queer) Youth Studies point to multiple factors that play a role in the risk of suicide among LGBTQ youth, such as gender, socioeconomic status, bullying, and school experience. There is a need for further research and interventions […]
The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Workers’ Mental Health The article “The mental health impact of the covid-19 pandemic on healthcare workers, and interventions to help them: A rapid systematic review” gives examples of specific means to overcome the occupation problem.
Meditation’s Impact on Physical and Mental Health It is a dependent variable, as it has been assessed before the assignments for the groups, after said assignment, and four months later to define the outcome of the study.
Mental Health and Illness Stigmatization Manifestations She was unable to contain her sobbing and trembling as a direct result of the symptoms of her mental illness, which included her anxiety about being judged and rejected. The diagnosis was unexpected and challenging […]
Empowering the Care for Mental Health: Strategic Suggestions In addition, there is the issue of correctness and completeness of information about available resources, which is essential because of the sparse and heterogeneous nature of the industry.
Narrative Family Therapy: Adolescent Mental Health In the Video, the primary contributors are the couple and the narrative therapist. The narrative therapist tries first to comprehend the viewpoint of a patient on their lives and the dominant plot and changes that […]
Aspects of the Mental Health Essentials Reg maintains a cordial relationship with his ex-wife, who is consistently concerned about his state of health and well-being, which is one of the protective factors relevant to Reg.
Mental Health Diseases in the Middle Ages and Today In the Middle Ages, the manner in which the conditions were addressed varied depending on the philosophical and religious beliefs of the patient as well as the caregiver.
Mental Health Nurse’s Communication With Patients and Families To conclude, communicating with patients, carers, and families as a mental health nurse demands considering the needs of each individual. On the one hand, MHNs must be active, empathetic listeners with patients and their loved […]
Mindfulness’ Role in Mental Health Promotion With the incorporation of mindfulness into therapy, one will be able to reduce stress by promoting active health education and learning to a patient.
Social Distancing, Financial Crisis and Mental Health The lockdown leads to the inability of people to go to the hospital for mental health consultation and treatment due to the anti-COVID measures. It is possible to talk about the spread of mental health […]
Mental Health Interventions for Police Officers The expected outcome of this study is a generalized classification of existing mental health interventions available for the police workforce and their assessment in terms of efficiency.
The Impact of Mindset on Mental Health A positive stress mindset is about resilience to stress, and it is an attribute linked to the levels of desire that defines the focus of one’s enthusiasm and will. The knowledge of a self-awareness mindset […]
Multicultural Community Mental Health Center In addition, acculturation enhances daily organization activities favourable to clients and the workplace, which promotes the achievement of the center’s goals. A trusted relationship leads to satisfaction for both the employee and the clients, which […]
Head Injuries and Related Mental Health Issues A mental health professional examining a patient with a head injury may encounter a wide range of symptoms that are difficult to pin down.
Effect of Job Satisfaction on Early Childhood Educators’ Mental Health in Canada The rationale for this research is that early childhood educators are frequent targets of violence and abuse in the workplace, which can impact their mental health.
Advocacy Programs to Address Disparities in Mental Health and Addiction Management Due to the absence of coverage offered by state Medicaid programs, the problem with the community’s overall health likely resides in a population segment that is unable to receive care, especially individuals with mental health […]
How a Mental Health Nurse Role Supports Interprofessional Practice A collaboration between medical doctors, therapists, nurses, and pharmacists to implement a personalized plan of care to improve the health outcomes of a patient is an example of interprofessional practice, Within the interprofessional practice, mental […]
Mental Health Issues in the COVID-19 Pandemic The governments focused their response on the physical health of their citizens and containing the spread of the virus. In other words, the first step of the action plan is to find or establish the […]
Mental Health Management in Indigenous People For this reason, the concept of tribal mental health must be actively introduced into the relevant healthcare practices and the associated health policies.
Addressing Mental Health Inequities: A Focus on LGBTQ Communities The main bioethical principles of organ transplantation that should be considered are beneficence – to act for the benefit of a patient, non-maleficence – not to harm, autonomy respect for a person’s choice, justice fairness, […]
Mental Health and Well-Being of Canadian Police Officers As found in the study by Tehrani, most police officers that worked during the pandemic have been emotionally affected by it, with the lowest indicators of mental health being strongly related to anxiety and depression […]
Understanding Mental Health: A Personal Journey and Its Impact The main impact of mental health is that, when it is not well taken care of, it could lead to depression.
Field Practicum in Mental Health Social Work The case is a mental illness diagnosis and treatment procedure for a client with a history of mental illness who is currently showing more clinical symptoms diagnosable using reliable diagnostic manuals as described in the […]
COVID-19 Impact on Uber Drivers’ Mental Health Although a lot of research has focused on the working conditions of Uber drivers and other individuals characterised as working in the gig economy, and further studies still have considered the financial impact of the […]
Nursing Burnout in the Mental Health Field Therefore, burnout in the mental health field is a major problem because it has a high prevalence and affects the service delivery of employees in the mental health field.
Subjective Well-Being (SWB): Mental Health and Life Satisfaction Also recognized as self-reported Well-being Introduced by Ed Diener, a psychologist in 1984 Components entails: Positive Affect Life Satisfaction Negative Affect Physical health is influenced by the satisfaction of life and enjoyment of life
Abortion and Mental Health as Controversial Issues There have been issues related to the use of face masks and the number of cases of infected people. The topic of autism is a huge controversy due to denial or a lack of awareness.
Factors That Impact Mental Health The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that impact the individual’s mental health and well-being, possible approaches that could be used to address the issues and provide a strategy involving all resources available […]
Code of Ethics in Clinical Mental Health Counseling For instance, the ACA’s ethical values involve upholding human development by using the multicultural method to support the potential, worth, and dignity of people in their cultural and social settings.
The Impacts of Mental Health Among Nurses Therefore, it is essential to research the impacts of the mental health of nurses on their practice to ensure what methods can effectively improve the well-being of healthcare professionals.
Mental Health Improvement Applications A vision problem in and of itself causes anxiety for many people, and the lack of adapted apps continues to be a problem.
Refugee Mental Health & Transcultural Psychiatry Because of this, many refugees have resorted to seeking refugee camp mental health services to cope with their situation in a new country and feel less stress.
Mental Health of Crime Offenders The research was created with the idea that women have a significant role in promoting global health because of the importance of their health. According to the findings, life skills training programs improved women’s mental […]
Mental Health Equity for Queer (LGBTQ) People My support for mental health equity in the LGBTQ community as a clinical mental health counselor will require my understanding of cultural competency and how to can use it in practice.
Mental Health in School-Age Children In contrast to the response to drug or placebo, a large group of patients is difficult to treat or do not respond to treatment.
Erectile Disorder and Mental Health The sexual dysfunction from the DSM-5 is an erectile disorder is 302.72. I entirely agree that lifestyle change, exceptionally tailored physical activity, is an essential aspect of the therapy of erectile dysfunction and should be […]
HIV-Positive Women’s Mental Health Problems Peer review implies the submission of the article describing the details of the research process and the design to a journal that then sends this article to the professionals working in the same field, who […]
United Nations Policy Brief on Mental Health Recovery After COVID-19 Therefore, the lack of mental health support centers and poor financing are not the only reasons for the problem, as the brief’s authors suggest.
Nursing Profession: Mental Health Issues, Shortages, and Lack of Diversity It is necessary to determine whether the limitations in access to nursing education and training, as well as discriminatory environments, result in the absence of diversity in the nursing workforce.
Considerations and Benefits of Herbal Medicine in Mental Health Treatment However, when prescribing herbal medicine, regardless of its type, it is imperative that the patient is assessed for the risk factors of its use and the potential interactions with other medication.
Hospital Staff Mental Health During the Pandemic The second theme that was discussed in many of the studies reviewed is the variety of factors that were involved in this issue, worsening the conditions of the health workers.
Psychological Imbalance: Mental Health Issues According to Moulden and Marshall, psychological imbalances are the major cause of the increased number of inmates with sexual offenses within Canadian prisons.
Cats and Their Role in Mental Health Support Using this research design, it would be possible to determine whether cats or dogs are better as therapy animals, in addition to identifying the role of felines in mental health support.
Mental Health of Physicians During the Pandemic It is obvious that the situation of constant tension in which the doctors were during the period of COVID-19 is extreme and actually a crisis.
Ethics of Access to Sensitive Mental Health Data Not all clients wish to share the details of their mental issues and treatments with families or inmates, but their password storage practices might run counter to this need for security.
Tests in Mental Health Nursing Research This paper seeks to discuss the uses of non-parametric tests in the assigned articles and explore the issue of test selection with reference to mental health nursing research.
Consumer Information on Mental Health Considering the specifics of the inpatient facility, online health information-seeking is more common in patients’ relatives that visit them and communicate with the staff.
Mental Health of Healthcare Workers After COVID-19 Concerning the objectives of Healthy People 2020, the examined topic is related to the category of Mental Health and Mental Disorders.
Cooper Mental Health Counseling Advertising The goal of the campaign will be to attract the maximum number of clients to the psychological counseling clinic. The call to action in the case of this advertising campaign will be a call to […]
Neuroscience on Mental Health Issues Over the years, a significant source of concerns regarding neurogenesis touches on scientists’ inability to quantify the number of neurons generated by the adult’s brain in a day. However, investigations on neurogenesis in the hippocampus […]
Managing Mental Health Medications for Depression and its Ethical Contradiction The second objective is to discover ethical contradictions in such treatment for people of various cultures and how different people perceive the disorder and react to the medication.
Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation for Mental Health At the age of 10, Maria was raped, and after that, the patient began to engage in prostitution to help her family financially since her mother and grandmother could not support everyone.
Nurses’ Mental Health and Stress at Workplace This is the first research to present the viewpoints of mental health nurses on a resilience program. Theoretical ideas of resilience and understanding of mental health nurses’ resilience emerged through constant comparative study and integration […]
Prisons as Mental Health Institutions The following list contains the group’s goals: Identification of the cause of unfavorable circumstances; Resolution of legal disputes regarding the perpetrators; Help the victim to improve their living conditions; Achieving the payment of a fine […]
Cultural and Ethical Perspectives of Nurse Mental Health As a result, the given subject involves specific cultural and ethical perspectives and analysis of these perspectives is vital to analyze and implement policies as well as see the overall trend of the issue.
Mental Health Treatment Analysis For the pharmacological treatment to control PTSD, the recent symptomatology experienced, comorbid conditions, and evidence of the efficiency of treatments before medication initiation are the factors that a clinician has to consider.
Administration Errors in a Mental Health Hospital The selection of a representative group from the population of interest is among the prerequisites for the production of reliable and generalizable results.
Mental Health and Its Social Determinants The article chosen for the analysis strives to explore the correlation between the social determinants and the development of mental illnesses in people in different stages of their lives.
“Parental Characteristics and Offspring Mental Health” by Jami The title of the article is “Parental characteristics and offspring mental health and related outcomes: A systematic review of genetically informative literature”.
Effects of Tension in the Workplace Environment on the Mental Health of Nurses Due to the sharp increase in the need to focus, as well as the probability of workplace conflicts and the resulting emotional strain, workplace tensions in the nursing setting, specifically in nurses providing individual care, […]
Mental Health Issues Among Immigrants The prevalence of issues associated with CBT and the treatment of frequently occurring issues among first-generation immigrants, which include anxiety, conduct, and ADHD disorders, is currently uncertain due to the lack of experimental and academic […]
Improving the Mental Health System The problem has brought attention to the WHO as well as the nursing arena to implement strategies to address the unmet needs in mental care, especially in the United States metropolitan areas.
Wellness: An Analysis of Mental Health The complex nature of mental health calls for a humanities approach to enable conceptualization of the mind and brain for improved mental health care and human well-being.
Therapeutic Techniques: Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing The technique involves focusing on one idea or word produced by the client; Aimed to help in a more detailed consideration of significant thoughts; Particularly relevant when working with patients who shift from subject […]
The Problem of Mental Health Disparities Challenges and opportunities to meet the mental health needs of underserved and disenfranchised populations in the United States. The authors of this article explore ways to address psychological problems in adults arising from the gap […]
Lifestyle Choices and Mental Health However, in this context, it is essential to clarify more information about the client’s lifestyle and verify the authenticity of the indicated factors.
Mount Carmel Mental Health Hospital’s Framework It remains the only hospital with in-patient psychiatric and mental health care in Malta after the closing of the psychiatric unit at Mater Dei Hospital in 2020, and the construction of a new mental health […]
Peplau’s Middle-Range Theory in Mental Health Nursing This paper addresses the topic of nursing theory by reviewing current research pertaining to hypothetico-deductive reasoning, suggesting the model’s potential value in the research of nurse education techniques and barriers to decision-making, and discussing the […]
Mental Health Services for Healthcare Providers of Critical Patients For the examination of the specified problem, the suitable setting is one of the local hospitals willing to participate in the project, and the contact there will be an administrator with access to the essential […]
Holes in Financial Plan of Mental Health Services In the case of the current project, first of all, it is hard to predict the real demand for mental health services among doctors.
Community Outreach Program for Veterans’ Mental Health Outcomes The issue at the center of this document is the high level of suicide risk in the veteran population and the urgent need to address this problem through therapy to prevent suicide in veterans.
Psychopharmacology and Mental Health Practice It is becoming increasingly necessary for a mental health practitioner to be familiar and knowledgeable about pharmacological aspects of the treatment of mental issues.
Mental Health Disorder: Case Conceptualization Due to her developmental delays, she held back in kindergarten and is currently at risk of being held back again, and her attendance record is very poor.
Negative Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdown on Mental Health Service Access The sampling of the selected study is relatively narrow, yet it allowed the researchers to conduct a detailed data analysis and was sufficient to identify the tendencies for follow-up visits.
Social Interaction for Mental Health and Wellbeing Although, these features enable inmates to shape their social and health relationships, the likely hood of retreating the positive relationship between health and social incorporation found in several social backgrounds.
Social Media and Women’s Mental Health From this point of view, the examination of the presented challenge is critical in order to ensure the mental health of the female population by timely addressing the mentioned obstacles and dispelling the illusions.
Social Justice and Mental Health However, it is difficult to imagine the U.S.taking nationwide action on mental health due to the absence of healthcare for physical health, which is widely accepted as a serious issue.
Mental Health Counseling Settings One advantage of a private practice is that decision-making is free from the influence of government agencies, charities, and other groups. However, a government agency setting is likely to have countless bureaucracies that would hinder […]
Are Nurses Within the Aged Care Sector Equipped and Trained to Care for Mental Health Patients? Access to psychological care, the role and responsibilities of service providers, and the management of mental health care are among the gaps and challenges in the field.
Burden of Stigma in Mental Health Help Seeking Afterward, he understood the concept and opted to recommend the need for the suffering people to share their traumatic events and experiences with their peers and qualified mental health professionals.
Residential Programs for Teens With Mental Health Issues So, in addition to various activities, it is necessary to introduce mandatory work with specialists in psychology into the plan. The first thing organizations need to include in the program is bringing the spine into […]
Post-Modern Perspective on Mental Health Nursing This is due to the replacement of traditional cultural structures by the commoditization of social living, consumption, and failure to support the mental health needs that result in psychopathology.
Mental Health in Sex Workers There are financial needs that make the sex work industry one of the “to-go” choices for young adults in need of money.
Emotional Abuse and Role of Clinical Mental Health Counselor The main rationale for selecting the specified type of trauma is the fact that it is most likely to be unreported, both due to the fear stemming from the emotional violence and the lack of […]
Mental Health and Exposure of Genes to the Environment Although the range of influence of a gene is determined by the size and functionality of the cell in which it is located, the formation of proteins, including those that form homeostasis, plays a key […]
Building Provincial Mental Health Capacity in Primary Care Subsequently, to monitor the effectiveness of the project, evaluators scrutinized a mental health and addiction-oriented ECHO program in Ontario, Canada, at the end of the program.
Mental Health Problems in Bisexuals Thus, the study appears to be insightful in the context of exploring the mental health of bisexuals. This article is informative, as it describes that the aforementioned factors appear to be influential considerably in the […]
Mental Health in Bisexuals: Mental Health Issues The current research views the mental health of bisexuals from several different perspectives in order to evaluate all the possible mechanisms that could have contributed to mental health issues in bisexual individuals over the course […]
Mental Health Counseling and Ethical Standards Relevant codes contribute to following the necessary rules to communicate and interact with clients and meeting the standards of professional collaboration.
Mental Health of Community The Worcester Country Health Department has mental health services developed for both adults and youngsters. There are no eligibility criteria for using the materials and services of the department.
Mental Health Project: Binge-Eating Disorder The result was the start of the Binge-Eating Disorder Association, a non-profit organization. The main role of the organization was to advocate, support, and help the binge-eating disorder society.
Poverty, Partner Abuse, and Women’s Mental Health In general, the study aimed at investigating the interaction between poverty and the severity of abuse in women. The research question being studied in this article is how income intersects with partner violence and impacts […]
Clinical Supervision in the Mental Health Practice Moreover, McNeill and Stoltenberg delved deeply into appreciating IDM’s refinement and evolution over time and the limitations it had at the time of the study. In this section of the book, McNeill and Stoltenberg explore […]
Mental Health Crisis in Australian Young Men In particular, he organizes meetings of young people and tells them his story of beating depression and suicide survival in order to inspire them as the help from the side of the country’s health care […]
School-Based Yoga Program for Adolescents’ Mental Health The central aim of the research was to find the effectiveness of the therapeutic intervention. The central focus of the research was to validate the effectiveness of a yoga-based program.
Exploring Mental Health and Drug Use in West Africa The specific research objectives are the following: To explore the prevalence and occurrence of major mental health challenges in West African countries.
Mental Health: T-Test and ANOVA in Clinical Practice The purpose of the study was to identify the causes of the first psychiatry consult and investigate patients’ perspectives on conditions that influence the reluctance in seeking mental health services and access in general.
Community Risk Assessment: Mental Health Disorders: New York The identified area of focus in the community is the prevalence of mental health disorders. These resources will ensure an adequate and comprehensive assessment of the mental health conditions within the community.
Mental Health and Struggles of African American Women This paper seeks to explore the origins of the strong black woman stereotype and its cultural portrayal and discuss the tolls of mental health and struggles that affect highly marginalized African American women in the […]
Mental Health Issues: The Public Perception In order to address the issue, it is necessary to assess the current perception of people with mental health issues by the general public.
The Intersection of COVID-19 and Mental Health However, using the statement of the study’s purpose, the research question appears to be the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental, neurological, and substance use services in 130 WHO Member States.
Mental Health Issues of Disabled People in Prison There is a need to enforce the rights of disabled people in prisons by understanding the causes of mental health issues and developing the necessary support systems.
Mental Health in the US: Roles of Stakeholders The mental health courts also play vital roles in the management of challenges posed by individuals experiencing mental disturbances.
Adolescent Mental Health: Why It Is a Problem Adolescent mental health constitutes a considerable public health issue recognized, among other things, as one of the 2020 Topics and Objectives on the Healthy People.
Mental Health Information Disclosure and Moral Panic Therefore, to facilitate the wellbeing of the citizens and at the same time make sure that the rights of the mentally disadvantaged should not be infringed, one must consider the connection between the development of […]
Mental Health Patients and Moral Panic The goal of the study is to reveal the inappropriateness of a mental health-centered approach to gun control public policy and emphasize the need for information dissemination and education in the sphere of mental health.
Perinatal, Infant and Child Mental Health Thus, such a shift in the emotional, physiological, and social status of women in transition to motherhood may result in the development or worsening of mental health issues.
Mental Health Self-Support Group The reason for choosing the identified group was based on the convenience principle the meetings were held in the vicinity of my house.
The Mental Health Within Virginia During COVID-19 This applies to both the organization of time and the organization of space. This way, by the end of the pandemic, people will remain as healthy as they were at the beginning and will return […]
The Impact of the ACA on Mental Health Practice This paper seeks to evaluate the efficacy of one of these policies, particularly the Affordable Care Act, in promoting mental health practice. Through a sequence of amendments and extensions, the ACA represents the healthcare system’s […]
Stanford Health Care: The Impact of Culture on Mental Health The need to study the cultural aspect of the provision of healthcare services to African American patients is defined by their beliefs towards health, aging, and medicine.
Mental Health Nursing Analysis In addition, the authors suspected that the length of stay in a mental hospital and the probability of readmission within one month are determined by the patient conditions during admission and the dangers they pose […]
Question of Youngsters With Mental Health Problems It is projected that there will be a steady increase in the number of juvenile cases from 2011 up to 2025.
Current Mental Health Care Need The human psyche is a vulnerable system: the incredibly rapid rate of modern life often causes anxiety and stress, leading to various mental disorders.
Mental Health Nursing: A Treatment Plan for Mr. Pall In the context of this study, the ultimate goal of the nursing care intervention is to influence Pall’s behavior to reflect positive health outcomes. The main aim of administering this drug is to ensure Pall […]
Inter-Household Caregiving and Adult Children’s Mental Health To support the hypothesis, the study shows that the mental deterioration of the caregiver increases with time and is occasioned by depression and reduced immunity.
Analysis of Mental Health in Crime According to the results of the cross-examination, Lisa did not have problems with perceiving reality: at the moment of the crime, she knew that she was killing a woman to cut the child out of […]
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Assessment The patient has noted that she thinks that the treatment may not be complicated by issues that are associated with culture and traditions.
Maternal Mental Health and Prenatal Smoking It was important to determine the variables that may lead to postpartum relapse or a relapse during the period of pregnancy. It is important to note that the findings are also consistent with the popular […]
Mental Health Paper: Depression
Mental Health & Incidences of Homelessness in Australia
Mental Health: Happiness and Social Interaction
Mental Health Care: Various Issues
Mental Health: Analysis of Schizophrenia
Mental Health in Asian Culture
Critique to Website the Internet Mental Health
ABC Mental Health Clinic Case Analysis
Substance Use and Mental Disorders in Adolescence
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center
Improving Mental Health Care System in British Columbia
Relationship Among Mental Health, Hypertension and Telomere Length
Epidemiology Applied to Mental Health
Mental Health Parity Act Analysis
Insurance Barriers in Mental Health Population
Mental Health in the United States
Mental Health Service Provision in Australia
Mental Health Condition Indicators
The Problem of Mental Health Recovery
Mental Health Care in Cannabis Addiction Case
Mental Health Nursing of Cocaine Addiction
Mental Health Nursing: Dementia
A Comparative Study of Mental Health Between Players and Non Players
Coronavirus Pandemic: Improvement of the Mental Health of the Patients
Acceptability and Feasibility of Using Non-Specialist Health Workers to Deliver Mental Health Care
Debunking the Myths on Homelessness: Misconceptions About the Social Status and Mental Health
Critique of Scottish Mental Health Strategy
Mental Health and Suicidality in the United Kingdom
Sedatives or Depressants in Individuals With a Mental Health Problem
Ethical Dilemmas in Mental Health Treatment
Crisis Intervention in Veteran’s Mental Health
Vincent van Gogh’s Mental Health Problems
Effects of Drugs and Alcohol Use on Mental Health
Confidentiality in Mental Health
Mental Health Stigma From American Perspective
Unconscious Mind and Mental Health Treatment
Ethical Dilemma in Mental Health Patient Care
Burnout as a Mental Health Issue in the Workplace
Mental Health and Grief Counseling Issues
Physical Healthcare Among Mental Health Patients
Psychiatry. Promoting Recovery in Mental Health
Cannabis Effects on Mental Health
Consumer-Centered Mental Health Education
Female Mental Health in Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”
Mental Health Issues Identification in Schools
Mental Health Nursing Skills in Practice
Protective Factors Promoting Mental Health
Medi-Cal Expansion of Mental Health Services
Mental Health Patients in the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit
Mental Health Promotion and Effective Interventions
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurses’ Roles
Explaining Mental Health Inequalities in Northern Sweden
The Role of Nurses in Managing Mental Health Issues
Mental Health Issues and Substance Abuse: Dual Diagnosis
Pre-Mental Health Counseling Assessment for Child
Stigma Effects on Mental Health Treatment in Minorities
Understanding Student Perceptions of Mental Health
Ethics in Psychology and the Mental Health Professions
Mental Health: Challenge of the Juvenile Justice System
Mental Health as the Juvenile Justice System Challenge
Mental Health Care Services for Veterans
Information Technology Company’s Employee Mental Health
Buddhist Traditional Healing in Mental Health
Mental Health Strategies at the Workplace
Mental Health: Research Methodologies Issues
Mental Health Practice Model for Public Institutions
Mental Health Disparities’ Data Collection
Female Mental Health in Sociocultural Conditions
Mental Health: Screening and Assessment
Mental Health Specialist Job and Career
Mental Health Nursing: Health and Illness
Transitions in Late Life – Mental Health Concerns
Child’s Mental Health and Depression in Adulthood
Refugees and Mental Health
Mental Health Issues in the Criminal Justice System
Effective Mental Health Counseling
Community Interventions for Improving Mental Health
NYS Office of Mental Health
Mental Health Benefits in the Employee Benefits Package
Security at the New York State Office of Mental Health
Mental Health Counselor: Ethics and Professionalism
Code of Ethics for Mental Health Professions
The Critical Role of School Psychology in the School Mental Health Movement
Marijuana and Its Effects on Mental Health
Mental Health Administration
Ambulance Personnel and Critical Incidents: Impact of Accident and Emergency Work on Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Mental Health & Culture on Weight and Eating Disorders
Mental Health Community Nursing
Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder Problem
Child’s Mental Health: Factors and Impacts
Supporting Children’s Mental Health
Mental Health and American Society
Problems Related to Physical and Mental Health Issues
What Are the Five Signs of Good Mental Health?
What Impact Does Lack of Sleep Have on Our Physical Emotional and Mental Health?
Who Suffers From Mental Health?
How Can Technology Help Mental Health Professionals?
How Does Mental Health Affect Poverty Rates?
How Does Mental Health Effects Persons, Families, and Carers?
Why Might the Experience of Child Sexual Abuse Lead to Mental Health Problems in Adulthood?
What Causes Mental Health Problems?
How Does Friendship Help With Your Mental Health?
Why Should We Care About Mental Health?
How Do Mental Health Problems Affect People With Anxiety Disorder?
How Have COVID-19 Isolation Policies Affected Young Peoples’ Mental Health?
How Does Technology Affect Mental Health?
What Are the 4 Types of Mental Health?
How Can Understand the Mental Health Benefits of Physical?
What Is Another Word for Mental Health?
How Might Developing Cultural Competence Improve Mental Health Services?
How Does Music Therapy Promote Positive Mental Health?
How Does Junk Food Affect Teenagers’ Mental Health?
How Does Climate Weather Affect Mood Mental Health?
How the Media Changes People’s Attitudes Towards Mental Health?
How Does Occupational Stress Affect Mental Health?
How Does Mental Health Affect Us Everday?
How Does Physical Health Affect Mental Health Communications?
How Do Society and Environment Affect People ‘S Mental Health?
How Can Exercise Improve Your Mental Health?
How Can I Help My Mental Health?
How Can Injuries Cause Mental Health Issues?
How Would Childhood Experiences Affect the Development of Their Mental Health?
How Does Depression Affect Our Mental Health System?
Dementia Research Ideas
Eating Disorders Questions
Depression Essay Topics
Insanity Defense Questions
Meditation Questions
Postpartum Depression Paper Topics
Anxiety Essay Topics
BPD Research Ideas
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, March 2). 311 Powerful Mental Health Topics to Write about & Essay Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/mental-health-essay-topics/

"311 Powerful Mental Health Topics to Write about & Essay Examples." IvyPanda , 2 Mar. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/mental-health-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '311 Powerful Mental Health Topics to Write about & Essay Examples'. 2 March.

IvyPanda . 2024. "311 Powerful Mental Health Topics to Write about & Essay Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/mental-health-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "311 Powerful Mental Health Topics to Write about & Essay Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/mental-health-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "311 Powerful Mental Health Topics to Write about & Essay Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/mental-health-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

Basic site functions
Ensuring secure, safe transactions
Secure account login
Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
Remembering privacy and security settings
Analyzing site traffic and usage
Personalized search, content, and recommendations
Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

Remembering general and regional preferences
Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy .

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Our Process

Mental Health Essay Topics with Outline & Examples

Published by Ellie Cross at April 5th, 2022 , Revised On January 3, 2024

Mental health studies are a discipline that looks into various mental illnesses to see how they affect people, their causes, and what we can do about them. On the other hand, selecting the right topic for an argumentative essay is crucial to addressing a specific mental health issue. In other words, mental health essay topics have equal importance as the idea of mental health itself.

Students who have a real passion for any particular area of mental health should spend considerable time searching and finding the right topic for their essays.

This article presents many good mental health essay topics for your argumentative essay that you can use right away. These unique ideas will make it easier for students to address unique mental health issues through their arguments.

Mental Health Essay Topics to Write About

Everyone is affected by a mental illness at some stage in their lives. So how do you explain what other people in the world are going through without feeling their pain, emotions and anxiety? The success of your argumentative essay largely depends on the quality and uniqueness of the topic. Here are some exciting and intriguing mental health essay topics you can consider:

The relationship between obesity and mental health
The relationship between teenagers and self-harm
How does a returning soldier deal with his mental health problems?
The causes of post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers and its treatment
What does anorexia nervosa mean?
It is recognising and addressing indicators of a loved one’s mental health.
What do you think about people who have “dark” thoughts?
What does ADHD mean, and what factors may play a role in its development?
An analysis of gender with most of the mental health problems
The possible treatment options for obsessive-compulsive disorder
The most common mental disorders in geriatric people
The treatments that are used most frequently in depressed patients
Identifying the main influences on brain screening
The impact of depression on overall mental wellbeing
Differences between anxiety disorders and key protective factors for mental health
Do video games have an impact on a person’s mental health?
How does music affect mental health?
How do graphic images affect mental health?
The effects of obsessive-compulsive disorder on human activity
How to identify mental illness
What makes you feel anxious?
How can stress cause depression?
What are anxieties, and why do people fear everyday objects?
Examine the mental health of Holocaust survivors.
Postpartum depression is a real problem.
What are the benefits of a cognitive health crisis?
How does poverty affect mental health?
The importance of improving psychological and emotional health
Common mental health problems of women and men
What role do school programs play in addressing mental health?

Grave Mental Health Essay Topics

You may also write about some more serious mental health topics. However, acing a mental health essay on a grave mental health issue will require you to relate your content to people’s real-life experiences and start accumulating arguments to support your claims. Here are some interesting but super specific mental health essay topics.

Identify and discuss the role of physiotherapy in maintaining mental health.
Sigmund Freud’s contributions to mental health
What role does parenting stress play in depression?
The influence of nightmares on depression
The contribution of insomnia to depression
Is it possible to keep the brain healthy to protect its health?
Is it possible to forget painful memories?
What educational credentials are required to practice psychiatry?
What role do horror films play in anxiety?
Why do people watch scary films?
Discuss the relationship between mental health and therapy
What measures are taken to treat mental health problems in the UK?
Why are so many artists mentally ill?
Do you think that living in the limelight causes mental illness?
Discuss COVID-19 and mental health.
How can you tell if someone is suffering from anxiety?
An unintended consequence of online learning
The impact of divorce on children’s mental health
Why dropping out can harm a student’s mental health
There is a link between physical violence and mental illness. Discuss

Has a difficult essay got you down? No problem!

With EssaysUK you get:

Expert UK Writers
Plagiarism-free Content
Timely Delivery
Thorough Research
Rigorous Quality Control

Topics on Mental Illness Argumentative Essay

Writing about a mental illness in your essay will require you to have an in-depth understanding of the illness you will investigate. If you pursue one of those in-depth mental health topics, you can surely impress your professor. TV shows that can benefit people with mental illnesses
In the LGBTQ community, mental illness is common.
Why are the people of the black community facing more mental illness?
How can child abuse lead to mental illness?
How is substance abuse related to mental illness?
What are coping mechanisms most prevalent in mental illness?
What is the impact of trauma on mental health?
School-based programs to support students with mental health problems will be considered.
What is the most common mental illness faced by raped victims? Discuss each of them.
How lack of confidence can affect mental health
Discuss the most recent developments in the field of clinical depression
Anxiety caused by sexual assault in the metaverse
How does anxiety affect the ability to cope with your daily life activities?
Does women’s mental health matter in the nation?
What are the most common mental illnesses faced by children?
How can mental health be promoted at colleges and universities?
How did music come to be associated with mental health?
Mental health and its connection with peer groups
How images of homeless people can affect a person’s mental health
How can people on low incomes receive mental health care?
The value of forgiveness for mental health
Name and explain why one of the countries in the world has the highest rate of mental illness.
The role of society in mental health problems
Can a change of environment improve mental wellbeing?
How can love help people who have a mental illness, and how can it not?

Good Essay Topics on Mental Health

The role of extremists in the deterioration of mental health care in their holy places
What happens when parents ignore their children, and how does it affect their mental health?
The difference between religious counselling and professional counselling
What does it mean to be anti-social, and how can you change or support someone who is?
Recognise and explain the role of chronic stress and anxiety disorders in long-term loneliness. Discuss the impact of remote working on mental health and how to manage it.
Talk about ways to deal with unhappy feelings to avoid slipping into chronic mental health problems.
How can you tell if a person’s mental health is okay?
How can you empower a handicapped person to pursue their goals without becoming depressed because of physical limitations?
How can the general public best respond to someone suffering from a mental illness?

Cause-Effect Essay Topics on Mental Health

What role does physical health play in maintaining mental health?
The effects of post-traumatic stress disorder are severe. Explain why?
Does emotional stress affect the immune system?
How can break-ups help or hurt your mental health?
How does early retirement affect or worsen mental health?
What can a child do if they are diagnosed with schizophrenia, and how can they be helped?
What are some of the potentially harmful behaviours that can exacerbate mental illness?

Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health

People who are mentally ill are not religious. Argue on this perception
Religion has both negative and positive influences on an individual’s mental health
Anxiety is influenced by discrimination
Depression can also be caused by self-awareness
There are five reasons why mental illness is so prevalent
Depression is a common problem among young people and is never taken seriously
Suicide is a result of ignoring mental illness at its early stages. Argue

So now, when you have an opportunity to dazzle your teachers by working on these unique mental health essay topics, you must also know about the basic structure of a mental health essay. We have created a brief outline for you guys to understand the structure before delving into the topics.

Outline of the Essay

It would be best to write down what you want to cover in your essay after conducting your research on a topic. Do not forget to find and review different academic sources when writing a mental health essay.

Mental Health Essay Introduction

Your essay must have a hook that attracts the reader. Next, you need to establish a thesis statement to show you understand the significance of the topic you are exploring. You can also use your introduction to tell a story or share an experience.

Use proverbs, statistics, or anything that you feel is relevant to your topic in an introduction. Before concluding your introduction, give background information about your essay so that the reader knows what it is about.

The body is divided into paragraphs that support your thesis with evidence and arguments. In general, the body should consist of five paragraphs . However, each sentence must contain a topic sentence linked to independent thought on the topic of mental health. You can also write each sentence with a definite purpose, convincing arguments, supporting details, and examples.

The conclusion sums up the content that you have presented in your essay. You can include a statement of your thesis at the end of your conclusion, and you can even ask a rhetorical question about the future of mental health. However, it would help if you did not make any new arguments in conclusion.

Important Tips when Writing Mental Health Essay

Present sufficient knowledge of the actual topic
Know the difference between mental health/illness and emotions
A generalisation of the term “Mentally Ill” should be avoided
Use neutral terms, be precise in your arguments/claims
Emphasis on the treatment and positive vibes through your content
Get professional assistance if you struggle with your medical or nursing essay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write an excellent essay on mental health.

To write an excellent essay on mental health, research the topic thoroughly, provide personal insights, use a clear structure, support your arguments with evidence, and offer practical solutions. Prioritize empathy and awareness throughout.

Mental health essay topics

Introduction

Mental health, a subject once cloaked in stigma, has become a prominent topic of discussion in recent years. The growing awareness around it offers a fertile ground for delving deep into various facets through argumentative essays. Such essays not only enhance the understanding of the subject but also provide a platform to present differing viewpoints.

Argumentative Essay Topics about Mental Health

When considering mental health, there are numerous areas ripe for exploration and debate. From discussing the efficacy of therapy methods to the societal implications of mental health stigma, the breadth of potential subjects is vast.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is designed to present a particular point of view on a topic, backed by evidence and research. It aims to persuade the reader to consider this viewpoint or at least acknowledge its validity. The hallmark of a compelling argumentative essay is the balanced presentation of opposing sides, with a clear stance taken on the matter.

Tips on Writing an Argumentative Essay on Mental Health

Research Thoroughly: Ensure you understand the topic and have sufficient evidence to support your arguments.
Acknowledge Counterarguments: A balanced essay considers opposing viewpoints, refuting them with solid evidence.
Maintain Clarity: Each paragraph should have a clear point and contribute to your argument.
Stay Objective: While you take a stance, avoid overly emotional language. Stick to facts and logical reasoning.
Conclude Strongly: Summarize your main points and reaffirm your stance in the conclusion.

Mental health, with its multifaceted implications and vast scope, is an excellent subject for argumentative essays. Crafting such an essay requires a blend of research, understanding, and the ability to present arguments compellingly. By choosing relevant topics and following structured writing tips, one can contribute meaningful discourse to the ever-evolving conversation around mental health.

Top 10 excuses for not doing homework: how to trick your teacher in 2024.

Whether it’s because you’re buried in other commitments or just had a seriously off day, finding credible excuses for not doing homework can save your day. Here's a brief look at the top 10 homework excuses, with tips on making them sound as true as possible. Just remember, use these wisely and try to stay on top of your assignments! 1. “My computer crashed right before I finished” In today’s digital world, technology problems are a plausible justification. Claiming that your laptop glitched ...

Why Homework Is Good for Students: 20 No-Nonsense Reasons

Is homework beneficial in education? It has long been a cornerstone, often sparking debates about its value. Some argue it creates unnecessary stress, while others assert it’s essential for reinforcing in-class learning. Why is homework important? The reality is, that homework is vital for students' personal and academic growth. It not only improves their grasp of the material but also develops crucial skills that extend well beyond the classroom. This review explores 20 reasons why homework is ...

Best Places to Do Homework That Will Create a Perfect Study Heaven for You

Are you wondering, ‘Where can I go to do homework?’ Finding the ideal spot for studying can significantly affect your productivity and overall study experience. Whether you're a student seeking solace or someone looking for a change of scenery, selecting the right environment is key to maximizing your efficiency and focus. In this guide, we’ll discover various places to do homework that can transform your study routine into a more engaging and effective experience. The Importance of Having a C ...

How to Write a Table of Contents for Research Paper: A Complete Guide

After hundreds of hours of non-stop working, the research essay is finished! Unfortunately, it is not the time to celebrate. That’s when you must get down to one of the least pleasant things in professional college or high school writing – a table of contents. The following article will define table of contents, discuss its purpose, and provide guidance on how to make a table of contents for a research paper. What is a research paper table of contents? Academic essays can be from 2–3 to hundr ...

Discussion Posts: Definition, Overview, Writing Tips

Discussions are an important part of academic studies. They foster collaboration, raise student engagement, and help to better process new information. A common way to involve students in critical debate is through discussion posts. In this article, you will learn what a discussion post is and how to write it. Discussion post and open forum definition A discussion post is a written reply typically used in online forums – websites that encourage users to engage in a debate over various subject ...

Top Proven Tips on How to Make Homework Fun

Everyone agrees that school would be much cooler if there were no homework. Alas, this is an impossible wish. Luckily, no one stops us from making it fun! In this article, you will find some awesome tips on how to make homework fun. 1. Create a comfortable study space Having a separate place where you can study is very important. Sure, you might think sitting on a couch with a laptop in your lap is as fun as it can get, but in reality, it may hinder your progress. Your brain knows that the co ...

How to Write a History Essay: A Guideline for Non-Historians

History is a difficult discipline, no one can argue with that. It is especially challenging to write a history essay when you have zero historian bone in your body. That’s why today our goal is to teach you how to write a history essay. What is history essay? A historical paper is a classic instance of a scholarly work that seeks to examine and give answers to questions about long-gone factual incidents and their consequences. Unlike a simple narrative or description, a history paper demands ...

Top 5 Creative Book Report Ideas That Guarantee Success in Class

Assigned reading helps students develop their critical analysis skill, and book reports test their progress. But it is not enough to simply analyze a literary work — you also need to express your creativity while presenting book report ideas. In this article, you will learn the definition of a literary report, its purpose, and five alternative book report ideas to show off your creativity in class. What is a book (literary) report? A book report is an overall summary and personal assessment o ...

College Prep
Study Skills
Career & Continuing Ed
Online Learning
Student Life
Study Abroad
Sponsorships
Scholarships
Student Group Shoutout
Latest in Learning
Success This Semester
Educators Making an Impact
Education News

How to Write a Mental Health in College Students Essay

We are a reader-supported education publication. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission to help us keep providing content.

Writing is a skill that takes time to build. Essays force you to practice research, critical thinking and communication skills – college is the perfect time for you to practice these. However, there’s only so much you can learn about writing through preparation. If you’ve been assigned an essay on mental health, you may not be sure where to begin. You might also wonder if you should choose mental health as a topic for a college paper. Here’s how to write a “mental health in college students” essay.

What Not to Do

If you’re trying to choose a topic for a college application essay, mental health is usually not the way to go. Your personal statement should show colleges why you’re the best candidate to attend their school. Because many students write about mental health , your essay may get lost in the crowd. In addition, your mental health journey is only a part of who you are.

It can be difficult for many students to write about personal mental struggles without seeming overdramatic. Unless mental health struggles have shaped your whole life, it’s best to discuss other topics. If you mention mental health, stay brief and matter-of-fact. Don’t let it become the whole point of your essay.

Review the Instructions

If you’re writing this essay for a college course, start by looking over the assignment instructions. Don’t just listen to what your teacher says – look up the assignment on the syllabus to see if you can find a rubric or other relevant information.

Highlight the important points to make sure you know what matters to your professor. The instructions are parameters you can operate in to create an essay you enjoy. Make sure you check word count, essay structure and review corrections on past essays. If you’re confused about something, don’t hesitate to ask your professor for clarification.

Do the Research

Regardless of what class you’re writing for, this is the kind of topic that requires hard numbers. You don’t want to make general claims about rates of student anxiety or mental illness – to be credible, you need specifics. Be careful with your wording to avoid all-or-nothing statements. Everyone experiences mental health differently.

Your professor may or may not allow you to pick the specific mental health topic you write about. However, you can ensure that your paper is well-researched and organized clearly. Before you start writing, create at least a basic outline showing the flow of ideas. This will make the writing phase much faster because you’ll always know what to say next.

Write It Out

Writer’s block often stems from perfectionism. This paper won’t be perfect the first time, so don’t worry about writing it perfectly! Start with an interesting line that gets your reader’s attention and make sure you have a clear thesis statement. Taken by itself, this sentence should describe the contents of your entire paper.

Build your paragraphs to the right word length by using specific examples. You should start each paragraph with a topic sentence that takes your reader one step in your paper’s argument. Then, describe a specific example that further explains this idea. You can find specific examples in your research or simply explain more about what you mean.

Edit Your Work

Editing is an important final step before you turn an essay in. It gives you an opportunity to look at your writing as a whole and ensure everything makes sense. If possible, you should set your first draft aside for a while before you reread it. This will help you see your work with fresh eyes so you can edit it.

Editing involves strengthening your paper’s organization, rewriting specific sentences and checking for errors. You should make major edits first and then do a final read-through to catch punctuation and spelling mistakes. It can be helpful to read your paper out loud or have a friend look it over as well.

One Key Takeaway for Writing a Mental Health in College Students Essay

Many students struggle with mental health while in school. Whatever topic you choose and however you organize your essay, make sure to write it with a sensitive tone. This topic is nuanced and shouldn’t be treated as a black-and-white issue. Write from an informed and compassionate point of view and offer your readers hope.

Use this guide to write an essay on mental health in college students that astounds and delights your professor. Putting in the work will build research and communication skills you’ll use for years – whether you’re a psychology major, a premed student or studying the arts at school.

Get the latest updates in learning, teaching and everything in between! Whether you're a student or an educator, we offer the inspiration you need to fuel your classroom experience.

Join Our Newsletter

Ginger Abbot is the writer, founder and Editor-in-Chief behind Classrooms. Through her work, she hopes to inspire students, grads, and educators on their own journey through learning. Find her professional portfolio here: https://classrooms.com/professional-portfolio-of-ginger-abbot/

Search Classrooms.com

Browse by category.

Educating 98
Experience 106
Higher Learning Highlights 11
Learning 238
Student Funding 32

Latest News

Automating Administrative Tasks in Education Institutions

How to Apply for Grants for College

How to Get Local Business Sponsorship for School Events

5 Major Issues in Education Today

What Companies Do Sponsorships for Student Groups?

Does Withdrawing From a Class Look Bad?

Keep up with the latest in learning, more to learn.

Why Is English Such a Good Major?

how to change your major in five easy steps

How to Change Your Major: 5 Easy Steps

What Master’s Programs Can I Pursue With an English Degree?

A Guide to Understanding Total Credit Hours On a Transcript

19 Ideas for Essays About Mental Health Topics

Do you need some ideas for writing essays about mental health topics? Here are 19 angles to get you started.

Mental health concerns are on the rise in America. According to Mental Health America , one out of every five people suffers from a mental health disorder or illness. Yet over half of the adults who need mental health treatment do not get it.

The efficacy of mental health diagnosis and treatment in America is open to debate, making a good starting point for engaging essays. If you are writing an essay on mental health, choosing the right prompt can help you develop a thought-provoking piece that people engage with.

From discussing the cause of mental illness to analyzing why mental health concerns are rising, these 19 ideas for essays about mental health topics will get you started.

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers .

IMAGE	PRODUCT
	Grammarly
	ProWritingAid

1. What Are the Main Mental Health Risk Factors

2. why are mental illnesses seeing increases in numbers in modern times, 3. why schools need mental health services, 4. what are the most common psychological conditions, 5. are anorexia or bulimia mental health disorders, 6. what are biological factors that put someone at risk for psychiatric disorders and mental health concerns, 7. the effects of depression on everyday life, 8. how does poverty affect mental health, 9. is substance abuse a mental health condition, 10. what are the symptoms of ptsd, 11. can low-income americans get good psychological and mental health care, 12. what is the main cause of depression in children, 13. what brain disorders are most common today, 14. how well is the mental health system reaching people who need it, 15. does trauma or substance abuse affect the most people, 16. what factors affect the mental health of men/women, 17. what is the impact of the stigma surrounding mental health, 18. what is the impact of social media on mental health, 19. is america suffering a mental health crisis.

According to Mayo Clinic, risk factors increase the likelihood of someone developing a particular disorder or problem, and mental health has risk factors just like physical health issues do. This essay topic could explore what those factors are.

After identifying these concerns, you could write about what a person could do to limit their risk. This explanation will help the reader take action to protect their mental health if they have underlying concerns that make a mental health condition more likely.

According to the World Health Organization , mental health issues are growing in modern society, but few have asked why. This question is difficult to answer because it varies. Sometimes, the added stress of everyday life contributes to mental health issues. Genetics can also be a cause. Society is becoming more aware of mental health disorders and open to talking about them, leading to people getting accurate diagnoses more quickly.

As you delve into the research on this essay topic, pick a few of these reasons to look at more closely. Build an essay around your study and the main reason or reasons you choose it.

Mental health problems are not restricted to adults. Many children, including very young children, struggle with mental disorders. Ensuring that schools have mental health services, even at the elementary level, can help combat this growing trend .

This essay looks at why mental health problems in kids are on the rise. It then explores the role schools and teachers have to play in that. With the proper support, students can get diagnosed more quickly and start appropriate treatments.

The most common mental health conditions are depression, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Discussing these five problems, their causes and treatments work well for your essay.

When writing this essay, make sure to look at causes, prevalence, and treatment options. Discuss these mental health conditions carefully, so people reading the essay are encouraged to get help if they need it.

Essays About Mental Health: Are anorexia or bulimia mental health disorders?

Eating disorders are sometimes classified as mental health concerns, and this topic can work well for a mental health essay. Anorexia is a condition where a person does not eat to lose weight or have some control over an out-of-control situation. Bulimia involves over-eating on food, often unhealthy, then forced vomiting to get the food out of the system. These are common issues, but are they mental health conditions? Answering this question with thorough research can set the stage for an engaging essay.

Once you decide whether or not eating disorders are mental health disorders, take some time to discuss treatment. You may have people reading your essay who suffer from these disorders or know someone who does, so give them the resources they need to get help.

Are there specific biological factors that make someone more prone to mental health disorders? Does identifying these factors make it easier for someone to get help when they start suffering from a severe mental illness?

While not all mental health disorders have a biological cause, getting an accurate diagnosis for those that do helps people get appropriate treatment. Explore the link between these factors and the treatment of mental health disorders in your essay.

Depression is a common form of mental illness that affects many people, affecting over 18% of the population . This essay topic will discuss how depression impacts the daily life of someone who has the disorder. Are they able to function and hide their condition, or is it pronounced?

This discussion should clearly state that depression shows up differently for different people. It can be easy to hide from people, so friends and family are unaware and can’t encourage the depressed individual to get help. The essay could also discuss subtle signs of depression in adults and adolescents, so readers can watch for these signs and help their loved ones protect their emotional well-being.

Does being poor make someone more prone to mental health illness? This essay must be steeped in research because you do not want to shame someone who has a difficult time in life. However, there is a connection between poverty and mental health issues , which could be an interesting angle for your essay.

After establishing the link, use your essay to discuss solutions to this problem. Are there social solutions limiting poverty or providing mental health treatment to impoverished populations to help with this trend?

Addiction is a severe problem that has long-lasting effects. Yet is it a mental health condition? Some would argue that it is, but some would say it is not. If it falls under the auspices of mental health care, it should have treatment just like other mental health conditions.

As you research this topic, you will find that people have a strong divide. You will need to choose a side and then use the body of your essay to defend that choice.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is commonly discussed in today’s society as many soldiers are coming back from war suffering severe PTSD symptoms. Yet any trauma can cause PTSD. It does not have to be war-related to impact someone’s life strongly.

Your essay can look at the common symptoms of PTSD. It should explore both the apparent symptoms and the more subtle signs that someone is suffering from post-traumatic stress. It could also discuss what therapies are the most effective for this condition.

There seems to be a problem in America that limits low-income individuals from getting mental health treatment when they need it. This essay topic will look at this problem and present potential solutions to it.

This is a multifaceted problem. Sometimes, the issue is the lack of education in low-income populations that keep them from seeking psychiatric help. Sometimes it stems from a lack of insurance coverage for this problem among a low-income population. In your essay, discuss all sides of this issue to develop a potential solution.

A growing number of young children are dealing with depression . Parents and teachers who learn the signs can help these young people get mental health treatment early. This essay topic idea will explore some potential reasons for this increasing trend.

Remember that anyone, regardless of age, can struggle with depression. Finding the underlying cause is usually helpful in determining the best course of treatment. That is what this essay idea seeks to discover.

Brain disorders are disorders like Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and personality disorder that come from actual changes in the brain . Use your essay to discuss the most common brain disorders and their potential treatments through your research.

Brain disorders are a specialized area of psychiatry and mental health treatment. Because these problems involve changes to the structure and chemistry of the brain, they require a unique type of treatment. Your essay could discuss how people can seek appropriate treatment if they or a loved one suffers from a brain disorder.

This essay looks at the current structure to help people with mood disorders, depression, and other mental health concerns. Is access to care available to most people? Is the care sufficient? Does insurance cover enough treatment to provide an effective remedy?

These are difficult questions to answer and require some research, but they are also essential. This essay could help you explore why people aren’t getting the help they need.

Both trauma and substance abuse are mental health disorders that affect a large percentage of the population, but which has the most impact? This essay will explore which of these two is the most impactful and why. Then, you could discuss the best course of treatment for the one you choose.

To write this essay, first, research the most impactful, then discuss why that may be.

Men and women can face mental health concerns, but the factors that impact them will differ. Choose one population group, and explore what has the most significant impact on their mental health. Use that to create an engaging essay.

You could even discuss both and compare and contrast the differences. You may find a bit of overlap, but you should see some distinctions.

Many people refuse to get mental health treatment because they fear the stigma . They feel that seeking treatment will leave them embarrassed and isolated, so they continue suffering from their medical condition for many years.

This essay could discuss what causes this stigma and why it makes people neglect the treatments they need. It could then talk about ways to lessen this stigma and make mental health treatment more available and accepted in modern society.

Social media use has had a significant impact on the number of people suffering from mental health conditions. This reality creates an exciting essay topic idea, as you can explore this link and the potential reasons. There are many ways you can approach this line of thought in your essay, including talking about possible solutions to the problem of social media and its impact on overall mental health.

Because social media will not go away anytime soon, consider options that allow people to continue using it while protecting their mental health. By creating awareness, your essay could help someone stop the struggle with self-image and mental health due to too much social media usage.

You might also be interested in our round-up of the best medical authors of all time .

There is a marked increase in mental health concerns in America, but are we suffering a mental health crisis? The answer to this question could make for an interesting essay. Keep in mind that you will need to prove the opinion you choose, so do some careful research.

If you determine a mental health crisis, consider adding some information about what could be done to resolve it in your essay. This problem is complex, but solutions exist, so explore some of them.

We have other articles to support your essay writing, have a look at transition words for essays once you start building your argument.

100+ Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health | Example & Outline

Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health. Mental health is an important and often overlooked topic. In this article, we’ll explore some argumentative essay topics related to mental health .

As you continue, thestudycorp.com has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is place an order with us.

What You'll Learn

Argumentative Essay Topics about Mental Health

1. Is there a connection between mental health and physical health? 2. How does mental illness affect a person’s ability to function in society? 3. What are the most effective treatments for mental illness? 4. Are there any effective prevention strategies for mental illness? 5. What is the relationship between mental health and substance abuse? 6. How does poverty affect mental health? 7. What are the most common mental disorders? 8. What are the consequences of untreated mental illness? 9. What are the risk factors for developing mental illness? 10. How can mental illness be effectively diagnosed?

Working on your Abstract, here are DNP Capstone project Abstract Examples [Outline & How-to]

Read more on Patient Falls Nursing Capstone Project Ideas & Topics with Prompts

Find out more Capstone Project Ideas for Nursing Leadership [50 Topics]

check out 130+ Good nursing capstone project ideas to Write About)

The literature review is one of the most challenging parts of your DNP capstone, here’s How to write a DNP Capstone Project Literature Review

The guidelines include How to write DNP capstone project Methodology Chapter

Argumentative essay topics about depression

1. Depression is a real mental health condition.

2. Depression is more than just feeling sad.

3. Depression can lead to serious physical health problems.

4. Depression is treatable with medication and therapy.

5. People with depression can lead happy, fulfilling lives.

6. Untreated depression can be deadly.

7. Depression is often misunderstood and stigmatized.

8. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw.

9. Anyone can develop depression, even people who seem to have it all together.

10. There is no single cause of depression, but there are risk factors that can make someone more likely to develop the condition.

Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health. Mental health is an important and often overlooked topic. In this article, we’ll explore some argumentative essay topics related to mental health.

Argumentative essay about mental health in schools

1. Mental health should be taught in schools. 2. There should be more support for mental health in schools. 3. Mental health should be taken more seriously in schools. 4. Schools should do more to prevent mental health problems. 5. Schools should do more to help students with mental health problems. 6. Mental health problems are increasing in schools. 7. school counselors are not trained to deal with mental health issues 8. most school don’t have a mental health policy 9. lack of awareness about mental health among school staff 10. stigma and discrimination against mental health patients

Argumentative essay on mental health stigma

Argumentative essay topics about mental health can be very controversial and sensitive. However, there are many people who are open to discussing these topics and raising awareness about mental health. Here are twenty argumentative essay topics about mental health that you can use for your next essay.

1. How does society view mental health? 2. Do we need to break the stigma around mental health? 3. How can we better support those with mental health conditions? 4. What is the link between mental health and addiction? 5. How does trauma affect mental health? 6. What are the most effective treatments for mental health conditions? 7. Are there any natural remedies for mental health conditions? 8. How does diet affect mental health? 9. How does exercise affect mental health? 10. What is the link between sleep and mental health? 11. What are the warning signs of a mental health condition? 12. When should someone seek professional help for a mental health condition? 13. How can family and friends support someone with a mental health condition? 14. What are the most common myths about mental health? 15. How does stigma impact those with mental health conditions?

16. How can we destigmatize mental health? 17. What is the link between mental health and violence? 18. How does mental health affect overall health? 19. What are the most common mental health disorders? 20. What are the most effective treatments for mental health disorders?

Mental health debate topics for students

1. The definition of mental health 2. The different types of mental illness 3. The causes of mental illness 4. The treatments for mental illness 5. The side effects of mental illness 6. The impact of mental illness on society 7. The cost of mental health care 8. Mental health in the workplace 9. Mental health in the media 10. Stigma and discrimination against those with mental illness 11. The impact of trauma on mental health 12. Mental health during pregnancy and postpartum 13. Children’s mental health 14. Geriatric mental health 15. Global perspectives on mental health 16. Religion and mental health 17. Cultural competence in mental health care 18. Social media and mental health 19.Nutrition and mental health

20. Exercise and mental health

Expository essay topics about mental illness

1. How does mental illness affect one’s ability to work? 2. What are the most common types of mental illness? 3. How can mental illness be prevented? 4. What are the most effective treatments for mental illness? 5. How does mental illness impact relationships? 6. What are the financial costs of mental illness? 7. How does stigma affect those with mental illness? 8. What are the most common myths about mental illness? 9. How does mental illness differ from addiction? 10. What are the early warning signs of mental illness?

Debates about mental health

1. The definition of mental health is contested and argued by professionals in the field. 2. Some people argue that mental health is a social construction, while others believe that it is a real and valid medical condition. 3. Mental health is often stigmatized in society, and those who suffer from mental illness are often seen as weak or crazy. 4. Mental health is often viewed as something that can be cured, when in reality it is a lifelong battle for many people. 5. Mental illness is often seen as an individual responsibility to deal with, when in reality it affects not just the individual but also their families and loved ones. 6. It is often said that people with mental illness are not able to function in society, when in fact many people with mental illness are high-functioning individuals. 7. Mental health is often viewed as an all-or-nothing proposition, when in reality there is a spectrum of mental health conditions that range from mild to severe. 8. People with mental illness are often treated differently than other people, and they are often discriminated against. 9. There is a lot of misinformation about mental health, and this leads tomisunderstanding and fear. 10. Mental health is a complex issue, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to addressing it.

Persuasive topics related to mental health

1. The link between mental health and physical health. 2. The benefits of therapy and counseling. 3. The importance of early intervention for mental health issues. 4. The impact of trauma on mental health. 5. The correlation between mental health and substance abuse. 6. The connection between mental health and chronic illness. 7. The relationship between mental health and chronic pain. 8. Mental health in the workplace. 9. Mental health in the military. 10. Mental health in schools. 11. Children’s mental health issues. 12. Teens and mental health issues. 13. Elderly mental health issues. 14. Cultural issues and mental health. 15. Religion and mental health. 16. The stigma of mental illness. 17. Mental health awareness and education. 18. Mental health advocacy. 19. Funding for mental health services. 20. Access to mental health care.

Start by filling this short order form order.studyinghq.com

And then follow the progressive flow.

Having an issue, chat with us here

Cathy, CS.

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You

Previous post.

📕 Studying HQ

Typically replies within minutes

Hey! 👋 Need help with an assignment?

🟢 Online | Privacy policy

WhatsApp us

Call/Text/Whatsapp:

+1 (800-685-6772)

24/7/365 Available

Argumentative Essay

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health

Last updated on: Apr 25, 2024

Writing an Argumentative Essay About Mental Health: Get Examples and Topics

By: Betty P.

10 min read

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Mar 8, 2023

Crafting a persuasive argumentative essay on mental health topics can seem intimidating.

Perfecting an argument that is both persuasive and backed by evidence can be a difficult balance to strike.

However, by using the right tips and strategies, crafting an argumentative essay on mental health can be made easier.

Our guide will help you create a winning argument by providing instructions and examples. With our guidance, you'll have all the tools you need to craft a compelling piece of writing. This will make your point clear and leave your reader convinced!

Without further ado, let us begin!

On this Page

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay presents arguments on a particular topic, backed by solid evidence and logical reasoning.

But why should you write one about mental health?

Firstly, argumentative essays provide a platform for expressing your opinions and beliefs while supporting them with credible facts. By writing about mental health, you can shed light on this important topic and contribute to a larger conversation.

Secondly, argumentative essays encourage critical thinking . They require you to analyze different perspectives, evaluate evidence, and form well-reasoned arguments. Writing about mental health allows you to explore complex issues and challenge misconceptions.

Moreover, they have the power to influence and inspire change . By presenting compelling arguments and persuasive evidence, you can raise awareness about mental health, combat stigma, and advocate for better support and resources.

Learn how to perfect your arguments with our comprehensive argumentative essay guide.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

How to Write an Argumentative Essay About Mental Health

Writing an essay on mental health is great to explore the different dynamics of the topic.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you go about writing this essay: Step 1: Select a Compelling Topic

Choose a topic related to mental health that interests you and is relevant to society.

Consider issues like the impact of social media on mental health or the importance of mental health education in schools. Do your research to come up with a topic that hasn’t been explored in-depth before. This way you can create a unique case in your essay.

Step 2: Conduct In-Depth Research

Gather credible information from reputable sources such as academic journals, government reports, and expert opinions. Collect statistics, case studies, and examples that support your arguments.

Step 3: Structure Your Essay Effectively

Organize your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. In the introduction, provide background information on the topic and present a clear thesis statement that states your main argument.

In the body paragraphs, present your arguments, supporting evidence, and counterarguments.

Finally, to end your essay , summarize your key points and restate your thesis while leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Step 4: Use Persuasive Techniques

Use persuasive writing techniques to make your arguments more compelling. Appeal to logic by presenting facts and logical reasoning.

Appeal to emotions by sharing personal stories of people with mental disorders. Use strong and concise language to convey your message effectively.

Gain all the insight you need to construct a convincing argumentative essay by watching this video!

Examples of Argumentative Essay about Mental Health

Example essays can help you a great deal when getting started with writing an essay about mental health problems. Here are a few examples of argumentative essays on mental health:

Mental health has emerged as a significant public health concern in contemporary society. The recognition of mental health as an essential aspect of overall well-being has led to an increased focus on the development of effective strategies and approaches for addressing mental health issues. This essay explores the importance of adopting holistic approaches in promoting mental health, considering the multidimensional nature of mental well-being and the limitations of traditional, symptom-centered treatments.

Mental health encompasses more than the absence of mental illness. It involves the integration of various dimensions, including emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of an individual's well-being. Holistic approaches recognize the interconnectedness of these dimensions and emphasize the need to address them collectively. By adopting a holistic perspective, mental health interventions can encompass comprehensive assessments that go beyond symptoms and address the underlying causes and factors contributing to mental distress.

Traditional approaches to mental health often focus solely on symptom reduction. While symptom-centered treatments such as medication and therapy have proven beneficial for many individuals, they often overlook the broader context in which mental health concerns arise. These approaches primarily target the manifestation of distress without necessarily exploring the underlying causes or considering other influential factors. By adopting a narrow focus on symptoms, the holistic understanding of mental health is diminished, potentially limiting the effectiveness of treatments.

Holistic approaches recognize the need to address the underlying causes of mental health issues and consider the individual as a whole. By taking into account various dimensions of well-being, such as physical health, social support, and lifestyle factors, these approaches aim to enhance treatment efficacy. For example, integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness techniques can provide individuals with a comprehensive toolkit to address negative thought patterns while simultaneously cultivating mindfulness skills to manage stress and enhance overall well-being. This combination of approaches acknowledges the interplay between psychological and physiological aspects of mental health, leading to more robust and sustainable outcomes.

Holistic approaches to mental health also prioritize prevention and resilience-building strategies. Rather than waiting for mental health problems to arise, these approaches focus on early intervention and proactive measures. This can involve promoting healthy lifestyle choices, providing education and awareness about mental health, and fostering a supportive environment that reduces stigma and encourages help-seeking behaviors. By emphasizing prevention and resilience, holistic approaches shift the focus from reactive treatment to proactive mental health promotion, ultimately reducing the burden on mental health services and improving overall population well-being.

Holistic approaches acknowledge the influence of social determinants on mental health outcomes. Factors such as socioeconomic status, education, employment, and social support systems significantly impact an individual's mental well-being. By incorporating these considerations into mental health interventions, holistic approaches strive to address the root causes of mental distress and create an enabling environment for recovery and growth. Recognizing and addressing social determinants also promotes equity in mental health care, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need.

The recognition of mental health as a multidimensional concept necessitates the adoption of holistic approaches to addressing mental health concerns. By considering the interconnectedness of various dimensions of well-being and the influence of social determinants, holistic approaches offer a comprehensive framework for promoting mental health. By moving beyond symptom-centered treatments and embracing prevention, resilience-building, and integrated interventions, holistic approaches pave the way for a more effective and inclusive mental health care system. To address the complexities of mental health, it is imperative that we embrace holistic approaches that prioritize individual well-being and societal support, ultimately fostering a mentally healthier world.

Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. As the understanding of these disorders has evolved, so too have the treatment approaches. This essay examines the role of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in addressing anxiety and depression, highlighting its effectiveness, underlying principles, and potential for promoting long-term well-being.

Anxiety and depression are complex disorders characterized by persistent feelings of fear, worry, sadness, and hopelessness. They can significantly impair an individual's daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. These disorders often arise from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. To effectively treat anxiety and depression, it is crucial to employ interventions that address both the symptoms and the underlying causes.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a widely researched and evidence-based approach used in the treatment of anxiety and depression. CBT operates on the principle that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and by modifying maladaptive patterns, individuals can experience improved mental well-being. This therapy focuses on identifying and challenging negative and distorted thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions, and replacing them with more rational and adaptive ones. CBT also emphasizes the importance of behavioral activation, encouraging individuals to engage in activities that bring them a sense of pleasure and accomplishment.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT in treating anxiety and depression. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews consistently show that CBT produces significant reductions in symptoms and enhances overall functioning. For instance, a study by Hofmann et al. (2012) found that CBT was equally effective as medication in the treatment of anxiety disorders and more effective in preventing relapse. Similarly, a review by Butler et al. (2006) highlighted the effectiveness of CBT in reducing depressive symptoms, with long-term benefits that surpass those of medication alone.

One of the strengths of CBT is its focus on cognitive processes that contribute to anxiety and depression. By identifying and challenging negative thinking patterns, individuals gain insight into how their thoughts influence their emotional state and behavior. CBT helps individuals develop cognitive restructuring skills, allowing them to replace irrational and distorted thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones. This cognitive shift promotes emotional regulation and empowers individuals to cope effectively with stressors, reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms.

CBT not only provides immediate relief from symptoms but also equips individuals with skills and strategies that promote long-term well-being. By addressing the underlying cognitive processes and teaching adaptive coping mechanisms, CBT fosters resilience and reduces the risk of relapse. The emphasis on behavioral activation encourages individuals to cultivate a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, enhancing overall life satisfaction and reducing the likelihood of future episodes of anxiety and depression.

CBT can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches to enhance treatment outcomes. For instance, combining CBT with mindfulness-based interventions has shown promise in reducing anxiety and depression. Mindfulness practices help individuals develop non-judgmental awareness of their thoughts and emotions, promoting acceptance and self-compassion. Integrating CBT with other evidence-based approaches can provide individuals with a more comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has emerged as a powerful and effective treatment modality for anxiety and depression. By targeting underlying cognitive processes, CBT enables individuals to challenge and modify negative thinking patterns, resulting in significant reductions in symptoms and improved overall functioning. Moreover, the long-term benefits and relapse prevention strategies of CBT make it a valuable therapeutic approach. The integration of CBT with other evidence-based interventions further enhances treatment outcomes, providing individuals with a holistic and personalized approach to mental health care. As the prevalence of anxiety and depression continues to rise, the widespread adoption and accessibility of CBT hold promise for improving the lives of individuals affected by these conditions.

Here are some example essays that can help you get started

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Awareness

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health In Schools

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Situation In The Philippines

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Of Students

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Care

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Issues

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health Introduction

Argumentative Essay About Mental Health And Physical Health

Struggling to find the inspiration you need to craft your essay? Explore our argumentative essay examples blog!

Argumentative Essay Topics About Mental Health

When it comes to writing an argumentative essay about mental health, choosing a thought-provoking topic is crucial. Here are some compelling topics that provide opportunities for strong arguments:

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Perceptions of Mental Health
The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Mental Health in Adulthood
Exploring the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness in Society
The Importance of Mental Health Education in Schools
The Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Mental Well-being
Analyzing the Link Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders
Addressing the Mental Health Needs of LGBTQ+ Individuals
Examining the Overprescription of Psychotropic Medications for Mental Health
The Role of Cultural Factors in Understanding and Treating Mental Health Issues
Promoting Mental Health Support and Resources in Underserved Communities

Don’t see a topic you like? Check out our extensive list of argumentative essay topics and choose one that interests you!

So there you have it!

By now you must have gotten the idea of how you can write an impressive argumentative essay about mental health. We have provided you with easy-to-understand instructions.

Not only that, but our comprehensive examples must have given you a clear idea on structuring and writing your essay.

Remember to revisit this blog if you ever need help with your argumentative essay about mental health.

However, if you feel confused, then don't worry because we have the perfect solution for you.

At MyPerfectPaper.net , we have a team of dedicated writers who focus on delivering quality papers on time, every time.

All you have to do is say ' write my paper today ' and our team will make sure to deliver a well-researched and well-written essay.

So, why are you wasting your time thinking? Grab this opportunity now and say goodbye to your writing woes.

Get writing help with our essay typer . It's simple, it's fast, and it'll help you get the job done.

Betty is a freelance writer and researcher. She has a Masters in literature and enjoys providing writing services to her clients. Betty is an avid reader and loves learning new things. She has provided writing services to clients from all academic levels and related academic fields.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

How to Craft an Outstanding Argumentative Essay?

300+ Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics for Thought-Provoking Essays

How to Write an Argumentative Essay About Sports: Tips Included

A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting a Winning Argumentative Essay about Abortion

Make Your Argumentative Essay About Technology Unbeatable: Examples and Tips

How to Write An Argumentative Essay About Global Warming - Examples and Topics!

argumentative essays about global warming

7 Examples of Arguments for Climate Change To Inspire Your Essay

argumentative essay about climate change

Tips and Examples for Writing an Engaging Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Crafting an Argumentative Essay About Wearing a Mask: Examples and Tips

argumentative essay about wearing a mask

Creating a Perfect Argumentative Essay Outline

Crafting an Argumentative Essay About Gun Control: Examples and Tips

Get Inspired by the Best Argumentative Essay Examples

Different Types of Arguments - Explore The Power of Persuasion

Mental Health Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on mental health.

Every year world mental health day is observed on October 10. It was started as an annual activity by the world federation for mental health by deputy secretary-general of UNO at that time. Mental health resources differ significantly from one country to another. While the developed countries in the western world provide mental health programs for all age groups. Also, there are third world countries they struggle to find the basic needs of the families. Thus, it becomes prudent that we are asked to focus on mental health importance for one day. The mental health essay is an insight into the importance of mental health in everyone’s life.

Mental Health

In the formidable years, this had no specific theme planned. The main aim was to promote and advocate the public on important issues. Also, in the first three years, one of the central activities done to help the day become special was the 2-hour telecast by the US information agency satellite system.

Mental health is not just a concept that refers to an individual’s psychological and emotional well being. Rather it’s a state of psychological and emotional well being where an individual is able to use their cognitive and emotional capabilities, meet the ordinary demand and functions in the society. According to WHO, there is no single ‘official’ definition of mental health.

Thus, there are many factors like cultural differences, competing professional theories, and subjective assessments that affect how mental health is defined. Also, there are many experts that agree that mental illness and mental health are not antonyms. So, in other words, when the recognized mental disorder is absent, it is not necessarily a sign of mental health.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

One way to think about mental health is to look at how effectively and successfully does a person acts. So, there are factors such as feeling competent, capable, able to handle the normal stress levels, maintaining satisfying relationships and also leading an independent life. Also, this includes recovering from difficult situations and being able to bounce back.

Important Benefits of Good Mental Health

Mental health is related to the personality as a whole of that person. Thus, the most important function of school and education is to safeguard the mental health of boys and girls. Physical fitness is not the only measure of good health alone. Rather it’s just a means of promoting mental as well as moral health of the child. The two main factors that affect the most are feeling of inferiority and insecurity. Thus, it affects the child the most. So, they lose self-initiative and confidence. This should be avoided and children should be constantly encouraged to believe in themselves.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

Travelling Essay
Picnic Essay
Our Country Essay
My Parents Essay
Essay on Favourite Personality
Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
Essay on Knowledge is Power
Essay on Gurpurab
Essay on My Favourite Season
Essay on Types of Sports

Download the App

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

Mental Health Essay

Essay on Mental Health

According to WHO, there is no single 'official' definition of mental health. Mental health refers to a person's psychological, emotional, and social well-being; it influences what they feel and how they think, and behave. The state of cognitive and behavioural well-being is referred to as mental health. The term 'mental health' is also used to refer to the absence of mental disease.

Mental health means keeping our minds healthy. Mankind generally is more focused on keeping their physical body healthy. People tend to ignore the state of their minds. Human superiority over other animals lies in his superior mind. Man has been able to control life due to his highly developed brain. So, it becomes very important for a man to keep both his body and mind fit and healthy. Both physical and mental health are equally important for better performance and results.

Importance of Mental Health

An emotionally fit and stable person always feels vibrant and truly alive and can easily manage emotionally difficult situations. To be emotionally strong, one has to be physically fit too. Although mental health is a personal issue, what affects one person may or may not affect another; yet, several key elements lead to mental health issues.

Many emotional factors have a significant effect on our fitness level like depression, aggression, negative thinking, frustration, and fear, etc. A physically fit person is always in a good mood and can easily cope up with situations of distress and depression resulting in regular training contributing to a good physical fitness standard.

Mental fitness implies a state of psychological well-being. It denotes having a positive sense of how we feel, think, and act, which improves one’s ability to enjoy life. It contributes to one’s inner ability to be self-determined. It is a proactive, positive term and forsakes negative thoughts that may come to mind. The term mental fitness is increasingly being used by psychologists, mental health practitioners, schools, organisations, and the general population to denote logical thinking, clear comprehension, and reasoning ability.

Negative Impact of Mental Health

The way we physically fall sick, we can also fall sick mentally. Mental illness is the instability of one’s health, which includes changes in emotion, thinking, and behaviour. Mental illness can be caused due to stress or reaction to a certain incident. It could also arise due to genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, child abuse or trauma, social disadvantage, poor physical health condition, etc. Mental illness is curable. One can seek help from the experts in this particular area or can overcome this illness by positive thinking and changing their lifestyle.

Regular fitness exercises like morning walks, yoga, and meditation have proved to be great medicine for curing mental health. Besides this, it is imperative to have a good diet and enough sleep. A person needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night on average. When someone is tired yet still can't sleep, it's a symptom that their mental health is unstable. Overworking oneself can sometimes result in not just physical tiredness but also significant mental exhaustion. As a result, people get insomnia (the inability to fall asleep). Anxiety is another indicator.

There are many symptoms of mental health issues that differ from person to person and among the different kinds of issues as well. For instance, panic attacks and racing thoughts are common side effects. As a result of this mental strain, a person may experience chest aches and breathing difficulties. Another sign of poor mental health is a lack of focus. It occurs when you have too much going on in your life at once, and you begin to make thoughtless mistakes, resulting in a loss of capacity to focus effectively. Another element is being on edge all of the time.

It's noticeable when you're quickly irritated by minor events or statements, become offended, and argue with your family, friends, or co-workers. It occurs as a result of a build-up of internal irritation. A sense of alienation from your loved ones might have a negative influence on your mental health. It makes you feel lonely and might even put you in a state of despair. You can prevent mental illness by taking care of yourself like calming your mind by listening to soft music, being more social, setting realistic goals for yourself, and taking care of your body.

Surround yourself with individuals who understand your circumstances and respect you as the unique individual that you are. This practice will assist you in dealing with the sickness successfully. Improve your mental health knowledge to receive the help you need to deal with the problem. To gain emotional support, connect with other people, family, and friends. Always remember to be grateful in life. Pursue a hobby or any other creative activity that you enjoy.

What does Experts say

Many health experts have stated that mental, social, and emotional health is an important part of overall fitness. Physical fitness is a combination of physical, emotional, and mental fitness. Emotional fitness has been recognized as the state in which the mind is capable of staying away from negative thoughts and can focus on creative and constructive tasks.

He should not overreact to situations. He should not get upset or disturbed by setbacks, which are parts of life. Those who do so are not emotionally fit though they may be physically strong and healthy. There are no gyms to set this right but yoga, meditation, and reading books, which tell us how to be emotionally strong, help to acquire emotional fitness.

Stress and depression can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including suicide in extreme situations. Being mentally healthy extends your life by allowing you to experience more joy and happiness. Mental health also improves our ability to think clearly and boosts our self-esteem. We may also connect spiritually with ourselves and serve as role models for others. We'd also be able to serve people without being a mental drain on them.

Mental sickness is becoming a growing issue in the 21st century. Not everyone receives the help that they need. Even though mental illness is common these days and can affect anyone, there is still a stigma attached to it. People are still reluctant to accept the illness of mind because of this stigma. They feel shame to acknowledge it and seek help from the doctors. It's important to remember that "mental health" and "mental sickness" are not interchangeable.

Mental health and mental illness are inextricably linked. Individuals with good mental health can develop mental illness, while those with no mental disease can have poor mental health. Mental illness does not imply that someone is insane, and it is not anything to be embarrassed by. Our society's perception of mental disease or disorder must shift. Mental health cannot be separated from physical health. They both are equally important for a person.

Our society needs to change its perception of mental illness or disorder. People have to remove the stigma attached to this illness and educate themselves about it. Only about 20% of adolescents and children with diagnosable mental health issues receive the therapy they need.

According to research conducted on adults, mental illness affects 19% of the adult population. Nearly one in every five children and adolescents on the globe has a mental illness. Depression, which affects 246 million people worldwide, is one of the leading causes of disability. If mental illness is not treated at the correct time then the consequences can be grave.

One of the essential roles of school and education is to protect boys’ and girls' mental health as teenagers are at a high risk of mental health issues. It can also impair the proper growth and development of various emotional and social skills in teenagers. Many factors can cause such problems in children. Feelings of inferiority and insecurity are the two key factors that have the greatest impact. As a result, they lose their independence and confidence, which can be avoided by encouraging the children to believe in themselves at all times.

To make people more aware of mental health, 10th October is observed as World Mental Health. The object of this day is to spread awareness about mental health issues around the world and make all efforts in the support of mental health.

The mind is one of the most powerful organs in the body, regulating the functioning of all other organs. When our minds are unstable, they affect the whole functioning of our bodies. Being both physically and emotionally fit is the key to success in all aspects of life. People should be aware of the consequences of mental illness and must give utmost importance to keeping the mind healthy like the way the physical body is kept healthy. Mental and physical health cannot be separated from each other. And only when both are balanced can we call a person perfectly healthy and well. So, it is crucial for everyone to work towards achieving a balance between mental and physical wellbeing and get the necessary help when either of them falters.

Link to facebook
Link to linkedin
Link to twitter
Link to youtube
Writing Tips

7 Tips for Writing About Mental Health

6-minute read

10th October 2020

When writing about mental health, the words we use and the way we frame our ideas can have unintended consequences or reinforce negative stereotypes. Today is World Mental Health Day , though, so let’s look at seven tips for writing about mental health responsibly. These include:

Use person-first language to avoid defining someone by their illness.
Avoid words that stigmatize mental health issues.
Use neutral language rather than words like “suffering” or “battling.”
Don’t use real disorders to describe everyday behaviors.
Don’t equate having a mental illness with having a bad character.
Take care to write about suicide with sensitivity.
Include helpful links to mental health issues in your writing.

For more on how to put the tips above into action, read our guide below.

1. Use Person-First Language

Person-first language is about not defining people in terms of a condition or disorder they happen to have. Instead, the focus is on them as a person first. For instance, if we use “schizophrenic” as an adjective, we end up defining the person we describe in terms of a disorder:

A schizophrenic person. ✘

Using person-first language, we would rephrase this to:

A person with schizophrenia. ✔︎

A subtle rephrasing like this can help change people’s perceptions. As such, person-first language is a good default when writing about mental health.

There is one big exception to this, though: if you’re writing about a specific person, you should use their preferred terminology.

For instance, if someone describes themselves as a “schizophrenic person,” or you ask and they say they prefer this phrasing, then it is typically best to follow their example if you are referring to them in a document.

2. Avoid Words That Stigmatize Mental Health

People often use terms associated with mental health as insults (e.g., nuts , psycho , crazy ). But these terms stigmatize real mental health issues, which could put people off seeking treatment. And there are almost always better ways to express the same ideas. For instance:

Emma is crazy if she thinks this will work! ✘

Emma is kidding herself if she thinks this will work. ✔︎

F rank can be a bit of a psycho sometimes. ✘

Frank gets really angry sometimes. ✔︎

Likewise, never use these stigmatizing terms to describe actual mental health issues. Nor should you refer to specific conditions as “mental illness” in general, such as saying “He’s mentally ill.” Whenever possible, be precise.

For more on avoiding biased language, read our post on the topic .

3. Use Neutral Language

When writing about mental health, avoid framing it in terms of things like “suffering” (which suggests pity and passivity) or “battling” (which implies someone has “lost” if they do not recover). Instead, use neutral language:

Jane suffers from an anxiety disorder. ✘

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

Jane has an anxiety disorder. ✔︎

Peter is battling depression. ✘

Peter has been diagnosed with depression. ✔︎

Similarly, look out for words associated with victimhood and affliction.

4. Don’t Trivialize Real Disorders

Using mental health conditions to refer to everyday behaviors or personality traits can trivialize the actual disorders. A common example is “OCD,” which people often use to mean “fussy” or “tidy.” But real obsessive-compulsive disorder can be a seriously debilitating condition .

Similarly, try to respect the difference between an emotion and a mental health issue. For instance, we all feel sad sometimes. That’s part of being human. But depression is a serious condition , and using “depressed” to refer to low mood in general can undermine this seriousness.

5. Mental Illnesses ≠ Evil

Popular culture often equates mental illness with evil or bad behavior.

For instance, in the 2002 Spider-Man film, Norman Osborn goes “insane” and becomes the Green Goblin, a violent supervillain depicted as one half of a split personality. Thus, while the film is not about mental health, it uses ideas and images associated with mental illness to imply villainy.

More harmfully still, many news reports refer to mental illnesses when someone has committed a crime, depicting people with mental health issues as dangerous or unpredictable. But, in reality, people with mental illnesses account for a tiny minority of violent offenders.

This isn’t to say that you can’t write a story about how untreated mental health problems led someone to be marginalized and fall into a life of crime (as long as you do it sensitively). But if a character is violent just because they are “crazy,” you might want to develop their motivations a little.

6. Take Care When Writing About Suicide

When writing about suicide, try to avoid stigma and focus on suicide prevention. You can do this by using neutral, factual, respectful language.

One major issue is the phrase “committed suicide,” since “committed” implies a sin or a crime. Similarly, “failed suicide” implies that dying by suicide is a success rather than a tragedy. Instead, use neutral, non-judgmental terms like “die by suicide” and “attempted suicide” in these contexts.

In addition, be careful about the information you include:

Avoid discussing methods and locations in detail, as these can influence vulnerable people to take their own lives in a similar way.
Be respectful if interviewing loved ones and friends of those who have died by suicide. Avoid casting blame by asking “Why didn’t you do something?,” “Didn’t you know he was mentally ill?,” or similar.
Provide suicide statistics to raise awareness of the scope of the issue, but avoid words that sensationalize the figures (e.g., skyrocketing or spiraling ). Make sure to quote statistics from a credible source.
Where possible, include helpful information (e.g., a suicide helpline ) so vulnerable people who need support can access it.

These might seem like small things, but they could save someone’s life.

7. Include Links to Mental Health Resources

There are many mental health resources available online. For example:

The NIMH’s Help for Mental Illnesses page, which lists mental health support organizations in the USA and offers advice on how to find care.
The NHS’s A-Z of mental health charities in the UK.
HealthDirect’s directory of mental health hotlines in Australia.

There are also plenty of sites that focus on specific issues. As such, try to include links to trustworthy resources in your writing. That, way, readers will have a quick and simple way of learning more or seeking help if required.

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

5-minute read

Free Email Newsletter Template

Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

4-minute read

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Psychiatry & Mental Health — Mental Health

Argumentative Essays About Mental Health

Hook examples for mental health essays, the personal experience hook.

Share a personal anecdote or experience related to mental health. Describe your journey or the experiences of someone close to you, highlighting the challenges and the importance of mental well-being.

The Stigma-Breaking Hook

Begin by discussing the stigma surrounding mental health. Explain how society's perceptions can hinder individuals from seeking help and why it's crucial to challenge these stereotypes.

The Statistics and Prevalence Hook

Start with shocking statistics or data on the prevalence of mental health issues. Highlight the scale of the problem and its impact on individuals and communities.

The Historical Perspective Hook

Explore the historical treatment of mental health. Discuss how society's understanding of mental illnesses has evolved over time and the significance of these changes.

The Celebrities and Advocacy Hook

Highlight the advocacy efforts of well-known figures who have openly discussed their mental health struggles. Explain how their stories have helped reduce stigma and raise awareness.

The Impact on Daily Life Hook

Discuss how mental health issues affect everyday life, including relationships, work, and overall well-being. Share relatable scenarios to engage readers emotionally.

The Psychological Insights Hook

Introduce a psychological concept or theory related to mental health. Explain its relevance and how it can provide valuable insights into human behavior and emotions.

The Global Mental Health Hook

Examine mental health on a global scale. Discuss disparities in access to mental health care and the impact of cultural factors on mental well-being.

The Resilience and Recovery Hook

Share stories of individuals who have overcome mental health challenges and emphasize the themes of resilience, recovery, and hope. Showcase the importance of seeking help and support.

The Call to Action Hook

Conclude your essay with a compelling call to action. Encourage readers to prioritize their mental health, seek help when needed, and advocate for better mental health care and awareness.

Proposal Essay Examples on Mental Health

When delving into the realm of proposal essays , it's crucial to explore a diverse array of topics that capture the complexities of societal issues. In this context, mental health emerges as a critical area deserving attention and analysis. Below, you'll find a curated list of proposal essay topics centered around mental health, aiming to spark insightful discussions and potential solutions.

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Awareness
Improving Access to Mental Health Services in Rural Communities
Addressing Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness in Schools
Implementing Mental Health Education Programs in the Workplace
Enhancing Support Systems for Veterans' Mental Health
Exploring Alternative Therapies for Managing Anxiety and Depression
Promoting Mental Wellness Among College Students
Integrating Mental Health Screening into Primary Care Settings
Combatting Loneliness and Isolation Among the Elderly
Creating Support Networks for Families of Individuals with Mental Illness

Hispanic Culture and Mental Health

A narrative about depression: navigating the abyss, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

How Music Affects Mental Health

Mental illness as a social problem: essay, the stigma of mental illness and forms of treatment, overview of biological predispositions and risk factors associated with depression, let us write you an essay from scratch.

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

The Effects of Mental Health on Our Life

Teenage mental health: the increase in mental illnesses, how to overcome teenage depression, mental health awareness: importance and impact, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

The Importance of Understanding of Self-knowledge and The Subconscious Mind

Mental illness that affect millions of people, the topic of mental disorders in winnie the pooh, the importance of mental health awareness, mental illnesses: definition, kinds and its effects on society, the effects of the stigmatization of mental illness on the society, the theme of mental illness in "the woman in the window" written by a.j. finn, research of stigmatization of mental illness, the history of the treatment of mental illness in the middle ages, the cultural beliefs concerning mental illnesses in the south asian community, the effect of mental illnesses on art throughout different time periods, the perception of mental illnesses by senegalese people, supportive homes for people with serious mental illness, the problem of ignorance about mental illness, an examination of the six mental illnesses and its impact on human life, the special needs of the criminal justice on mental illness cases, serial killers with mental illnesses, the interrelation between mental illness and drug addiction, child abuse as a reason for childhood mental illness, bridging the gap between police officers and citizens with mental illnesses in canada.

A mental illness, referred to as a mental disorder or psychiatric disorder, is a condition characterized by disrupted behavioral or mental patterns that result in considerable distress or impairment to an individual's personal functioning.

Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, sexuality related disorders, other disorders.

Genetic and biological factors: Having a family history of mental illness can elevate the likelihood of experiencing such conditions. Additionally, specific genetic variations and imbalances in brain chemistry can contribute to an individual's susceptibility to mental health disorders. Environmental factors: Adverse childhood experiences, including trauma, abuse, neglect, or growing up in a stressful and unstable environment, increase the vulnerability to developing mental health issues. Psychological factors: Certain traits like high levels of neuroticism or low self-esteem can also contribute to an individual's susceptibility to mental health problems. Substance abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse is strongly associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions and chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or neurological disorders, can be linked to a heightened risk of mental illness.

Emotional disturbances: persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, or a general sense of emptiness. Cognitive impairments: mental health disorders can affect cognitive processes such as thinking, concentration, memory, and decision-making. Individuals may experience difficulties in focusing, problem-solving, or retaining information. Behavioral changes: withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns, appetite fluctuations, increased substance use, self-harm, or engaging in risky behaviors. Distorted perceptions: hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there) or delusions (strongly held beliefs that are not based on reality). Impairment in functioning: mental illness often interferes with an individual's ability to function effectively in their daily life. This can include challenges in personal relationships, occupational difficulties, impaired academic performance, or a decline in overall quality of life. Physical symptoms: headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, or unexplained aches and pains.

Psychotherapy: also referred to as talk therapy, involves collaborating with a trained therapist to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Its purpose is to gain insights, develop coping skills, and foster positive transformations. Medication: certain mental disorders can be aided by medication, such as antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, or mood stabilizers. These medications assist in regulating brain chemistry and alleviating symptoms. Lifestyle changes: adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and effective stress management, can contribute to enhancing mental well-being. Support groups: becoming part of support groups or engaging in group therapy can provide a sense of community and empathy, allowing for the exchange of experiences and receiving support from peers. Alternative therapies: some individuals find alternative treatments like yoga, meditation, art therapy, or acupuncture beneficial. These practices can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance emotional well-being. Hospitalization or intensive treatment programs: in severe cases or during mental health emergencies, hospitalization or intensive treatment programs may be required to ensure safety, stabilization, and access to specialized care.

The significance of the subject of mental illness cannot be overstated, as it holds profound relevance for individuals, families, and society at large. The far-reaching impact of mental health conditions on countless people globally necessitates attention and understanding. These conditions impose substantial suffering, impair daily functioning, and tragically, may even lead to loss of life. Recognizing and comprehending mental illness is imperative to foster awareness, combat societal stigma, and enable timely intervention. Prioritizing mental health enables the enhancement of overall well-being and life quality for those affected, while also driving the development of effective treatment methods, improved accessibility to resources, and the cultivation of supportive environments that nurture healing and resilience.

The topic of mental illness is immensely deserving of an essay due to its profound significance in today's society. Exploring mental illness provides an opportunity to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and promote understanding. By delving into this subject, one can shed light on the experiences of individuals facing mental health challenges, the impact on their lives, and the broader societal implications. It allows for an examination of the available resources, treatment approaches, and the need for improved mental healthcare systems. Addressing mental illness in an essay contributes to reducing stigma, fostering empathy, and inspiring action to create a more compassionate and supportive environment for those affected.

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. 2. World Health Organization. (2019). Mental disorders. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders 3. Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of twelve-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617-627. 4. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental health information. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/index.shtml 5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 6. Greenberg, G. (2013). The book of woe: The DSM and the unmaking of psychiatry. New York, NY: Penguin Books. 7. Corrigan, P. W., Druss, B. G., & Perlick, D. A. (2014). The impact of mental illness stigma on seeking and participating in mental health care. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 15(2), 37-70. 8. Pincus, H. A., Davis, W. W., & McQueen, L. E. (2017). "Subthreshold" mental disorders: A review and synthesis of studies on minor depression and other "brand names." British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(4), 288-294. 9. Sartorius, N. (2017). Stigma and mental health. Lancet Psychiatry, 4(10), 777-778. 10. Patel, V., Saxena, S., Lund, C., Thornicroft, G., Baingana, F., Bolton, P., ... & Unützer, J. (2018). The Lancet Commission on global mental health and sustainable development. The Lancet, 392(10157), 1553-1598.

Relevant topics

Eating Disorders
Drug Addiction

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Bibliography

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness: 3 Best Essay Examples

What is Mental Health Awareness?
Why is Mental Health Awareness Important?
Breaking Stigma: Awareness fosters a broader understanding of mental illnesses, helping to break the stigma that often surrounds them.
Encouraging Support: Understanding mental health encourages people to offer support to those in need and promotes seeking professional help.
Improving Lives: Awareness leads to early detection and intervention, which can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected.
How to Write an Essay on Mental Health Awareness

Start with a Hook

Provide context, use credible sources, show empathy, offer solutions, end with a strong conclusion.

3 Best Essay Examples on Mental Health Awareness

Essay Example 1: Breaking the Stigma

Understanding Stigma
Discuss the origins and implications of stigma in mental health.
Share statistics and research findings on how stigma affects those with mental illnesses.
Personal Stories and Testimonials
Include stories of individuals who have faced stigma and how it has impacted their lives.
Share testimonials of those who have overcome stigma and sought help.
The Role of Education
Highlight the importance of mental health education in schools and communities.
Suggest ways to incorporate mental health education into curricula and public awareness campaigns.

Essay Example 2: The Role of Support Systems

Family and Friends
The role of family and friends in providing emotional support and encouragement.
Real-life examples of individuals who have benefited from a strong support system.
Professional Help
The importance of seeking professional help, such as therapy and counseling.
Discuss the different types of mental health professionals and services available.
Community Support
The impact of community programs and support groups on mental health awareness.
Show how community initiatives can reduce isolation and promote understanding.

Essay Example 3: The Impact of Social Media

Positive Influence
Discuss the positive aspects of social media in spreading mental health awareness.
Highlight campaigns, influencers, and organizations that use social media to educate and support others.
Negative Consequences
Address the potential negative impacts of social media on mental health, such as cyberbullying and comparison culture.
Balancing the Scales
Suggest ways to responsibly use social media for mental health awareness.
Encourage critical thinking and media literacy to combat misinformation and negative effects.

How to Write Essays on The Role of Mental Health in Academic Performance: 3 Best Examples

Unlock the intricacies of how mental health influences academic performance. From stress and anxiety to the positive impacts of good mental health, our guide provides detailed essay examples and effective writing tips.

How to Write Essay on the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: 3 Best Examples

Tackling the multifaceted topic of social media's impact on mental health can be intimidating, yet enlightening. Our guide offers valuable tips and examples to help you craft a compelling essay on this significant subject. Let's dive in!

30 ‘In Conclusion’ Synonyms and How To Use Them Write Better Essays

A strong closing section is essential for any essay. Whether you’re writing an argumentative essay, an exposition, or a narrative essay, the conclusion needs to be one of the most impactful parts of your writing. If you’re looking at ‘in conclusion’ synonyms, then you likely need some help with crafting an impactful summary section.

Essay on Mental Health And Well Being

Students are often asked to write an essay on Mental Health And Well Being in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Mental Health And Well Being

Understanding mental health.

Mental health is about how we think, feel, and act. Like physical health, it’s important for our overall well-being. Good mental health helps us handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Signs of Strong Mental Health

When our mental health is good, we enjoy life, laugh, and have a positive attitude. We can also deal with hard times and bounce back. It’s like having a strong muscle that helps us lift life’s weights.

Keeping Our Mind Healthy

To keep our minds fit, we need to do certain things. Talking about feelings, staying active, eating healthy food, and getting enough sleep are like vitamins for our mental health.

Getting Help

Sometimes, our mental health might suffer. It’s okay to ask for help if we feel too sad, worried, or angry. Talking to family, friends, or a counselor can make a big difference.

250 Words Essay on Mental Health And Well Being

Mental health is all about how we think, feel, and behave. Just like we take care of our bodies by eating right and exercising, we need to take care of our minds too. Good mental health helps us enjoy life, bounce back from problems, and get along with others.

Signs of Strong Mental Well Being

When our mental health is good, we feel happy, relaxed, and ready to tackle challenges. We sleep well, enjoy spending time with friends and family, and feel positive about ourselves. It’s normal to feel sad or worried sometimes, but these feelings don’t last long.

When Mental Health Suffers

Sometimes, our mental health might not be so good. We might feel down, anxious, or have trouble with our thoughts. It can be hard to do everyday things like going to school or hanging out with friends. If these feelings stick around, it’s important to talk to someone, like a parent or a teacher.

Talking is a powerful way to improve mental health. Sharing our worries with someone we trust can make us feel better. Sometimes, we might need help from a doctor or a counselor. They can teach us ways to handle tough emotions and look after our mental well being.

Keeping Our Minds Healthy

Just like eating fruits and veggies for our body, there are things we can do for our mind. Exercising, getting enough sleep, and doing things we enjoy can keep our mental health in good shape. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and taking care of our mental health is important for everyone.

500 Words Essay on Mental Health And Well Being

Why mental health matters.

When our minds are healthy, we can make friends, learn new things, and feel confident. If we don’t take care of our mental health, we might feel sad, worried, or angry a lot. It’s like when you have a cold, and you can’t do all the fun things you like. When our minds are not feeling well, it can be hard to do our best at school or have fun with our friends.

Ways to Keep Our Minds Healthy

There are simple things we can do to keep our minds happy. Talking to people we trust about our feelings is a good start. It’s okay to say if something is bothering us. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, and playing or exercising are also important. When we move around and have fun, our minds feel better too.

Dealing with Tough Times

Getting help when needed.

If we have a toothache, we go to the dentist, right? It’s the same with our minds. If we feel really sad, scared, or worried all the time, we might need to see a doctor for our minds, called a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can listen and help us feel better. There’s no shame in getting help—just like there’s no shame in getting a bandage when we fall and scrape our knee.

Supporting Others

We can also help our friends with their mental health. If we see a friend who seems sad or upset, we can ask them if they’re okay and listen to them. Being kind and understanding can make a big difference to someone who is having a hard time.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Mental Health Essay | Essay on Mental Health for Students and Children in English

February 12, 2024 by Prasanna

Mental Health Essay: Mental Health includes one’s psychological, emotional and social well-being – one’s mental health affects how they think, feel and act. It also helps in determining how one handles stress, makes choices and relates to others. Mental health can affect one’s daily life activities, relationships and physical health.

Mental health refers to the condition of cognitive and behavioural well-being. Sometimes the term ‘mental health’ is used to determine the absence of a mental disorder. It is the condition of well-being whereby each person realizes their potential and can deal with life changes and uncertainty.

You can also find more Essay Writing articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long and Short Essays on Mental Health for Students and Kids in English

We provide the students with essay samples on a long essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the topic Mental Health for reference.

Long Essay on Mental Health 500 Words in English

Long Essay on Mental Health is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Mental health is crucial and integrates a component of health. Mental health includes an individual’s psychological, emotional and social well-being. Proper mental health results in the proper mental functioning that result in being productive in activities, healthy and fulfilling relationships with other people and having the ability to cope and adapt to adversity.

Proper mental health is essential in every stage of life – from childhood and teenage to adulthood. Throughout a lifetime, an individual can experience mental health issue at any point. This affects not only their mood and behaviour but also changes their way of thinking, of looking at life and facing challenges.

Even though mental health is a highly personal thing, what affects one person may or may not affect the other person; however, some significant factors contribute to mental health problems. These factors include life experiences such as trauma or abuse, biological factors such as genes or chemistry of the brain, and even the family history of mental health problems can affect an individual. Poor mental health is also linked with stressful work conditions, rapid social changes, gender discrimination, gender discrimination, social exclusion, physical illness and human rights violation.

Mental health problems are common, but for the longest time, people have avoided the entire concept of it and taken mental health for granted. At one point, mental health was considered taboo, and anyone seeking help was labelled as mentally ill. Mental health and mental illness are not similar things.

For a long time, mental health has been defined as the absence of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Mental illness typically refers to all the diagnosable mental disorders – health conditions that are characterized by alterations in mood, thinking and behaviour associated with impaired functioning or distress.

Mental health and mental illness together go hand in hand. Individuals having optimal mental health conditions can also face mental illness, where people who have no mental illness can also have poor mental health. In recent times, people have started taking mental health seriously and taking proper steps in dealing with any mental health issues. Help is available out there; people with mental health problems can get better by seeking help.

People suffering from mental health issues show various symptoms such as little or no energy, pushing away people and pulling themselves back from regular activities, loss of sleep or the will to eat, smoking, drinking or doing drugs, feeling helpless, yelling and fighting, losing temper very quickly, harming themselves and many more.

Taking care of mental health not only is getting help from professionals when needed but also connecting with other, getting involved in physical activities, helping others, getting enough sleep and staying positive that there is a way out. Positive mental health allows people to realize their full potential, cope with stress in life, work productively and make meaningful contributions to the community. Various factors in people’s lives such as intrapersonal relations, physical factors, childhood trauma and many other conditions can disrupt mental health conditions. Taking care and looking after one’s mental health preserves an individual’s ability to enjoy life.

Short Essay on Mental Health 150 Words in English

Short Essay on Mental Health is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Mental health is not only the psychological and emotional well-being of an individual but also it is the state of well-being where an individual can use their emotional and cognitive abilities to meet the demands of everyday life and contribute to the society. Mental health is essential in every stage of one’s life, starting from childhood to adolescents up to adulthood.

Every year October 10th is observed as world mental health day. It was started as an annual activity by the world federation by the deputy secretary-general of UNO (United Nations Organisation) at that time for mental health.

Mental health resources in every country are different. At the same time, developed countries of the western world provide mental health programs for every age group. In third world countries where it becomes a struggle to find the basic needs of the families, not much importance is given providing proper mental health aid.

10 Lines on Mental Health in English

Mental health is the state of psychological well-being, or mental illness is absent.
One out of American adults faces mental health issues.
One in ten young people has experienced a period of significant depression.
Mental health condition such as anxiety, depression and stress may develop due to life-changing physical health problems such as diabetes, cancer or pain.
Less than 20% of adolescents and children with diagnosable mental health problems receive the proper treatment that they require.
Having a gene that links to a mental health disorder such as depression or schizophrenia doesn’t necessarily mean that the condition will be developed.
Proper mental health is linked to psychological and mental well-being.
Nearly 1 in 5 world’s children and adolescents have a mental disorder.
Depression is one of the chief causes of disability, affecting 246 million people.
At the age of 14, about mental health disorders begin.

FAQ’s on Mental Health Essay

Question 1. Name a few common mental health disorders.

Answer: Anxiety disorders, mood disorders and schizophrenia disorder are a few common mental health disorders.

Question 2. What are the factors contributing to mental health problems?

Answer: Biological factors such as genes, life-changing experiences such as trauma, abuse or chronic illness and even family history of mental health problems.

Question 3. How can mental health be improved?

Answer: Talking about how one feels, keeping active, eating well and healthy, taking proper rest and sometimes even asking for help.

Picture Dictionary
English Speech
English Slogans
English Letter Writing
English Essay Writing
English Textbook Answers
Types of Certificates
ICSE Solutions
Selina ICSE Solutions
ML Aggarwal Solutions
HSSLive Plus One
HSSLive Plus Two
Kerala SSLC
Distance Education

Relationship between mental health and students’ academic performance through a literature review

Open access
Published: 17 September 2024
Volume 4 , article number 119 , ( 2024 )

Cite this article

You have full access to this open access article

Cynthia Lizeth Ramos-Monsivais 1 ,
Sonia Rodríguez-Cano 2 ,
Estefanía Lema-Moreira ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2286-4902 3 &
Vanesa Delgado-Benito 2

Mindfulness has become increasingly popular to improve physical and mental health. Its implementation transcends boundaries of disciplines that study its impact. The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the benefits of mindfulness on mental health, academic performance, well-being, mindfulness and prosocial behavior of university students, as well as to identify the most effective way to achieve habituation to the practice. An analysis and systematic review of papers published in the Scopus database was conducted. It was found that publications on the implementation of mindfulness in higher education began in 2004. Their study has been developed in 22 countries, 15 are European, 3 Asians, 2 North American, one Latin American and one from Oceania. Spain is the only Spanish-speaking country. Academically, mindfulness stimulates creativity, exploratory thinking, critical thinking, attention regulation, increases concentration and improves the learning experience. In addition, immersive virtual reality experiences were found to positively influence habituation towards mindfulness practice among university students.

Explore related subjects

Artificial Intelligence

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

1 Introduction

In recent decades, mindfulness has gained popularity as a technique for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. As well as increasing the well-being and quality of life of people who practice it [ 1 ]. Its origin is found in the Buddhist tradition, as a way to achieve clarity of thought [ 2 ]. Although this technique has been practiced in the East for more than 25 centuries, in the West its popularity is recent [ 3 ]. However, its application is expanding more and more in different disciplines [ 4 ].

Social-emotional learning has been introduced in education. It refers to the training of attention, through meditation techniques, such as mindfulness, the most recent update of the programs that seek emotional intelligence [ 5 ]. This type of education is also known as contemplative education, which seeks to enhance the learning experience through reflection and personal perception [ 6 ].

Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as “awareness that develops by paying concrete, sustained, deliberate, and non-judgmental attention to the present moment” [ 7 , p. 13]. It facilitates maintaining mental calm and training attention [ 8 ]; in addition to increasing mental clarity and awareness [ 9 ].

In terms of operability, three qualities that people develop while practicing mindfulness and three qualities related to how the practice is carried out are recognized. The first are observation, description, and participation. While in the mode of practice, acceptance is required, in the present moment and in an effective manner [ 10 ].

Mindfulness can be practiced formally and informally. In formal practice, a specific time is set aside daily for guided meditations. Informal practice brings awareness to daily activities. That is, paying attention to sensations and perceptions while walking, driving, eating, cleaning, among other activities [ 7 ].

Mindfulness has been shown to improve physical and mental health. In terms of physical health, it favors the increase of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BNDF) [ 11 ]. While in mental health it reduces symptoms of anxiety [ 12 ], stress [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ] and depression [ 12 ]. It also facilitates coping with change and uncertainty [ 14 ] and increases well-being [ 17 ].

1.1 How might the efficacy of mindfulness be evaluated?

Blood tests can be used to measure the effectiveness of mindfulness. A reduction in the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone [ 13 ]; and of increased BNDF can be observed after two weeks of practice [ 11 ]. Increased blood BNDF levels are a potential mediator between meditation practice and brain health [ 13 ]. BNDF measured in the blood by plasma or saliva is called peripheral BNDF [ 18 ].

BNDF is a modulator that regulates neuron growth. It allows the creation of new dendrites which improves communication between neurons; in other words, it promotes greater neuronal plasticity in the central and peripheral nervous system [ 11 , 13 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Its main function is at the level of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, structures linked to learning and memory functions [ 13 ].

BNDF is produced in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Over time, its production tends to decrease. Its absence is related to psychiatric and neurological disorders such as emotional burnout, anxiety, depression and Alzheimer’s disease [ 13 ] However, some activities stimulate its production. Exercising, practicing yoga, undergoing controlled stress, traveling, acquiring new experiences, learning and mindfulness stimulate its production [ 13 , 20 ].

1.2 What are the reasons for integrating mindfulness into higher education?

The increase in mental health illnesses in college students has become a recognized concern [ 16 , 21 ]; which requires innovative interventions to address this reality [ 22 , 23 ]. In this sense, mindfulness emerges as a proposed solution [ 12 ], to prevent and reduce professional burnout [ 24 ]. Thus, there is growing interest in its applications in higher education [ 25 , 26 ].

In addition to the physical and mental health benefits, mindfulness practice promotes better academic performance [ 8 , 27 , 28 ]. Such as increased attention, learning and thinking [ 29 ]; and reduced pre-test anxiety [ 29 , 30 ].

Mindfulness practice also stimulates exploratory thinking [ 4 ], creative thinking [ 4 , 31 ], and critical thinking [ 2 ]. It increases spatial and sensory awareness [ 4 ], academic self-efficacy [ 32 , 33 ], productivity and task quality [ 8 ]; in addition to increasing the feeling of personal accomplishment [ 34 ].

On the other hand, it facilitates information retention [ 35 ], improves concentration [ 22 , 26 , 36 , 37 ], attention self-regulation skills [ 32 , 37 , 38 ] and allows for a perceived improvement in the overall learning experience [ 31 , 37 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. This is because it is essentially training the brain that facilitates focusing attention. A faculty that, for William James, father of American psychology, constituted the root of judgment, character and will [ 42 ].

1.3 Technological immersion in mindfulness

Studies show that technology is increasingly present in the field of mindfulness practice. Evidence of that is the introduction of video games such as the one developed at the University of Wisconsin called tenacity. This is to improve mindfulness through breathing exercises [ 5 ]. Mobile applications such as Headspace and Calm have also been developed to promote meditation techniques [ 43 , 44 ].

In addition to the above, immersive environments incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) have been developed to stimulate mindfulness practice. Home meditation studio, tripp and maloka are some of the applications that virtual reality allows mindfulness practice in totally immersive environments.

1.4 Virtual reality and mindfulness in education

VR makes it possible to experience alternative realities perceived atmospherically [ 45 ]. It is applied in disciplines and sciences such as medicine, engineering, mathematics, dentistry and education [ 46 ]. In education it is used to improve academic performance [ 29 ], and increase attention, creativity, flow state, and habituation to practice [ 47 ].

Pascual et al. [ 48 ] state that, despite there being few studies related to the evaluation of mindfulness interventions using VR, it is considered a more effective platform than standalone mobile meditation apps for encouraging daily practice. Along those lines, results from Miller et al. [ 49 ] study indicates that VR-guided meditation practice is associated with increased positive affect compared to non-VR meditation.

In the case study by Malighetti et al. [ 50 ] it was found that techniques for the development of emotional intelligence such as increased awareness, identification of emotional states, increased resilience and self-control implemented through VR allowed greater mental regulation in terms of eating habits in patients with binge eating disorders. In that order, students with greater emotional regulation have greater self-efficacy [ 51 ].

VR mindfulness promotes mental health [ 52 ]. Studies show that it can reduce insomnia and stress [ 53 ] and improve learning [ 46 ]. Coupled with the above, Kwon et al. [ 30 ] found that incorporating virtual environments through VR is feasible for managing anxiety stemming from academic exams.

Kaplan-Rakowski et al. [ 29 ] study showed that students who meditated with VR performed better academically than those who meditated using videos. While Yang et al.’s [ 47 ] research, immersive virtual reality experiences were found to affect traits associated with students' creativity such as flow state and attention. When students were assigned creative challenges or challenges, those who participated in immersive VR produced better quality products. They also maintained a more stable attention level than the control group.

VR can impact long-term learning. According to Mohring and Brendel [ 45 ] it use in the educational context needs to be reflected upon, because it triggers human perception with far-reaching consequences and people using it hardly question the alternative reality experience it offers. Nevertheless, it can contribute significantly to students’ training through the development of enhanced digital skills and increased mindfulness.

According to Mohring and Brendel [ 45 ] VR can trace the path towards mindfulness in different educational contexts: in teaching and in transforming the relationship between society and the environment. A view that coincides with Whewell et al. [ 54 ] who argue that these immersive experiences contribute to the development of enhanced digital skills, increased student engagement, cultural competence and global mindfulness in university students. VR can foster the conditions for students to become global change agents “within the spheres of entrepreneurship and education” [ 54 , p.1].

However, mindfulness benefits require continuous practice. According to the study by Pascual et al. [ 48 ], meditation sessions are associated with a decrease in anxiety. Therefore, identifying how to introduce and implement an effective program is of the utmost relevance for updating the current educational system.

In that sense, this research aims to identify programs that have been implemented to incorporate mindfulness into higher education. From its beginnings to the present, it analyzes the scientific literature to understand the evolution of its implementation. It identifies the countries where these programs are carried out, the universities that participate, the years they have been carried out and the types of documents published.

Mindfulness's documented benefits for mental health, academic performance, well-being, and students' awareness and prosocial behavior are discussed. Finally, technology, specifically virtual reality, is addressed as a medium that facilitates mindfulness practice stimulation and habituation.

Therefore, the following research questions were defined: 1. How many publications are published per year? 2. In what language are they published? 3. What kind of documents are published? 4. Which universities are involved in the research? 5. In which countries are mindfulness and higher education being studied? 6. What is the impact of mindfulness on higher education students' mental health? 7. What is the impact of mindfulness on higher education students' academic performance? 8. What is the impact of mindfulness on higher education students’ well-being? 9. What is the impact of mindfulness on higher education students’ conscientiousness and prosocial behaviour? 10. Is virtual reality the most effective medium for fostering mindfulness among higher education students?

An analysis of scientific publications in the scopus database, which could be accessed through an institutional account of the University of Burgos in Spain as part of a research stay, was carried out. The information search was conducted using English keywords. The keywords used to elaborate the search string were mindfulness, meditation, university students and higher education students. This search string yielded 70 publications as of July 19, 2024.

All Scopus database publication types were considered inclusion criteria: articles, book chapters, papers, reviews, books and short surveys. In English and Spanish. All articles whose information was not available, were not aimed at higher education students, or did not address any meditation technique were excluded.

An Excel document with the articles' information was extracted for analysis. One article was not available so 69 documents were considered. It was found that 11 publications did not actually mention meditation techniques and were excluded. Also, 5 publications not directed at higher education students were not considered. This resulted in 53 selected research papers. Figure 1 illustrates the situation.

Flow diagram

To answer questions 6, 7 and 8, a subsequent analysis was carried out to identify the measurement variables used by the authors. Measurement variables were identified in the selected documents. The variables were divided into four categories. Mental health, academic achievement, well-being, and prosocial awareness and attitude.

The mental health category includes 9 variables: reduction of stress, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization burnout and negative mood. Also increased mental health, calmness and positive mood. Of the 53 items, 4 address some mental health elements and 23 also include elements from other categories.

Academic achievement is made up of 16 variables: academic performance, clinical performance, exploratory thinking, critical thinking, creative thinking, productivity, task quality, academic speed, persistence, observation skills, attention regulation skills, information retention, academic self-efficacy and concentration. Additionally, the learning experience and divergent and convergent creative writing will be improved. Of the 53 items, 5 address elements relating to academic achievement and 19 also include elements from other categories.

The well-being category consists of 13 variables: increased life satisfaction, well-being, sense of belonging, emotional self-regulation, quality of life, self-compassion, physical activity, resilience, non-judgmental acceptance, perceived social support, and sense of accomplishment. Also included are better dietary decision making and improved sleep quality. Of the 53 items, 1 addresses well-being items and 20 include items from other categories.

In the category awareness and prosocial behavior, 14 variables were integrated: increased mindfulness skills, spatial awareness, sensory awareness, self-awareness, dispositional mindfulness, empathy, benevolence, prosocial behavior, collectivism, a sense of transcendence, universalalism, mental clarity, responsibility and improved interpersonal relationships. Of the 53 items, one addresses element unique to prosocial awareness and behavior and 21 also include elements from other categories.

To answer question 8, an additional search integrating technology and virtual reality was included. Although the object of this study is directed primarily at higher education students, research that analyses mindfulness incorporation at other educational levels was considered in this question.

The results of the research are presented in this section. We start with the general findings and then answer the research questions.

3.1 General findings

Although all the investigations analysed are directed at higher education students, 27 do not specify the discipline or the educational program in which the students are enrolled. However, it was found that the educational programs where mindfulness effectiveness is most frequently studied is in medicine and nursing with six investigations, engineering with four, and then anaesthesiology, arts and design, sciences, modern dance, law midwifery, writing, pharmacy, literature, music, social work and design pedagogy with one respectively.

Regarding the duration of the programs, of the 53 studies analysed, 31 do not specify the duration of the practice in weeks, days or sessions. However, in six investigations the programs lasted 8 weeks and in five investigations, 6 weeks. The longest program consisted of 12 weeks and the shortest 1 day. About the analysis of keywords, Fig. 2 shows the identified word networks.

Visualization of keyword networks based on a VOSviewer version 1.6.20 elaboration

In this analysis, it was found that of the 418 keywords used, 30 have at least a frequency of occurrence of 5. It is highlighted that the words with a higher frequency of occurrence and greater connectivity are mindfulness and meditation. Next, the research questions are answered.

How many papers are published each year about mindfulness and higher education students?

According to Table 1 , publications on mindfulness in higher education began in 2004. In 2014, these rates began to remain constant. In the United States, the first publication was produced by the doctor Daniel Holland, associated with universities in Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Illinois, and Washington. At the University of Pennsylvania, the first program for developing resilience in children was developed. Furthermore, in the late 1990s, doctors Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, both affiliated with the same university, pioneered positive psychology [ 55 ].

As part of positive education, positive psychology was introduced to institutions. The concept of positive education succeeds the concept of emotional education. In addition to emotions, this approach incorporates other elements such as meditation in order to increase well-being [ 56 ].

What is the language in which mindfulness research is published? There are 53 documents in the collection, 50 of which are in English and three of which are in Spanish

Are there any published documents that discuss mindfulness and students in higher education? Publications were classified into five categories: articles, reviews, book chapters, presentations and books. As shown in Table 2 , each type of document has a different quantity.

There are several different types of documents published. Articles are the most frequently published. Review articles, presentations, book chapters, and books follow.

What are the publications of universities on mindfulness and higher education students?

A summary of the publications produced, the universities that participate in collaborations, and the most important findings are presented in this section according to the type of document, the language, and the year.

3.2 Spanish-language articles

There have been only three articles published in Spanish. These include one by the University of Almería in Spain in 2009, another by the University of Lisbon in Portugal in 2022 and another by the University of Granada in Spain in 2024. A study by Justo and Luque [ 57 ] demonstrated that mindfulness leads to a deepening of reflection and self-awareness, which in turn stimulates prosocial values like benevolence, collectivism, and the sense of universalism and transcendence. Sobral and Caetano [ 58 ] conducted a study in which individual and collective activities were incorporated into two courses, including mindfulness, using students' portfolios and teachers’ notes. On the other hand, in the study by García-Pérez et al. [ 23 ] mindfulness is considered as a starting point to guarantee mental health and improve the well-being of university students.

3.3 Articles in English

In 2014, two English-language publications were published. One by Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom and one by Duke University Medical Center in the United States. Greeson et al. [ 59 ] found that the Koru mindfulness training program improved sleep, improved mindfulness skills, increased self-compassion, and decreased stress among college students.

According to Van Gordon et al. [ 3 ], the Meditation, Awareness Training (MAT) program has been evaluated by college students. During the eighth weeks of training, the students demonstrated improved well-being and self-regulation skills in terms of thoughts, feelings, and behavior. A significant increase was also observed in dispositional mindfulness.

In 2015 only one paper was published by Newcastle University in Australia. In this study, after 7 weeks of practicing mindfulness, students showed an improvement in their well-being, sleep quality, increased concentration, mental clarity and a reduction in negative mood was observed [ 22 ].

In 2016, two articles were published, one by Chatham University in the United States, and another where two universities from two different countries participated, the National University of Ireland and Coleraine University in the United Kingdom. In the study by Noone et al. [ 2 ] it was found that dispositional mindfulness facilitates critical thinking. While in the research of Spadaro and Hunker [ 38 ] it was found that after 8 weeks of practicing mindfulness online, nursing students in the United States reduced anxiety and stress. They also increased mindfulness self-regulation skills.

There were three articles published in 2017. The first study was conducted by Ohio State University in the United States, the second by Ryerson University in Canada, and the third by the Department of Psychiatry at MoleMann Hospital for Mental Health in the Netherlands.

Using reflective writing and guided mindfulness meditations, Klatt [ 60 ] conducted research at Ohio University to increase awareness of students' life goals. According to Schwind et al. [ 37 ], mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation practice after eight weeks reduced anxiety, improved learning experience, increased sense of calm, concentration, and attention self-regulation skills among Canadian university students.

While in the research of Van D’Ijk et al. [ 61 ] it was found that after 8 weekly sessions of two hours daily using the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, students from the Netherlands reduced anxiety and negative emotional states. Improved mental health, life satisfaction and increased mindfulness skills were also observed. However, empathy was not increased.

In 2018, three articles were published. One by the University of Seville in Spain, one by the National University of Ireland and one where an international collaboration between 5 universities took place. The University of Southampton in the UK, the Helvetiapraxis Medical Centre in Switzerland, Kings College London in the UK, the Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Germany and the Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland.

Research conducted by Bernárdez et al. [ 9 ] revealed that software engineering students at the University of Seville in Spain improved their academic self-efficacy after 6 weeks of practicing mindfulness.

Lynch et al. [ 25 ] evaluated mindfulness-based coping with university life (MBCUL), an adaptation of the MBSR program. College students increased their mindfulness skills, decreased stress, anxiety, and depression after eight weeks. The study by Noone and Hogan [ 62 ] found that practicing mindfulness using the headspace mobile app for 6 weeks or 30 sessions increased dispositional mindfulness, but not critical thinking. Students at the National University of Ireland participated in this study.

There were three articles published in 2019. In the United Kingdom, Birmingham City University submitted the first study, in the United States, Lousville University submitted the second, and in Iceland, the University of Rhode Island submitted the third.

A study conducted by Dutt et al. [ 84 ] from the University of Birmingham has demonstrated that mindfulness reduces stress and helps to make better dietary decisions. The University of Rhode Island conducted a study in which Lemay et al. [ 63 ] found that after 6 weeks of practicing viyansa yoga, pharmacy students were able to increase their mindfulness skills and reduce their levels of stress and anxiety. Weingartner et al. [ 39 ] found that mindfulness and compassion training increased mindfulness skills, dispositional mindfulness, and empathy in medical students at Lousville University. As a result, interpersonal relationships, resilience, nonjudgmental acceptance, observational skills, and learning experiences were also improved.

In 2020, four papers were published. In the United States, there are four, one from the University of North Carolina, one from the University of Florida, one from Juiz de Fora in Brazil, and one from the Department of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

At the University of North Carolina, a slow sensory experience linked to meditation techniques is introduced in the modern dance program to improve concentration [ 64 ]. According to the study by Bóo et al. [ 27 ], mindfulness increases academic performance, emotional self-regulation, and self-awareness in the UK. However, Damião et al. [ 65 ] found no significant increase in mindfulness skills of medical students at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil, following a 6-week mindfulness training program. Stress, anxiety, or depression did not decrease. Quality of life and mental health also showed no change.

A study by Williams et al. [ 40 ] concluded that medical students at the University of Florida improved their mindfulness skills, perceived social support, empathy, and prosocial behavior after 11 weeks participating in the Promoting Resilience in Medicine (PRIMe) program, although they did not reduce stress. Behaviors characterized by empathy and prosociality. As a result, the general well-being and learning experience have also improved.

There were three articles published in 2021. First, the University of Manitoba in Canada, second, Bilkent University in Turkey, and third, Johns Hopkins University in the United States. Altay and Porter [ 4 ] found that mindfulness practice among design psychology students in Turkey increased non-judgmental acceptance, exploratory thinking, creative thinking, spatial awareness, sensory awareness, and empathy.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Headspace mobile application was conducted by Carullo et al. [ 33 ]. Over the course of four months, anesthesiology and medical students from the United States practiced mindfulness. Depression levels were reduced and personal accomplishments were increased. The level of emotional exhaustion nor the level of depersonalization burnout, however, did not improve. Based on research conducted by Litwiller et al. [ 21 ] among college students in Canada, mindfulness, meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, exercise, and animal therapy have been found to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and negative mood.

The year 2022 saw the publication of nine papers. The first was completed by the Aix-Marseille University in France, the second by the Department of Anthropology at the University of Missouri in the United States, and the third by the University of Central Arkansas in the United States in collaboration with the University of Missouri. It was also submitted by the University of Illinois in the United States, Kirikkale University in Turkey, Arizona State University in the United States, the University of Seville in Spain, Brock University in Canada, and the University of Lisbon in Portugal.

Researchers in Turkey found that mindfulness practice increases life satisfaction among nursing students. According to Bernárdez et al. [ 8 ], mindfulness enhanced academic performance, productivity, task quality, and academic speed in Spanish students. Devillers-Réolon et al. [ 66 ] found that stress, anxiety, and depression were reduced in their research. The ability of French university students to regulate their attention did not improve, despite improvements in their well-being.

Researchers at Arizona State University found that mindfulness practice increased concentration, non-judgmental acceptance, and resilience among arts and design students. An opinion survey conducted by Klonoff-Cohen [ 67 ] revealed that college students in Illinois believe meditation and mindfulness exercises are effective coping mechanisms. The study by Sensiper [ 26 ] from the Anthropology Department concluded that after 10 weeks of structured in-class meditations, mindfulness exercises, contemporary text readings, and reflective writing, college students exhibited reduced anxiety, improved well-being, increased emotional self-regulation, concentration, and dispositional mindfulness.

As part of the research conducted by Sobral and Caetano [ 58 ], the University of Lisbon conducted a self-study on emotional education. Teachers evaluated the students’ portfolios in order to identify recurrent problems, and students evaluated mindfulness practices, collective and individual projects.

Strickland et al. [ 68 ] reported that mindfulness combined with a modified version of Dr. Robert Boice’s blocked writers program increased positive mood and resilience to stress and anxiety in students and teachers in higher education.

According to Woloshyn et al. [ 31 ], mindful writing stimulates creative thinking, increases empathy and prosocial behavior in higher education students and teachers in Canada. A positive emotional state can also be achieved through non-judgmental acceptance, increased self-awareness, self-compassion, and non-judgmental acceptance. In addition, it enhances well-being and the learning experience.

Six papers have been published in 2023. One by the University of Rome in Italy, one by Griffith University in Australia, another is the result of a collaboration between the University of South Carolina and Winthrop University both in the United States; and another due to collaboration between the Institute of Psychology of Lorand University in Hungary, the University of Vienna and the University of Artois in France.

One paper is the result of a collaboration between the University of the West of England in United Kingdom, and Dongguk University in South Korea. And another article was the result of a collaboration between University of Limoges, University of Montpellier and University of Paris Cité in France and University of Brussels in Belgium.

In the research by Fagioli et al. [ 32 ] University students in Italy practice mindfulness online for 28 days. An improved sense of belonging increased academic self-efficacy and self-regulation of attention skills were observed. In the study by García et al. [ 69 ], mindfulness was practiced for 1 week, 5 min daily. This exercise reduced anxiety, increased physical activity and improved sleep in United States students. Nagy et al. [ 70 ] found that mindfulness practice can increase persistence in those with a strong disposition toward a growth mindset or mindfulness.

In the research of Hagège et al. [ 71 ] it was found that the Meditation-Based Ethics of Responsibility (MBER) program had a positive impact on sense of responsibility and convergent and divergent creative writing tasks in undergraduate science students. In undergraduate music therapy students, it was found that eight weeks of practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and improve mindfulness and well-being [ 72 ]. While Pearson’s [ 73 ] looks for strategies on how mindfulness can be introduced into law education programs in Australia.

So far in 2024, three papers have been published. One by the Virginia Tech College of engineering. Another by the collaboration of Idaho State University and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, in the United States. Another by Kaohsiung Medical University and Meiho University, both from Taiwan.

In the research of Giesler et al. [ 74 ] the Caring Action Leadership Mindfulness model is proposed to increase mental health and sense of belonging in undergraduate social work students. In the study by Liu et al. [ 75 ] it was found that practicing mindfulness for 50 min a week for 8 weeks reduced stress and increased mindfulness skills in nursing students. On the other hand, Martini et al. [ 76 ] found that although most engineering students after practicing mindfulness experienced a reduction in perceived stress, a sense of calm, increased energy, and greater concentration, other students who expressed feeling more tired and distressed after meditation practice.

3.4 Book chapters

Book chapters are rare. One by Queen Margaret University in 2015 and one by the University of Surrey in 2020, both UK universities. In the Oberski et al. [ 35 ] study, it was documented that mindfulness in college students allows for increased information retention and a positive emotional state. In Kilner-Johnson and Udofia’s [ 77 ] research, techniques for incorporating mindfulness in the humanities in higher education are proposed.

On the other hand, only one book was published by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands in 2021. This work addresses the benefits of incorporating mindfulness into higher education courses. It documents the results of the Munich model named mindfulness and meditation in the university context. It also includes practical exercises with instructions for implementation in educational institutions.

3.6 Conferences

Three conferences have been published from the United States. One in 2006 by the University of Arkansas, another by the University of Denver Colorado in 2021, and another by Northeastern University in 2023. Holland [ 6 ] presents a course developed and implemented in some universities in the United States through his personal experience, while Wu [ 41 ] states that sonic meditation for higher education students improves the learning experience. In the study by Grahame et al. [ 78 ] it was found that daily mindfulness practice enables engineering undergraduates to reduce stress.

3.7 Reviews

Six reviews have been published. One was in 2004 by Southeastern Illinois University in the United States. In 2017 there were 2 publications. One by the University of Portland in the United States and one by LaTrobe University in Australia. In 2019 the Medical Department of the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands also published a review. In 2021, a collaboration between three UK universities—Queens University, the University of Suffolk and the University of York was published. In 2024 another was published by Padjadjaran University in Indonesia.

Holland [ 79 ] outlines how mindfulness can be incorporated into higher education and the benefits this can bring for students with disabilities and promote health. McConville et al. [ 33 ] found that mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. It also increases mindfulness skills, empathy, a positive emotional state, and academic self-efficacy. Stillwell et al. [ 80 ] found that both the MBSR program, yoga, breath work, meditation, and mindfulness in nursing students reduced stress.

Breedvelt et al. [ 81 ] evaluated the effectiveness of meditation, yoga, and mindfulness on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in college students. They concluded that most publications regarding mindfulness have a high risk of bias, are of poor quality, and do not specify which technique provides the benefits. For it is unclear whether it is mindfulness, yoga or another meditation technique that is effective. McVeigh et al. [ 28 ] found that mindfulness practice in nursing students reduces stress, increases clinical academic performance and self-awareness. In the research of Yosep et al. [ 82 ] it was found that digital mindfulness through audios and videos is effective in improving the mental health of university students.

What are the countries where mindfulness and higher education students are most widely published?

Based on the description of the universities in question three, Fig. 3 illustrates the countries and locations where publications on mindfulness and higher education students have been published.

Geographical location of countries where mindfulness research has been conducted. Font: Own elaboration in the Mapchart application [ 83 ]

As can be seen, the United States leads in mindfulness research and higher education students. It is followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Spain. Spain is the only Spanish-speaking country on the list.

On the other hand, although the research is carried out in 22 countries, the collaboration networks include 14 countries. Figure 4 shows the collaboration networks detected.

Cross-country collaboration networks based on a VOSviewer version 1.6.20 elaboration

Figure 4 shows a collaborative network of 14 countries composed of four nodes. One is formed by Austria, Belgium, Canada, France and Hungary in red. In green by the United Kingdom, Turkey, South Korea and Ireland. In blue, Germany, Switzerland and Poland and in yellow, Australia and the Netherlands.

What are the benefits of mindfulness practice for higher education students’ mental health?

Mindfulness practice reduces stress [ 21 , 25 , 28 , 33 , 38 , 59 , 63 , 66 , 80 , 84 ] anxiety [ 21 , 25 , 26 , 33 , 37 , 38 , 61 , 63 , 66 , 69 ] and depression [ 21 , 25 , 33 , 34 , 66 ].

Mindfulness reduces negative mood [ 21 , 22 , 61 ]. As well as increasing positive mood [ 31 , 33 , 35 , 68 ]. In research by Bernárdez et al. [ 9 ], mindfulness was found to reduce emotional exhaustion and depersonalization burnout. While Van D’Ijk et al. [ 61 ], that it improves mental health. Schwind et al. [ 37 ] found that it increases the feeling of calm.

3.8 Stress reduction

In the case of Devillers-Réolon et al. [ 66 ] and Spadaro & Hunker [ 38 ] the mindfulness practice was conducted online and lasted for 17 days and 8 weeks respectively. Greeson et al. [ 59 ] study was also practiced online using the Koru program. Although the duration of this is not specified.

In Lynch et al. [ 25 ] research, the MBSR program was used for 8 weeks. While Stiwell et al. [ 80 ] the same program was used, although the duration of time is not specified. Of the five studies in which mindfulness is practiced traditionally through guided meditations, only one, that of Lemay et al. [ 63 ] indicates that the program lasted 6 weeks in 60-min sessions. The other investigations do not indicate weeks or practice sessions.

According to Yogeswaran and Morr [ 16 ] online mindfulness practice can be effective in addressing stress. However, at least for medical students, the evidence was not sufficient to prove its efficacy in decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. In contrast, the study by Ahmad et al. [ 12 ] found that, among university students in Toronto, Canada, internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Mindfulness Therapy interventions could reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress after 8 weeks.

What are the benefits of mindfulness practice on higher education students’ academic performance?

Mindfulness increases clinical performance [ 28 ] and academic performance [ 8 , 27 , 28 ]. Stimulates exploratory thinking [ 4 ], creative thinking [ 4 , 31 ] and critical thinking [ 2 ].

It increases productivity, task quality and academic speed [ 8 ]. As well, it also increases academic self-efficacy [ 9 , 32 , 33 ], improves the learning experience [ 31 , 37 , 39 , 40 , 41 ], and improves observation skills [ 39 ].

Coupled with the above, it improves information retention [ 35 ], increases concentration [ 22 , 26 , 36 , 37 ], and attention self-regulation skills [ 32 , 37 , 38 ]. Another finding in relation to academic performance is that mindfulness can increase persistence in people with a strong disposition toward mindfulness or a growth mindset [ 70 ].

3.9 What benefits does mindfulness practice have on higher education students?

Mindfulness practice increased perceived social support [ 31 , 40 ], improves well-being [ 3 , 22 , 26 , 31 , 40 , 66 ] and improve dietary decision-making [ 84 ]. It also increases sense of belonging [ 32 ], life satisfaction [ 61 , 85 ], physical activity [ 69 ]; and improves sleep quality [ 22 , 59 , 69 ]. Damião´s et al. [ 65 ] research showed no improvements in quality of life after the intervention.

Mindfulness allows increasing self-compassion [ 31 , 59 ], sense of personal achievement [ 34 ], self-regulation of thoughts, feelings and behaviors [ 3 , 26 , 27 ]. It stimulates the development of resilience for stress and anxiety management [ 36 , 39 , 68 ]; and it helps to manage the judgmental voice. That is, it facilitates non-judgmental acceptance [ 4 , 31 , 36 , 39 ].

What are the benefits of mindfulness practice on mindfulness and prosocial behavior in higher education students?

Mindfulness allows for increases in self-awareness [ 27 , 28 , 31 ], sensory and spatial awareness [ 4 ], mindfulness skills [ 25 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 59 , 61 , 63 ] and disposition toward mindfulness [ 3 , 26 , 39 , 68 ].

It also stimulates prosocial behavior [ 40 ], collectivism [ 31 , 57 ]. It increases empathy [ 4 , 31 , 33 , 39 , 40 ] and benevolence [ 57 ]. It improves interpersonal relationships [ 31 , 39 , 40 ], clarity of thought [ 22 ]; and increases the sense of universalism and transcendence [ 57 ].

Is virtual reality the most effective way to promote mindfulness among higher education students?

Virtual reality could facilitate mindfulness habituation. In the study by Navarrete et al. [ 86 ] conducted with university medical students in Valencia, Spain, it was found that those who participated in the virtual reality program meditated twice as long as those who only practiced through regular guided meditation. Along these lines, Pascual et al. [ 48 ] found that health professionals who practiced meditation completed more sessions than those who did not use VR.

Likewise, in the study by Modrego-Alarcón et al. [ 15 ] and Miller et al. [ 49 ] it was found that VR students acquired greater immersion and mindfulness practice. Therefore, immersive virtual reality environments favor habituation toward mindfulness practice.

4 Discussion

The benefits of mindfulness in higher education students at the psychoemotional level have been widely documented [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 87 ]. One of the most frequently highlighted benefits of mindfulness in higher education students is the positive effect on self-esteem, as evidenced by the findings of several studies [ 88 , 89 ]. Additionally, mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress levels [ 25 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 59 , 61 , 63 , 90 ]. These types of benefits have also been observed in other demographic groups. For example, a study conducted by Chandna et al. [ 91 ] with an adult population demonstrated that mindfulness practice was associated with significant improvements in self-esteem and self-efficacy.

As previously stated, mindfulness practice has been identified as a potential solution to the emotional difficulties experienced by higher education students in the current context [ 12 ]. The positive effects of mindfulness on students’ psychoemotional well-being have been demonstrated in numerous studies [ 66 , 67 , 85 ]. It can thus be inferred that these benefits will also affect other areas of students’ lives, reducing their difficulties both psychoemotionally and academically, for example.

In terms of academic performance, the findings of Bóo et al. [ 27 ], Bernárdez et al. [ 8 ] and McVeigh et al. [ 28 ] are worthy of note. This is not exclusive to students in higher education. A study by Artika et al. [ 92 ] with a sample of 469 secondary school students indicates that mindfulness is a significant predictor of student participation in the school context, with an associated increase in participation through improved self-esteem. In contrast, Cordeiro et al. [ 93 ] conducted an experimental study with a control group of third-grade students and found that mindfulness significantly enhanced cognitive flexibility and handwriting fluency.

Prosocial behaviour has been identified as another key area of interest by a number of studies [ 4 , 22 , 31 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 57 ]. A study by Akhavan et al. [ 90 ] demonstrates the efficacy of mindfulness practice in a sample of teachers, including enhanced relationships with students and reduced stress.

With regard to the manner in which these mindfulness programmes can be supported, the utilisation of VR has been found to confer considerable benefits [ 15 , 48 , 49 , 86 ]. This is primarily attributable to the degree of adherence to the programme. In their seminal work, Friedlander et al. [ 94 ] introduced the concept of the ‘therapeutic alliance’ to describe this phenomenon of patient adherence in a therapeutic context. They posited that it represents a crucial factor in the efficacy of any therapeutic intervention. In this case, although it is an educational context, the effects of such adherence are similar; therefore, it is worthwhile to explore the potential of the VR format as a key factor for the success of mindfulness.

5 Conclusions

In response to the research questions initially posed, it can be stated that they have been addressed, resulting in comprehensive data pertaining to the volume, language and year of publication of the various research projects. It is notable that there has been a significant increase in publications over the past four years, as well as the prevalence of the article format. As is to be expected, the majority of publications have been in English. It is also evident that universities in countries with an Anglo-Saxon tradition have published the most research on this topic, with the USA being the country with the highest volume of studies.

In answer to questions 6, 7, 8 and 9, it might be stated that mindfulness practice has been shown to promote mental health, academic performance, awareness, prosocial behaviour and well-being in student populations. Mindfulness practice might promote mental health, and well-being in the student population. The positive impact of this practice is not limited to how it is performed. That is, whether it is through traditional guided meditations, mobile applications, videos, online exercises or virtual reality.

However, according to the available literature, habituation is easier to acquire. Therefore, additional benefits can be obtained by increasing the number of sessions completed or minutes of practice. In answer to question 10, in studies where VR was effective for mindfulness practice, students practiced longer than those in the control group. Therefore, VR could be a more effective way to introduce contemplative science by introducing meditation techniques in higher education.

The objective has been fulfilled by analysing the benefits of mindfulness on mental health, academic performance, well-being, mindfulness and prosocial behaviour of university students, as well as identifying the most effective way to achieve habituation to the practice. It is also noteworthy that these benefits are highly relevant, and it would be beneficial to introduce mindfulness practice in the context of higher education.

6 Limitation and implication

One of the issues highlighted is the lack of comprehensive data that would allow for a more thorough comparison. For example, aspects such as the geographical location of the study subjects or the duration of the mindfulness programme applied mean that there are a large number of studies whose effectiveness is not entirely clear. At the same time, this is a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant, but there is still no consensus among researchers.

With regard to prospective implications, it is evident that the implementation of mindfulness in educational settings offers substantial advantages. Consequently, higher education institutions should facilitate the availability of structured mindfulness programmes for students. Undoubtedly, this would prove to be a valuable addition to their psycho-emotional and academic development.

Data availability

The author confirms that all data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

Palomo P, Rodrigues de Oliveira D, Pereira B, García J, Cebolla A, Baños R, Da Silva E, Demarzo M. Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of mindfulness training with immersive technology (virtual reality) to improve the quality of life of patients with multimorbidity in primary care: the mindful-VR study. Annu Rev Cyberther Telemed. 2018;2018(16):140–7.

Google Scholar

Noone C, Bunting B, Hogan M. Does mindfulness enhance critical thinking? Evidence for the mediating effects of executive functioning in the relationship between mindfulness and critical thinking. Front Psychol. 2016. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.02043 .

Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar

Van Gordon W, Shonin E, Sumich A, Sundin E, Griffiths M. Meditation Awareness Training (MAT) for psychological well-being in a sub-clinical sample of university students: a controlled pilot study. Mindfulness. 2014;5:381–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-012-0191-5 .

Article Google Scholar

Altay B, Porter N. Educating the mindful design practitioner. Think Skills Creativity. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100842 .

Goleman D, y Senge P. Triple focus. Ediciones B; 2016.

Holland D. Contemplative education in unexpected places: teaching mindfulness in Arkansas and Austria. Teach Coll Rec. 2006;108(9):1842–61. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9620.2006.00764.x .

Kabat-Zinn J. Mindfulness para principiantes. Penguin Random House; 2023.

Bernárdez B, Durán A, Parejo J, Juristo N, Ruiz-Cortés A. Effects of mindfulness on conceptual modeling performance: a series of experiments. IEEE Trans Software Eng. 2022;48(2):432–52. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSE.2020.2991699 .

Bernárdez B, Durán A, Parejo J, Ruiz-Cortés A. An experimental replication on the effect of the practice of mindfulness in conceptual modeling performance. J Syst Softw. 2018;136:153–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2016.06.104 .

Dimidjian S, Linehan M. Defining an agenda for future research on the clinical application of mindfulness practice. Clin Psychol Sci Pract. 2003;10(2):166–71.

Gomutbutra P, Srikhamjak T, Sapinun L, Kunapun S, Yingchankul N, Apaijai N, Shinlapawittayatorn K, Phuackchantuck R, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn S. Effect of intensive weekend mindfulness-based intervention on BDNF, mitochondria function, and anxiety. A randomized, crossover clinical trial. Comp Psychoneuroendocrinol. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100137 .

Ahmad F, El Morr C, Ritvo P, Othman N, Moineddin R, Ashfaq I, Bohr Y, Ferrari M, Fung W, Hartley L, Maule C, Mawani A, McKenzie K, Williams S. An eight-week, web-based mindfulness virtual community intervention for students’ mental health: randomized controlled trial. JMIR Ment Health. 2020. https://doi.org/10.2196/15520 .

Cahn B, Goodman M, Peterson C, Maturi R, Mills P. Yoga, meditation and mind-body health: increased BDNF, Cortisol awakening response, and altered inflammatory marker expression after a 3-month yoga and meditation retreat. Front Hum Neurosci. 2017. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00315 .

Hernández-Ruiz E, Sebren A, Alderete C, Bradshaw L, Fowler R. Effect of music on a mindfulness experience: an online study. Arts Psychother. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2021.101827 .

Modrego-Alarcón M, López-del-Hoyo Y, García-Campayo J, Pérez-Aranda A, Navarro-Gil M, Beltrán-Ruiz M, Morillo H, Delgado-Suarez I, Oliván-Arévalo R, Montero-Marin J. Efficacy of a mindfulness-based programme with and without virtual reality support to reduce stress in university students: a randomized controlled trial. Behav Res Ther. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2021.103866 .

Article PubMed Google Scholar

Yogeswaran V, Morr C. Mental health for medical students, what do we know today? Procedia Computer Science. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2021.12.245 .

Osorio M, Zepeda C, Carballido J. Towards a virtual companion system to give support during confinement. In: 3rd international conference of inclusive technology and education (CONTIE); 2020. p. 46–50. https://doi.org/10.1109/CONTIE51334.2020.00017

Gomutbutra P, Yingchankul N, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn S, Srisurapanont M. The effect of mindfulness-based intervention on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Front Psychol. 2020. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02209 .

Huang E, Reichardt L. Neurotrophins: roles in neuronal development and function. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2001. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.24.1.677 .

Binder D, Scharfman H. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Growth Factors. 2004;22:123–31. https://doi.org/10.1080/08977190410001723308 .

Litwiller F, White C, Hamilton-Hinch B, Gilbert R. The impacts of recreation programs on the mental health of postsecondary students in North America: an integrative review. Leis Sci. 2021;44(1):96–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2018.1483851 .

Van der Riet P, Rossiter R, Kirby D, Dluzewska T, Harmon C. Piloting a stress management and mindfulness program for undergraduate nursing students: student feedback and lessons learned. Nurse Educ Today. 2015;35(1):44–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2014.05.003 .

García-Pérez L, Collado Fernández D, Lamas-Cepero JL, Ubago-Jiménez JL. Healthy pills: physical activity program for the prevention of mental health and improvement of resilience in university students. Intervention protocol. Retos. 2024;55:726–35. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v55.104012 .

Ramos C, Castañón M, Almendra Y, Monge L. Puede el Mindfulness Reducir el Burnout en los Docentes. Ciencia Latina Revista Científica Multidisciplinar. 2024;8(1):42–55. https://doi.org/10.37811/cl_rcm.v8i1.9384 .

Lynch S, Gander M, Nahar A, Kohls N, Walach H. Mindfulness-based coping with university life: a randomized wait-list controlled study. SAGE Open. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244018758379 .

Sensiper S. Teaching meditation to college students within an historical and cultural context: a qualitative analysis of undergraduate reflections on contemplative practice. Curr Psychol. 2022;42:15356–67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-02811-x .

Bóo S, Childs-Fegredo J, Cooney S, Datta B, Dufour G, Jones P, Galante J. A follow-up study to a randomised control trial to investigate the perceived impact of mindfulness on academic performance in university students. Couns Psychother Res. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12282 .

McVeigh C, Ace L, Ski C, Carswell C, Burton S, Rej S, Noble H. Mindfulness-based interventions for undergraduate nursing students in a university setting: a narrative review. Healthcare. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9111493 .

Kaplan-Rakowski R, Johnson K, Wojdynski T. The impact of virtual reality meditation on college students’ exam performance Smart Learn. Environ. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-021-00166-7 .

Kwon J, Hong N, Kim K, Heo J, Kim J, Kim E. Feasibility of a virtual reality program in managing test anxiety: a pilot study. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2020;23(10):715–20. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2019.0651 .

Woloshyn V, Obradovć-Ratković S, Julien K, Rebek J, Sen P. Breathing our way into mindful academic writing: a collaborative autoethnography of an online writing community. J Furth High Educ. 2022;46(8):1135–48. https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2022.2055450 .

Fagioli S, Pallini S, Mastandrea S, Barcaccia B. Effectiveness of a brief online mindfulness-based intervention for university students. Mindfulness. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-023-02128-1 .

McConville J, McAleer R, Hahne A. Mindfulness training for health profession students-the effect of mindfulness training on psychological well-being, learning and clinical performance of health professional students: a systematic review of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. Explore (NY). 2017;13(1):26–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2016.10.002 .

Carullo P, Ungerman E, Metro D, Adams P. The impact of a smartphone meditation application on anesthesia trainee well-being. J Clin Anesth. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinane.2021.110525 .

Oberski I, Murray S, Goldblatt J, DePlacido C. Contemplation & mindfulness in higher education. Glob Innov Teach Learn High Educ. 2014;11:317–40. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10482-9_19 .

Henriksen D, Heywood W, Gruber N. Meditate to create: mindfulness and creativity in an arts and design learning context. Creativity Stud. 2022;15(1):147–68. https://doi.org/10.3846/cs.2022.13206 .

Schwind J, McCay E, Beanlands H, Schindel L, Martin J, Binder M. Mindfulness practice as a teaching-learning strategy in higher education: a qualitative exploratory pilot study. Nurse Educ Today. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2016.12.017 .

Spadaro K, Hunker D. Exploring the effects of an online asynchronous mindfulness meditation intervention with nursing students on stress, mood, and cognition: a descriptive study. Nurse Educ Today. 2016;39:163–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2016.02.006 .

Weingartner L, Sawning S, Shaw M, Klein J. Compassion cultivation training promotes medical student wellness and enhanced clinical care. BMC Med Educ. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-019-1546-6 .

Williams M, Estores I, Merlo L. Promoting resilience in medicine: the effects of a mind-body medicine elective to improve medical student well-being. Glob Adv Integr Med Health. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1177/2164956120927367 .

Wu J. An innovative and inclusive mindset: teaching embodied sonic meditation in higher education. In: Proceedings of the AES international conference; 2021. https://acortar.link/CzcWDc

Goleman D. Focus desarrollar la atención para alcanzar la excelencia. Kairós; 2013.

Gordon C, Posner J, Klein E, y Mumm C. (productores). La mente, en pocas palabras [documental]. Estados Unidos: Netflix; 2019.

Ramos C. Inteligencia de la pasión En búsqueda de una educación contemporánea integral e inteligentemente apasionada. RIDE Revista Iberoamericana para la Investigación y el Desarrollo Educativo. 2021. https://doi.org/10.23913/ride.v11i22.950 .

Mohring K, Brendel N. Producing virtual reality (VR) field trips – a concept for a sense-based and mindful geographic education. Geographica Helvetica. 2021;76:369–80. https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-369-2021 .

Frewen P, Oldrieve P, Law K. Teaching psychology in virtual reality. Scholarsh Teach Learn Psychol. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1037/stl0000341 .

Yang X, Lin L, Cheng P, Yang X, Ren Y, Huang Y. Examining creativity through a virtual reality support system. Educ Tech earch Dev. 2018;66:1231–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-018-9604-z .

Pascual K, Fredman A, Naum A, Patil C, Sikka N. Should mindfulness for health care workers go virtual? A mindfulness-based intervention using virtual reality and heart rate variability in the emergency department. Workplace Health Saf. 2023;71(4):188–94. https://doi.org/10.1177/21650799221123258 .

Miller M, Mistry D, Jetly R, Frewen P. Meditating in virtual reality 2: phenomenology of vividness, egocentricity and absorption-immersion. Mindfulness. 2021;12:1195–207. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01589-y .

Malighetti C, Schnitzer C, Potter G, Nameth K, Brown T, Vogel E, Riva G, Runfola C, Safe D. Rescripting emotional eating with virtual reality: a case study. Annu Rev Cyberther Telemed. 2021;19:117–21.

Sun G, Lyu B. Relationship between emotional intelligence and self-efficacy among college students: the mediating role of coping styles. Discov Psychol. 2022;2:42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44202-022-00055-1 .

Crosswell L, Yun G. Examining virtual meditation as a stress management strategy on college campuses through longitudinal, quasi-experimental research. Behaviour & Information Technology. 2020;41:864–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2020.1838609 .

De Zambotti M, Yuksel D, Kiss O, Barresi G, Arra N, Volpe L, King C, Baker F. A virtual reality-based mind-body approach to downregulate psychophysiological arousal in adolescent insomnia. Digital Health. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076221107887 .

Whewell E, Caldwell H, Frydenberg M, Andone D. Changemakers as digital makers: connecting and co-creating. Educ Inf Technol. 2022;27:6691–713. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-10892-1 .

Seligman M. El circuito de la esperanza. Penguin Random House; 2018.

Ramos C. Inteligencia de la pasión: una perspectiva del comportamiento humano a través de la neurociencia. Fontamara. 2022. https://doi.org/10.29059/LUAT.307 .

Justo C, Luque M. Effects of a meditation program on values in a sample of university students. Electron J Res Educ Psychol. 2009;7(3):1157–74.

Sobral C, Caetano A. Addressing pedagogical tensions in emotional education at university: an integrative path HUMAN REVIEW. Int Hum Rev Revista Internacional De Humanidades. 2022;11(5):1–13. https://doi.org/10.37467/revhuman.v11.3873 .

Greeson J, Juberg M, Maytan M, James K, Rogers H. A randomized controlled trial of Koru: a mindfulness program for college students and other emerging adults. J Am Coll Health. 2014;62(4):222–33.

Klatt M. A contemplative tool: an exposé of the performance of self. J Transform Educ. 2017;15(2):122–36. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344616683280 .

Van D’Ijk I, Lucassen P, Akkermans R, Van Engelen B, Van Weel C, Speckens A. Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the mental health of clinical clerkship students: a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Acad Med. 2017;92(7):1012–21. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000001546 .

Noone C, Hogan M. A randomised active-controlled trial to examine the effects of an online mindfulness intervention on executive control, critical thinking and key thinking dispositions in a university student sample. BMC Psychol. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-018-0226-3 .

Lemay V, Hoolahan J, Buchanan A. Impact of a yoga and meditation intervention on students’ stress and anxiety levels. Am J Pharm Educ. 2019;83(5):7001. https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe7001 .

Baran A. Sneaking meditation. J Dance Educ. 2022;22(1):23–31. https://doi.org/10.1080/15290824.2020.1765248 .

Damião A, Lucchetti A, da Silva O, Lucchetti G. Effects of a required large-group mindfulness meditation course on first-year medical students’ mental health and quality of life: a randomized controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med. 2020;35(3):672–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-05284-0 .

Devillers-Réolon L, Mascret N, Sleimen-Malkoun R. Online mindfulness intervention, mental health and attentional abilities: a randomized controlled trial in university students during COVID-19 lockdown. Front Psychol. 2022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.889807 .

Klonoff-Cohen H. College students’ opinions about coping strategies for mental health problems, suicide ideation, and self-harm during COVID-19. Front Psychol. 2022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.918891 .

Strickland D, Price-Blackshear M, Bettencourt B. Mindful writing for faculty and graduate students: a pilot mixed-methods study of effects of a six-week workshop. Innov Educ Teach Int. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2022.2080099 .

García L, Ferguson S, Facio L, Schary D, Guenther C. Assessment of well-being using Fitbit technology in college students, faculty and staff completing breathing meditation during COVID-19: a pilot study. Ment Health Prev. 2023;30: 200280.

Nagy T, Sik K, Török L, Bőthe B, Takacs Z, Orosz G. Brief growth mindset and mindfulness inductions to facilitate task persistence after negative feedback. Collabra Psychol. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1525/collabra.74253 .

Hagège H, Ourmi M, Shankland R, Arboix-Calas F, Leys C, Lubart T. Ethics and meditation: a new educational combination to boost verbal creativity and sense of responsibility. J Intelligence. 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11080155 .

Hwang M, Bunt L, Warner C. An eight-week zen meditation and music programme for mindfulness and happiness: qualitative content analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20237140 .

Pearson M. Student perceptions of mindful reflection as a media law teaching tool. Aust J Rev. 2023;45(2):201–15. https://doi.org/10.1386/ajr_00132_1 .

Giesler F, Weeden M, Yee S, Ostler M, Brown R. CALM: caring action leadership mindfulness: a college counseling practice-based education model. Soc Work Educ. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2024.2312940 .

Liu Y, Lee C, Wu L. A mindfulness-based intervention improves perceived stress and mindfulness in university nursing students: a quasi-experimental study. Sci Rep. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64183-5 .

Martini L, Huerta M, Jurkiewicz J, Chan B, Bairaktarova D. Exploring students’ experiences with mindfulness meditations in a first-year general engineering course. Educ Sci. 2024. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14060584 .

Kilner-Johnson A, Udofia E. Using mindfulness meditation techniques to support peer-to-peer dialogue in seminars. In: Gravett K, Yakovchuk N, Kinchin I, editors. Enhancing student-centred teaching in higher education. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan; 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35396-4_19 .

Chapter Google Scholar

Grahame K, Jay A, Gillen A, Freeman S. Meaningful moments: first-year student perceptions of mindfulness and meditation in the classroom. In: ASEE annual conference and exposition, conference proceedings, Baltimore, USA; 2023.

Holland D. Integrating mindfulness meditation and somatic awareness into a public educational setting. J Humanist Psychol. 2004;44(4):468–84. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167804266100 .

Stillwell S, Vermeesch A, Scott J. Interventions to reduce perceived stress among graduate students: a systematic review with implications for evidence-based practice. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2017;14(6):507–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12250 .

Breedvelt J, Amanvermez Y, Harrer M, Karyotaki E, Gilbody S, Bockting C, Cuijpers P, Ebert D. The effects of meditation, yoga, and mindfulness on depression, anxiety, and stress in tertiary education students: a meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2019. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00193 .

Yosep I, Suryani S, Mediani H, Mardhiyah A, Ibrahim K. Types of digital mindfulness: improving mental health among college students—a scoping review. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024;17:43–53. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S443781 .

Mapchart. Create your own custom map; 2024. https://www.mapchart.net/world.html

Dutt S, Keyte R, Egan H, Hussain M, Mantzios M. Healthy and unhealthy eating amongst stressed students: considering the influence of mindfulness on eating choices and consumption. Health Psychol Rep. 2019;7(2):113–20. https://doi.org/10.5114/hpr.2019.77913 .

Aşık E, Albayrak S. The effect of mindfulness levels on the life satisfaction of nursing students. Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2022;58(3):1055–61. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12898 .

Navarrete J, Martínez-Sanchis M, Bellosta-Batalla M, Baños R, Cebolla A, y Herrero, R. Compassionate embodied virtual experience increases the adherence to meditation practice. Appl Sci (Switzerland). 2021;11(3):1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031276 .

Huang T, Larsen K, Ried-Larsen M, Møller N, Andersen L. The effects of physical activity and exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy humans: a review. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2014;24:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12069 .

Cheng MWT, Leung ML, Lau JCH. A review of growth mindset intervention in higher education: The case for infographics in cultivating mindset behaviors. Soc Psychol Educ Int J. 2021;24(5):1335–62. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-021-09660-9 .

Saraff S, Tiwari A, Rishipal. Effect of mindfulness on self-concept, self-esteem and growth mindset: evidence from undergraduate students. J Psychosoc Res. 2020;15(1):329–40. https://doi.org/10.32381/JPR.2020.15.01.28 .

Akhavan N, Walsh N, Goree J. Benefits of mindfulness professional development for elementary teachers: considerations for district and school-level leaders. J School Admin Res Dev. 2021;6:24–42. https://doi.org/10.32674/jsard.v6i1.2462 .

Chandna S, Sharma P, Moosath H. The mindful self: exploring mindfulness in relation with self-esteem and self-efficacy in Indian population. Psychol Stud. 2022;67:261–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-021-00636-5 .

Artika MY, Sunawan S, Awalya A. Mindfulness and student engagement: the mediation effect of self esteem. Jurnal Bimbingan Konseling. 2021;10(2):89–98. https://doi.org/10.15294/jubk.v10i2.47991 .

Cordeiro C, Magalhães S, Rocha R, Mesquita A, Olive T, Castro SL, Limpo T. Promoting third graders’ executive functions and literacy: a pilot study examining the benefits of mindfulness vs. relaxation training. Front Psychol. 2021;12: 643794. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.643794 .

Friedlander ML, Escudero V, Heatherington L. La alianza terapéutica. En la terapia familiar y de pareja. Paidós; 2009.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Nuevo Laredo, México

Cynthia Lizeth Ramos-Monsivais

University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain

Sonia Rodríguez-Cano & Vanesa Delgado-Benito

University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain

Estefanía Lema-Moreira

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

C.L.R.M., S.M.C. and E. L. M have designed the study. C.L.R.M. and S.M.C. carried out the methodology and results sections. V. D. B. and C.L.R.M have written the Introduction C.L.R.M. and E.L.M. have written the Discussion, Conclusions and Limitations. All authors wrote and reviewed the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Estefanía Lema-Moreira .

Ethics declarations

Competing interests.

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, which permits any non-commercial use, sharing, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if you modified the licensed material. You do not have permission under this licence to share adapted material derived from this article or parts of it. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ .

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Ramos-Monsivais, C.L., Rodríguez-Cano, S., Lema-Moreira, E. et al. Relationship between mental health and students’ academic performance through a literature review. Discov Psychol 4 , 119 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44202-024-00240-4

Download citation

Received : 04 April 2024

Accepted : 09 September 2024

Published : 17 September 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s44202-024-00240-4

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Academic performance
Mindfulness
University students
Virtual reality

Find a journal
Publish with us
Track your research

Pardon Our Interruption

As you were browsing something about your browser made us think you were a bot. There are a few reasons this might happen:

You've disabled JavaScript in your web browser.
You're a power user moving through this website with super-human speed.
You've disabled cookies in your web browser.
A third-party browser plugin, such as Ghostery or NoScript, is preventing JavaScript from running. Additional information is available in this support article .

To regain access, please make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled before reloading the page.

Student Opportunities

About Hoover

Located on the campus of Stanford University and in Washington, DC, the Hoover Institution is the nation’s preeminent research center dedicated to generating policy ideas that promote economic prosperity, national security, and democratic governance.

The Hoover Story
Hoover Timeline & History
Mission Statement
Vision of the Institution Today
Key Focus Areas
About our Fellows
Research Programs
Annual Reports
Hoover in DC
Fellowship Opportunities
Visit Hoover
David and Joan Traitel Building & Rental Information
Newsletter Subscriptions
Connect With Us

Hoover scholars form the Institution’s core and create breakthrough ideas aligned with our mission and ideals. What sets Hoover apart from all other policy organizations is its status as a center of scholarly excellence, its locus as a forum of scholarly discussion of public policy, and its ability to bring the conclusions of this scholarship to a public audience.

Russell A. Berman
Robert Service
Arun Majumdar
H.R. McMaster
Justin Grimmer
China's Global Sharp Power Project
Economic Policy Group
History Working Group
Hoover Education Success Initiative
National Security Task Force
National Security, Technology & Law Working Group
Middle East and the Islamic World Working Group
Military History/Contemporary Conflict Working Group
Renewing Indigenous Economies Project
State & Local Governance
Strengthening US-India Relations
Technology, Economics, and Governance Working Group
Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region

Books by Hoover Fellows

Economics Working Papers

Hoover Education Success Initiative | The Papers

Hoover Fellows Program
National Fellows Program
Student Fellowship Program
Veteran Fellowship Program
Congressional Fellowship Program
Media Fellowship Program
Silas Palmer Fellowship
Economic Fellowship Program

Throughout our over one-hundred-year history, our work has directly led to policies that have produced greater freedom, democracy, and opportunity in the United States and the world.

Determining America’s Role in the World
Answering Challenges to Advanced Economies
Empowering State and Local Governance
Revitalizing History
Confronting and Competing with China
Revitalizing American Institutions
Reforming K-12 Education
Understanding Public Opinion
Understanding the Effects of Technology on Economics and Governance
Energy & Environment
Health Care
Immigration
International Affairs
Key Countries / Regions
Law & Policy
Politics & Public Opinion
Science & Technology
Security & Defense
State & Local
Books by Fellows
Published Works by Fellows
Working Papers
Congressional Testimony
Hoover Press
PERIODICALS
The Caravan
China's Global Sharp Power
Economic Policy
History Lab
Hoover Education
Global Policy & Strategy
Middle East and the Islamic World
Military History & Contemporary Conflict
Renewing Indigenous Economies
State and Local Governance
Technology, Economics, and Governance

Hoover scholars offer analysis of current policy challenges and provide solutions on how America can advance freedom, peace, and prosperity.

China Global Sharp Power Weekly Alert
Email newsletters
Hoover Daily Report
Subscription to Email Alerts
Periodicals
California on Your Mind
Defining Ideas
Hoover Digest
Video Series
Uncommon Knowledge
Battlegrounds
GoodFellows
Hoover Events
Capital Conversations
Hoover Book Club
AUDIO PODCASTS
Matters of Policy & Politics
Economics, Applied
Free Speech Unmuted
Secrets of Statecraft
Capitalism and Freedom in the 21st Century
Libertarian
Library & Archives

Support Hoover

Learn more about joining the community of supporters and scholars working together to advance Hoover’s mission and values.

What is MyHoover?

MyHoover delivers a personalized experience at Hoover.org . In a few easy steps, create an account and receive the most recent analysis from Hoover fellows tailored to your specific policy interests.

Watch this video for an overview of MyHoover.

Log In to MyHoover

Forgot Password

Don't have an account? Sign up

Have questions? Contact us

Support the Mission of the Hoover Institution
Subscribe to the Hoover Daily Report
Follow Hoover on Social Media

Make a Gift

Your gift helps advance ideas that promote a free society.

About Hoover Institution
Meet Our Fellows
Focus Areas
Research Teams
Library & Archives

Library & archives

Events, news & press.

Neuroscience: Unlocking the Brain’s Secrets

Drugs and therapies could bring about longer lives, better mental health, and freedom from addiction.

Neuroscience: Unlocking The Brain’s Secrets

This excerpt from the Stanford Emerging Technology Review (SETR) focuses on neuroscience, one of ten key technologies studied in this new educational initiative. SETR, a project of the Hoover Institution and the Stanford School of Engineering, harnesses the expertise of Stanford University’s leading science and engineering faculty to create an easy-to-use reference tool for policy makers. Download the full report here and subscribe here for news and updates.

The brain is perhaps the least understood and yet most important organ in the human body. Neuroscience is the study of the brain and its nervous system —their structure, function, healthy and diseased states, and life cycle from embryonic development to degeneration in later years.

Neuroscience covers a wide range of subfields: the nervous system’s bodily structure (neuroanatomy), chemicals that modulate the nervous system (neurochemistry), nervous system functions (neurophysiology), the role of the nervous system in actions (behavioral neuroscience), and the role of the nervous system in thoughts (cognitive neuroscience). Many practical applications could spring from neuroscience research, including the development of treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders such as epilepsy, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, and anxiety.

The market for products based on neuroscience is growing—already $32 billion in 2021, it is forecast to grow nearly 4 percent annually this decade to $41 billion, driven by increasing cases of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, which surge with age.

Popular interest in neuroscience vastly exceeds the current scientific understanding of the brain. This gives rise to overhyped claims among the public that revolutionary advances are just around the corner. At the same time, advances in computing have led to progress in several areas, including understanding and treating addiction, treating neurodegenerative diseases, and designing brain-machine interfaces .

Neurodegeneration

Neurodegeneration is a major challenge as people live longer. In the United States alone, the annual cost of Alzheimer’s treatment is projected to explode from $305 billion today to $1 trillion by 2050. While just 5 percent of people sixty-five to seventy-four have Alzheimer’s disease, this rises to 33 percent of those older than eighty-five. The percentage of adults with Parkinson’s disease demonstrates a similar rising frequency with age. As modern medicine and society enable longer lifespans, the human body and brain remain maladapted to maintaining nervous system function for decades past childbearing age.

Effective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s are still far from sufficient, despite decades of research. Alzheimer’s disease occurs when two different types of proteins in the brain fold improperly, which eventually leads to neuron death. Only in the past few years have drugs aimed at clearing one of these proteins been approved by the FDA, albeit with limited though real therapeutic benefit and significant side effects.

While current treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are less effective than would be desired, there is reason for guarded optimism in the coming years. Gene-therapy approaches targeting other proteins associated with Alzheimer’s have entered clinical trials. Powerful diagnostic tools such as tau and amyloid PET scans, identification of biomarkers, and identification of genetic risk factors allow for increasing early detection and diagnosis, which might make it easier to fight the disease. Advances in personalized medicine also leave researchers and clinicians hopeful.

Another form of neurodegeneration results from traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can manifest itself in a range of complex symptoms and pathologies. Traumatic impact to brain systems can affect cognitive and behavioral functions in ways that lead to long-term and severe psychiatric conditions requiring specialized care. TBI offers insights into other neuropsychiatric disorders and can pave the way for innovative concepts in neurodegenerative disease.

The science of addiction

Researchers also are working to understand the neural basis of addiction and of chronic pain while working with psychiatrists and policy makers to address the opioid epidemic. The economic costs of the opioid epidemic are difficult to calculate, but estimates range from $100 billion to $1 trillion a year when the loss of lifetime earnings of overdose victims is included. The number of opioid deaths in the United States has risen sharply over the past ten to fifteen years, from 21,000 in 2010 to 80,000 in 2021, which places opioid overdose among the ten leading causes of death in the United States, comparable to diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

Economic, societal, and political factors all play a role in the epidemic. Neuroscience has a potentially important role to play as well. For example, a non-addictive painkiller drug as effective as current-generation opioids would be transformative, although skeptics note that relief from pain itself is pleasurable and thus may be behaviorally addictive as well. Heroin and OxyContin themselves were famously initially marketed as non-addictive alternatives to the painkillers of the day.

Though safer or less addictive painkillers would help reduce the burden of the opioid epidemic, there are other approaches relevant to neuroscience, such as reducing the need for opioids or aiding in recovery from addiction. Consider the problem of relapse in tackling addiction: in a finding particularly relevant for opioid use, scientists have learned that the brain mechanisms leading to an initial opioid addiction differ significantly from those that trigger a relapse.

Neuroscientists also may be able to assist in the social aspects of recovery from opioid addiction. Opioid receptors are found in many areas of the brain and affect diverse functions, including neural circuits related to the desire for social interaction. When an individual goes into opioid withdrawal, these areas of the brain are affected—and the individual often develops an aversion to social interactions. Such an aversion is a significant challenge to recovery because social interactions are often key to helping an individual cope with the vulnerabilities associated with recovery. Essentially, their brains miscalculate the rewarding value of human connection, undermining their recovery process.

Stanford neuroscientists have recently identified a neurological pathway that is responsible for the onset of this social aversion. If this study conducted in mice generalizes to humans, it may be possible to develop drugs that inhibit social aversion during withdrawal and thereby help patients seek help or companionship from friends, families, recovery programs and doctors.

Finally, it is widely recognized that chronic pain is a driver of opioid misuse. Chronic pain is a widespread condition —an estimated 20 percent of adults in the United States experience chronic pain and some 7 percent have intense chronic pain that has a substantial impact on daily life. But what if it were possible to block the induction of chronic pain entirely? Soldiers with severe injuries, including compound fractures and open wounds, don’t always report immediate pain, a fact that suggests pain isn’t governed just by ascending signals—from the injury site to the brain—but also that the central nervous system can exert influence. That is, our brain can control whether we sense pain, a phenomenon known as descending pain control .

Scientific and technical hurdles

Applications of neuroscience have two main parts: a scientific component that focuses on identifying relevant brain circuits and understanding how they function and compute, and a technical engineering component that focuses on how to safely stimulate the relevant brain circuits to create the desired responses.

Much about the brain’s anatomy, physiology, and chemistry is still not well understood, and addressing the theoretical issues in neuroscience is almost exclusively the purview of academia over industry. Certainly, there are research programs in industry that solve basic biological questions in neuroscience, but these are necessarily and economically tied to solving problems with a profit motive—usually the development of new drugs.

Once the basic science has been developed and a research area approaches an economically viable application, helping to smooth the friction of moving a project from academia to industry is crucial to overcoming roadblocks in development. Incubators and accelerators can help transition the findings of basic research to application by aiding in high-throughput screening—the use of automated equipment to rapidly test samples—and prototyping. With viable prototypes, new companies can be created, or licenses granted to existing companies to produce a final product. Such activities are critical in facilitating the integration of well-understood scientific theory, technical engineering, and final application.

Windows on the mind

Demand for neuroscience advances and applications—including understanding brain circuitry, developing new drugs, treating diseases and disorders, and creating brain-machine interfaces—is expected to continue growing considerably in the coming years.

Science fiction and fantastical headlines fuel beliefs that mind-reading technology, brains controlled by computers, and other dystopias are imminent. In reality, comprehending the brain’s staggering complexity remains in its early stages. Most advances involve incremental progress at expanding our theoretical foundations rather than revolutionary leaps to futuristic applications. This vast gap between public expectations and scientific reality creates an environment ripe for exploitation. Impatience for solutions to pressing medical problems like dementia and mental illness, for instance, leaves many open to dubious proclamations or pseudoscience.

In the end, useful products emerge from neuroscience only after scientific issues have been resolved and engineering challenges have been met. The primary capital in neuroscience is human expertise, and future success continues to depend on the United States being the best place for international scientists to train, conduct research, and use their own expertise to train the next generation.

View the discussion thread.

Join the Hoover Institution’s community of supporters in ideas advancing freedom.

This paper is in the following e-collection/theme issue:

Published on 18.9.2024 in Vol 26 (2024)

Using Large Language Models to Detect Depression From User-Generated Diary Text Data as a Novel Approach in Digital Mental Health Screening: Instrument Validation Study

Authors of this article:

Original Paper

Daun Shin 1, 2 , MD, PhD ;
Hyoseung Kim 3 , BS ;
Seunghwan Lee 3 , BS ;
Younhee Cho 2, 4 , DA ;
Whanbo Jung 2 , MD

1 Department of Psychiatry, Anam Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

2 Doctorpresso, Seoul, Republic of Korea

3 VOLTWIN, Seoul, Republic of Korea

4 Department of Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Corresponding Author:

Daun Shin, MD, PhD

Department of Psychiatry

Anam Hospital

Korea University

73 Goryeodae-ro

Seongbuk-gu

Seoul, 02841

Republic of Korea

Phone: 82 1093649735

Fax:82 2 920 5185

Email: [email protected]

Background: Depressive disorders have substantial global implications, leading to various social consequences, including decreased occupational productivity and a high disability burden. Early detection and intervention for clinically significant depression have gained attention; however, the existing depression screening tools, such as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, have limitations in objectivity and accuracy. Therefore, researchers are identifying objective indicators of depression, including image analysis, blood biomarkers, and ecological momentary assessments (EMAs). Among EMAs, user-generated text data, particularly from diary writing, have emerged as a clinically significant and analyzable source for detecting or diagnosing depression, leveraging advancements in large language models such as ChatGPT.

Objective: We aimed to detect depression based on user-generated diary text through an emotional diary writing app using a large language model (LLM). We aimed to validate the value of the semistructured diary text data as an EMA data source.

Methods: Participants were assessed for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire and suicide risk was evaluated using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation before starting and after completing the 2-week diary writing period. The text data from the daily diaries were also used in the analysis. The performance of leading LLMs, such as ChatGPT with GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, was assessed with and without GPT-3.5 fine-tuning on the training data set. The model performance comparison involved the use of chain-of-thought and zero-shot prompting to analyze the text structure and content.

Results: We used 428 diaries from 91 participants; GPT-3.5 fine-tuning demonstrated superior performance in depression detection, achieving an accuracy of 0.902 and a specificity of 0.955. However, the balanced accuracy was the highest (0.844) for GPT-3.5 without fine-tuning and prompt techniques; it displayed a recall of 0.929.

Conclusions: Both GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.0 demonstrated relatively reasonable performance in recognizing the risk of depression based on diaries. Our findings highlight the potential clinical usefulness of user-generated text data for detecting depression. In addition to measurable indicators, such as step count and physical activity, future research should increasingly emphasize qualitative digital expression.

Introduction

Depressive disorders are globally prevalent mental health conditions that significantly impact social and occupational functioning [ 1 - 3 ]. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and dysthymia are particularly noteworthy, as together, they were the second leading cause of years lived with disability in 2010, with MDD and dysthymia contributing 8.2% and 1.4%, respectively. The global incidence of depression increased from 172 million in 1990 to 258 million in 2017, reflecting a 49.86% rise, and the associated burden increased by 37.5% from 1990 to 2010 [ 4 , 5 ]. Moreover, depression is a key contributor to increased mortality risk, as evidenced by a meta-analysis indicating a hierarchy in the lifetime prevalence of suicide among patients with affective disorders [ 6 , 7 ]. Early detection and intervention for clinically significant depression have garnered increased attention. Prior to the 2000s, there was insufficient evidence supporting the use of screening tools. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force revised its stance in June 2002, recommending that physicians screen for MDD [ 8 ].

Depressive symptoms are typically evaluated through self-reports or clinical assessment, with notable assessment methods including the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9), and Beck Depression Inventory [ 9 - 13 ]. However, these methods have limitations. Patients may underreport symptoms, and there can be discrepancies between subjective reports and objective severity [ 14 , 15 ]. Additionally, individuals often seek initial treatment from general practitioners rather than psychiatry specialists, partly due to stigma and lack of awareness, further complicating accurate assessment [ 16 ].

To address these limitations, researchers are exploring various biomarkers, genetic markers, and ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) for more objective and accurate screening [ 17 - 19 ]. EMAs involve real-time data collection, either actively by user input or passively through sensors on wearable devices [ 20 ]. Quantitative data such as exercise levels, step counts, and sleep cycles are relatively straightforward to collect and analyze in relation to depression scales [ 21 ]. However, analyzing qualitative data, such as user-generated text, presents a more complex challenge.

User-generated text data hold significant clinical potential. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in natural language processing (NLP), have enabled sophisticated analysis of such data [ 22 , 23 ]. Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT (OpenAI) have facilitated various medical applications, including in psychiatry [ 24 , 25 ]. These models can analyze language used by patients in everyday contexts, such as social media posts, speech, or writing, to detect markers associated with depression [ 26 , 27 ]. By examining linguistic patterns, NLP and LLMs can predict depression risk without relying on traditional survey participation [ 28 ].

Despite their potential, much of the text data used in depression research has been sourced from electronic medical records or social media, which may not fully represent natural language use [ 29 ]. Daily writing is a universal human activity with therapeutic benefits, including improvements in depression and nonsuicidal self-injury [ 30 - 34 ]. Diary writing supports patient introspection, growth, and communication with therapists, making it a promising EMA data source.

In this study, we aimed to develop an algorithm for depression screening based on user-generated diary text data. Using a daily writing app for emotions, we collected semistructured diary texts and analyzed them with an LLM. Our goal was to validate the clinical utility of these texts as an EMA data source for identifying depression risk.

By leveraging the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of daily writing, combined with the analytical power of LLMs, we seek to contribute to the field of digital mental health. Our approach addresses the limitations of traditional screening tools and highlights the importance of qualitative data in mental health assessment and intervention.

App Process and Diary Log

The text data were obtained through an app named Mind Station. This app prompts users to write daily emotional diaries. Based on diary data, an AI system assesses the risk of depression and provides this information to mental health professionals. In addition, it uses generative AI to create responses to emotional diaries. A psychiatric clinician reviews these responses to modify and enhance them in a cognitive-behavioral or supportive psychotherapeutic manner, then provides replies to the user’s diary ( Figure 1 ).

The daily diary log was divided into 4 paragraphs, beginning with a description of the events that occurred that day, followed by reflections on these events and the resulting emotions, and concluding with a free-form diary entry. For each paragraph, the limit was set to a maximum of 500 characters to ensure brevity. Based on the written diaries, a specialist in mental health and medicine provided individualized emotional support. This step involved encouraging exploration, rectifying distorted cognition, guiding antidepressive activities in daily life, and recommending medical assistance (if necessary). Our objective was to enhance mental health through numerous responses tailored to individual needs.

Furthermore, this app was not developed for research purposes but rather as a form of mental self-care. However, we had plans to collect various digital phenotype data through the Mind Station app and to build algorithms for diagnosing and treating depression by analyzing text data. Therefore, users of the app were allowed to write diaries and receive responses from clinical psychiatrists only after agreeing that their anonymized data could be used for future research purposes.

Recruitment

We recruited 91 participants from October 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023. Participants were recruited through promotion within internet communities for beta testing of the app. These promotions informed individuals about an app for writing diaries to care for their mental health where they could receive free responses from clinical psychiatrists. Additionally, they were notified that their anonymized data might be used for future research purposes. The participants received a reward of approximately ₩30,000 (US $22) for completing diaries for at least 1 week, writing daily, and submitting self-reported questionnaires about their mood. Furthermore, they voluntarily agreed to receive information on data collection and use before using the app. In addition, rewards were only disbursed after the completion of the week-long app experience and the submission of feedback regarding technical errors or diary responses encountered in the app. This was done to reduce the likelihood of participants writing diaries arbitrarily. Researchers should collect well-established risk factors, such as sex, family history, and employment status, for depression screening. However, an increase in the amount of input information can lead to lower compliance, potentially diminishing its role as a screening tool. Therefore, we performed an analysis based solely on text data from diaries written by users and from self-reported questionnaires. Diaries that were filled only with words lacking substantive content, such as “lol,” or solely with names of other individuals who were present at a particular location, were excluded from the analysis. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the collected data.

Ethical Considerations

This study adhered to the ethical principles outlined in the Helsinki Declaration. Approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Korea University Anam Hospital (2023AN0379). Each participant received approximately ₩30,000 (US $22) for completing diaries as long as they fulfilled the criteria described above. Data were anonymized. The participants were informed and consented to the use of their data for research purposes upon accessing the app. As this study involved retrospective analysis of the data, no written informed consent was obtained.

Depression Assessment Scale, Diary Classification, and Statistics

All participants were evaluated for depressive symptoms using the PHQ-9 and for potential crises in suicide situations using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS). The PHQ-9 consists of 9 questions related to mood, sleep, and other factors, with scores ranging from 0 to 3 for each question. The total score ranges from 0 to 27 [ 35 ]. The optimal cutoff score for depression screening is 10, with scores ≥11 indicating a risk of depression [ 36 ]. The BSS is a self-reported questionnaire for assessing suicide risk, and its potential as a screening tool in emergency rooms and inpatient settings has been validated [ 37 - 39 ]. These scores are well established in clinical research, with the PHQ-9 widely recognized for its validity and reliability in assessing depressive symptoms.

The classification of diaries as depressive was based on a combination of the validated PHQ-9, the BSS, and the clinical psychiatrist’s review. The primary criterion for determining a “true” classification was the PHQ-9 and BSS scores. A participant was classified as “depressed” if their PHQ-9 score was 10 or higher or if their BSS score was 8 or higher at the closest point to the diary-writing day. For diaries without available PHQ-9 and BSS scores, a psychiatrist reviewed the content. Diaries were classified as depressive if they contained direct expressions of depression, such as “I want to die” or “I am depressed,” or if they had clinically recognizable signs of depression, like “I am very stressed.” Additionally, if a participant’s PHQ-9 score was 10 or higher at the time of writing the first diary entry, but subsequent diaries (4-5 days later) included statements indicating an improved mood, such as “I feel better” or “Today was a good day,” the psychiatrist reviewed these diaries and classified them as not exhibiting signs of depression. This dual approach of using validated depression scales and clinician review ensured a comprehensive and accurate classification of the diaries, balancing quantitative and qualitative assessments.

The statistical analysis method used for comparing depression and suicide scores before and after diary writing was a 2-tailed Student t test. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Statistics (version 24.0; IBM Corp).

AI Technology and Data Preprocessing

LLMs have achieved remarkable success in the field of NLP. Initially, we applied the most popular LLMs, such as ChatGPT with GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 [ 40 ], to our data set without fine-tuning. In addition, we used a GPT-3.5 fine-tuning model with our training data set. Furthermore, we compared the performance of each model by applying chain-of-thought (CoT) and zero-shot prompting ( Figure 2 ) [ 41 , 42 ]. CoT prompting, zero-shot prompting, and few-shot prompting were defined as follows in this study: CoT prompting is a method used in NLP to guide the model in generating intermediate reasoning steps leading to the final answer. Instead of directly producing an answer, the model generates a sequence of logical thoughts or steps connecting the input to the output. Zero-shot prompting refers to a scenario where an LLM is presented with a task without any prior specific examples or training on that task. The model relies on its preexisting knowledge and understanding to generate an appropriate response based on the provided prompt. Few-shot prompting is a technique in NLP where a model is given a small number of examples (usually ranging from one to a few dozen) of a task to learn from before being asked to perform the task itself. These examples aid the model in better understanding the task and improving its performance. Using the CoT approach, we structured the text and analyzed the words, expressions, and emotions used to classify it. Furthermore, we incorporated additional methods to compare the similarity of familiar texts, such as a compression algorithm based on the GNU Zip (Gzip) algorithm and k-nearest clustering. This step helped us compare the differences between the LLMs and conventional algorithms [ 43 , 44 ]. We adopted stratified 5-fold cross-validation to classify diaries while preserving the percentage of the ratio of labels. We divided the entire data set into training and test data sets at a ratio of 8:2.

In this study, we defined and calculated key metrics to evaluate the performance of our classification models. Recall, formerly known as sensitivity, is the proportion of actual positives correctly identified by the model. It is calculated by dividing the number of true positive predictions by the sum of true positive and false negative predictions. This metric helps in understanding how well the model can identify positive instances. Precision is the proportion of true positive predictions among the total positive predictions. It is calculated by dividing the number of true positive predictions by the sum of true positive and false positive predictions. Precision indicates the accuracy of the model’s positive predictions. Specificity is the proportion of actual negatives correctly identified by the model. It is calculated by dividing the number of true negative predictions by the sum of true negative and false positive predictions. This metric is crucial for understanding the model’s ability to correctly identify negative instances. Accuracy is the overall proportion of correct predictions, including both true positives and true negatives. It is calculated by dividing the sum of true positive and true negative predictions by the total number of predictions, which includes true positives, false positives, false negatives, and true negatives. Accuracy provides a general measure of how well the model performs across all classes [ 45 ].

We collected 428 diaries from 91 participants, with an average of 4.7 (SD 4.44; median 7.0) diaries authored by each user. Among the participants, 34 consented to disclosing their sex and 31 consented to disclosing their age. At baseline, 85 participants responded to the PHQ-9, and at the end of the 2-week period, 34 participants responded. Similarly, 85 participants responded to the baseline BSS, and 30 participants responded at the end of the 2-week period. Among the respondents, 81% (25/31) were women, and 19% (6/31) were men. Regarding age, 87% (27/31) of the total participants were aged 20-39 years, while 13% (4/31) were aged 40-49 years. Every participant underwent an initial assessment using the PHQ-9 and BSS while writing their diaries. At baseline, 85 participants completed the PHQ-9. Their average score was 7.353 (SD 6.849), and 26 participants had scores of 10 or higher. Additionally, 85 participants completed the baseline BSS, and 30 participants completed it again at the end of the 2-week period. The average baseline BSS score was 4.200 (SD 5.708). Among the participants, 2 had PHQ-9 scores of 10 or lower and BSS scores of 8 or higher. As described in the Methods section, even if the initial PHQ-9 and BSS scores exceeded the cutoff points, diaries written 4-5 days later that included direct expressions of improved mood, such as “I feel better,” were classified as nondepressive diaries based on the psychiatrist’s judgment. Therefore, the total number of depressive diaries was 73. Furthermore, the PHQ-9 and BSS scores when terminating use of the app were lower than the scores at the beginning of use (PHQ-9: P =.32; BSS: P =.40) ( Table 1 ).

Balanced accuracy was calculated as the average of the recall and specificity divided by 2, representing the accuracy for each class. This step is particularly useful for evaluating classes in unbalanced data sets. We used the F 1 -score, accuracy, precision, recall, and specificity as evaluation metrics. GPT-3.5 fine-tuning demonstrated the best performance, with an accuracy of 0.902, F 1 -score of 0.685, precision of 0.759, and specificity of 0.955. The best fold exhibited higher performance, with an accuracy of 0.942 and an F 1 -score of 0.8. However, the recall for GPT-3.5 fine-tuning was moderate, at 0.643. By contrast, GPT-4 demonstrated the best performance, with a recall of 0.972. Nevertheless, GPT-4 lagged behind GPT-3.5 in fine-tuning regarding accuracy (0.743) and F 1 -score (0.57) ( Table 2 ). Figures 3 and 4 depict the combined confusion matrix for all folds of each model.

Characteristics		Values

	Male	6 (19)
	Female	25 (81)

	20-39	27 (87)
	40-49	4 (13)

	Baseline (n=85)	7.353 (6.849)
	End (n=34)	5.735 (6.336)

	Baseline (n=85)	4.200 (5.708)
	End (n=30)	2.967 (5.436)

Algorithm			Accuracy		Balanced accuracy		-score		Precision		Recall		Specificity

	Average					0.670		0.653		0.695
	Maximum	0.930		0.853		0.786		0.846		0.733		0.972

	Average			0.799		0.685		0.759		0.643
	Maximum	0.942		0.833		0.800		1.000		0.667		1.000

	Average	0.789				0.607		0.453				0.761
	Maximum	0.860		0.915		0.714		0.556		1.000		0.831

	Average	0.752				0.560		0.405				0.718
	Maximum	0.802		0.828		0.605		0.464		0.867		0.789

	Average	0.713				0.546		0.378				0.653
	Maximum	0.791		0.873		0.625		0.455		1.000		0.746

	Average	0.743				0.570		0.406				0.696
	Maximum	0.826		0.894		0.667		0.500		1.000		0.789

	Average			0.651		0.431		0.584		0.356
	Maximum	0.919		0.819		0.741		0.833		0.667		0.972

a Performance >0.80.

b Performance >0.90.

c Performance >0.95.

Principal Findings

In this study, log data comprising 428 daily diaries were collected from 91 participants. We predicted the risk of depression based solely on text data from the diaries, excluding other clinical data. Approximately 80% of the users were women, and the majority were aged 20-39 years. The participants were prompted to write diaries about their moods and daily experiences. The average initial PHQ-9 score was 5.719, indicating most users did not exhibit a significant risk of depressive symptoms. The GPT-3.5 model, combined with CoT prompting, achieved an accuracy of 0.902 and a specificity of 0.955 in classifying high-risk cases of depression based on diary text data. GPT-4.0 showed superior recall (1.000) compared to the GPT-4.0 CoT model (0.972), although both models demonstrated similar balanced accuracy. The high imbalance in the data set, with 82.9% (355/428) nondepressive and 17.1% (73/428) depressive diaries, underscores the importance of using balanced accuracy as a metric.

The analysis reveals that while the GPT-3.5 fine-tuned model had high accuracy and specificity, suggesting effectiveness in predicting false outcomes, its relatively low balanced accuracy implies potential overfitting during the fine-tuning process and inadequate prediction of true outcomes. On the other hand, GPT-4 achieved perfect recall but may have overlooked errors in false predictions due to its focus on distinguishing between normal and abnormal data. This raises concerns about false predictions with the GPT-4 model. Despite GPT-4’s lower performance compared to GPT-3.5, both models had balanced accuracy metrics that remained similar. The similarity in performance can be attributed to factors such as the sentiment task nature of the query and the reinforcement of ethical filters in GPT-4. These findings align with the existing literature and highlight the need for further investigation into AI model performance and ethical considerations in sentiment analysis tasks.

Language, particularly text data, excluding voice, is used by individuals and reflects their values and emotions. It can be utilized for EMA. However, various methodological limitations make it challenging to use EMA for depression screening. Previous research on diagnosing or detecting depressive symptoms using text has been based on data from various sources, including time-based narratives, suicide notes, and publicly available social media content. These studies aimed to detect depression not by analyzing the text itself but by extracting various indicators, such as the counts of positive and negative words. These indicators were used as proxies for depression detection [ 46 - 48 ]. Furthermore, social media posts and poems often contain abbreviations or words that are not typically used in everyday, natural-language conversations. Thus, using such data as effective digital biomarkers poses limitations because they may not represent real-life communication accurately. With the evolution of various text analysis technologies, such as NLP, the scope of text used for screening and diagnosing depression has expanded to include electronic medical records [ 49 , 50 ]. However, the language used in electronic medical records is often influenced by the patient’s clinical judgment, which can result in an altered representation. Consequently, text-based depression screening based on electronic medical record data has limitations and poor generalizability.

Fine-tuning is the process of optimizing a pretrained model through additional training for a specific domain or task. Concentrated learning of data related to a specific domain or task can improve performance while conducting tasks related to that domain. CoT is a simple and popular prompting algorithm for improving the performance of language models without fine-tuning. Our results demonstrate the performance of GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 on classification tasks and their improvement upon techniques for additional prompting and fine-tuning. The compression algorithm Gzip is an easy and lightweight nonparametric alternative to neural networks used for text classification. Gzip demonstrates good performance even in out-of-distribution data sets. We determined the results that would emerge from using existing technology instead of deep learning.

Mood diaries exert therapeutic effects. Our results suggest lower depression and suicide scores after completing diary writing than scores after commencing; nonetheless, the difference was statistically insignificant. This finding is partly attributable to the insufficient sample size to prove statistical power. Moreover, the study was conducted in the general population, and few participants demonstrated significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms. The therapeutic effects of diary writing on depression should be confirmed through large-scale studies with a larger sample size.

This study confirmed that emotion diaries among the general population can be used to screen for depression at a level similar to that of passive EMA. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of depression through passive sensing depends on the data used; however, the accuracy ranges from approximately 60% to 90% [ 51 ]. Text-based depression prediction has a lower accuracy (approximately 0.632); nonetheless, the accuracy of depression diagnosis increases upon using text data from medical interviews along with other data, such as vocal features [ 52 ]. Accuracy increases upon analyzing a daily mood diary rather than predicting depression and suicidal thoughts through EMA data obtained through a wearable device [ 53 ]. This study was conducted in a relatively large population; however, it has the disadvantage of poor generalizability because the targets were medical interns. A previous study suggested that journaling by older adults can help detect depression, and through this study, we confirmed that depression detection based on journaling can be extended to other age groups [ 54 ].

The findings of this research have important clinical implications. If depression could be diagnosed based on daily diaries, it would offer significant clinical benefits. Early detection could identify at-risk individuals, allowing for timely interventions like counseling or therapy to prevent symptom progression. Analyzing diary text data could reveal triggers and patterns, informing personalized therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy to address negative thought patterns or environmental factors. Regular diary analysis could monitor treatment effectiveness, providing real-time feedback for adjustments and improving patient outcomes. In summary, leveraging daily diaries for depression diagnosis could revolutionize clinical practice by enabling early intervention, personalized therapy, and ongoing treatment monitoring.

The strength of this study is that we confirmed the basis for predicting mild levels of depression. This is because the recruitment of participants was not centered on hospitals. Most text data, excluding social media data, are based on medical records. Therefore, the data are supposedly biased toward individuals with severe depression. An existing depression diagnostic algorithm based on the frequency of negative language demonstrated low accuracy upon application to our data [ 52 ]. In addition, the text data are meaningful in that they can be used for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment because writing a diary is already therapeutic. Therefore, they can be a good evaluation tool for determining the severe burden placed on patients from obtaining active EMA data [ 55 ]. In addition, we confirmed that prompt engineering alone affected depression detection. Thus, generative AI can facilitate medical judgment, and prompt technology is important.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. First, the complete exclusion of other clinical data, such as sex, age, and occupation, serves as both an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is that it confirms the diagnostic accuracy of pure text data; however, the sample size was small, and the predominant users were women aged 20-39 years. Therefore, the data are possibly biased. Second, we used generative AI; thus, we could not confirm the clinical characteristics recorded in the depression diary. Existing studies have demonstrated clinical implications, such as the use of I -centered words in suicide diaries and the frequent use of negative language in social media about depression [ 46 , 48 ]. In addition, the small sample size warrants large-scale research to diagnose depression using written diaries and the clinical characteristics of patients with depression. Third, text data may have a high possibility of being used in combination with other biomarkers; however, such data were not collected in this study. Therefore, further research is required on various types of EMA data that can be used in algorithms to differentiate depression in the general population.

Conclusions

We investigated whether an LLM can detect depression based on user-generated emotional diaries. Using a data set comprising 428 diaries from 91 users, the accuracy of predicting depression increased upon applying the CoT prompt technique to both GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.0. GPT-3.5 generated the highest average accuracy (0.902). However, without fine-tuning or prompting techniques, GPT-3.5 exhibited the highest balanced accuracy of 0.844 and recall of 0.929. Despite decreased depressive scores after the participants began writing their diaries, this change was statistically insignificant. Therefore, additional research is warranted to explore the potential antidepressant effects of diary writing. Based on these findings, we identified the potential clinical utility of voluntarily generated text data for detecting depression. Beyond quantifiable indicators, such as step count, daily physical activity, and sleep duration, we consider that there will be a continued and increased focus on qualitative digital expressions in research.

Acknowledgments

We express our gratitude to all the participants who contributed to this paper.

Conflicts of Interest

DS is the chief medical officer at Doctorpresso. While DS does not receive a salary from the company, she owns 25% of its equity. YC is a project manager at Doctorpresso and receives a salary for her work. WJ is the chief executive officer of Doctorpresso and owns 61% of the company’s equity. HK and SL receive salaries from VOLTWIN but do not own any company equity. The Mind Station app was created by DS in collaboration with WJ and YC with the aim of providing mental health care based on writing emotion diaries. The app is owned by Doctorpresso. The data collected through this app were analyzed by VOLTWIN, a company specializing in data analysis. It is important to note that the 4 coauthors, aside from the first and corresponding author, DS, did not influence the study’s design or analysis. YC contributed to the design of the Mind Station app, and WJ worked on community outreach projects based on the Mind Station app. VOLTWIN was subcontracted to perform artificial intelligence–related analysis, and the analysis plan was carried out in consultation with DS, ensuring that the results were not affected by the company. This work was also supported by a grant from the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (grant HI23C1234). The funding source had no role in the study design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation or in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Ferrari AJ, Charlson FJ, Norman RE, Flaxman AD, Patten SB, Vos T, et al. The epidemiological modelling of major depressive disorder: application for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. PLoS One. 2013;8(7):e69637. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Ferrari AJ, Somerville AJ, Baxter AJ, Norman R, Patten SB, Vos T, et al. Global variation in the prevalence and incidence of major depressive disorder: a systematic review of the epidemiological literature. Psychol Med. Mar 2013;43(3):471-481. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Moreno-Agostino D, Wu Y, Daskalopoulou C, Hasan MT, Huisman M, Prina M. Global trends in the prevalence and incidence of depression:a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. Feb 15, 2021;281:235-243. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Ferrari AJ, Charlson FJ, Norman RE, Patten SB, Freedman G, Murray CJ, et al. Burden of depressive disorders by country, sex, age, and year: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. PLoS Med. Nov 2013;10(11):e1001547. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Liu Q, He H, Yang J, Feng X, Zhao F, Lyu J. Changes in the global burden of depression from 1990 to 2017: findings from the Global Burden of Disease study. J Psychiatr Res. Jul 2020;126:134-140. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Lépine J-P, Briley M. The increasing burden of depression. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2011;7(Suppl 1):3-7. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Bostwick JM, Pankratz VS. Affective disorders and suicide risk: a reexamination. Am J Psychiatry. Dec 2000;157(12):1925-1932. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for depression: recommendations and rationale. Ann Intern Med. May 21, 2002;136(10):760-764. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Radloff LS. The CES-D Scale. Appl Psychol Meas. Jul 26, 2016;1(3):385-401. [ CrossRef ]
Vieweg BW, Hedlund JL. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ): a comprehensive review. J Op Psychiatry. 1983;14(2):74-81.
Ball K, MacPherson C, Hurowitz G, Settles-Reaves B, DeVeaugh-Geiss J, Weir S. M3 checklist and SF-12 correlation study. Best Pract Ment Health. Mar 2015;11(1):83-89(7). [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ]
Manea L, Gilbody S, McMillan D. A diagnostic meta-analysis of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) algorithm scoring method as a screen for depression. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2015;37(1):67-75. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Lasa L, Ayuso-Mateos J, Vázquez-Barquero JL, Díez-Manrique FJ, Dowrick C. The use of the Beck Depression Inventory to screen for depression in the general population: a preliminary analysis. J Affect Disord. 2000;57(1-3):261-265. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Hunt M, Auriemma J, Cashaw ACA. Self-report bias and underreporting of depression on the BDI-II. J Pers Assess. Feb 2003;80(1):26-30. [ CrossRef ]
Ma S, Kang L, Guo X, Liu H, Yao L, Bai H, et al. Discrepancies between self-rated depression and observed depression severity: The effects of personality and dysfunctional attitudes. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2021;70:25-30. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Parslow RA, Jorm AF. Who uses mental health services in Australia? An analysis of data from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. Dec 17, 2000;34(6):997-1008. [ CrossRef ]
Le-Niculescu H, Kurian SM, Yehyawi N, Dike C, Patel SD, Edenberg HJ, et al. Identifying blood biomarkers for mood disorders using convergent functional genomics. Mol Psychiatry. Feb 2009;14(2):156-174. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Abi-Dargham A, Horga G. The search for imaging biomarkers in psychiatric disorders. Nat Med. Nov 2016;22(11):1248-1255. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Rykov Y, Thach T, Bojic I, Christopoulos G, Car J. Digital biomarkers for depression screening with wearable devices: cross-sectional study with machine learning modeling. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. Oct 25, 2021;9(10):e24872. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Kamath J, Leon Barriera R, Jain N, Keisari E, Wang B. Digital phenotyping in depression diagnostics: integrating psychiatric and engineering perspectives. World J Psychiatry. Mar 19, 2022;12(3):393-409. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Saeb S, Zhang M, Karr CJ, Schueller SM, Corden ME, Kording KP, et al. Mobile phone sensor correlates of depressive symptom severity in daily-life behavior: an exploratory study. J Med Internet Res. Jul 15, 2015;17(7):e175. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Cohen KB, Hunter L. Getting started in text mining. PLoS Comput Biol. Jan 2008;4(1):e20. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Rzhetsky A, Seringhaus M, Gerstein MB. Getting started in text mining: part two. PLoS Comput Biol. Jul 2009;5(7):e1000411. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Abbe A, Grouin C, Zweigenbaum P, Falissard B. Text mining applications in psychiatry: a systematic literature review. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. Jun 2016;25(2):86-100. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Cheng S, Chang C-W, Chang W-J, Wang H-W, Liang C-S, Kishimoto T, et al. The now and future of ChatGPT and GPT in psychiatry. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. Nov 2023;77(11):592-596. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Babu NV, Kanaga EGM. Sentiment analysis in social media data for depression detection using artificial intelligence: a review. SN Comput Sci. 2022;3(1):74. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Nanomi Arachchige IA, Sandanapitchai P, Weerasinghe R. Investigating machine learning and natural language processing techniques applied for predicting depression disorder from online support forums: a systematic literature review. Information. Oct 27, 2021;12(11):444. [ CrossRef ]
Tejaswini V, Sathya Babu K, Sahoo B. Depression detection from social media text analysis using natural language processing techniques and hybrid deep learning model. ACM Trans Asian Low-Resour Lang Inf Process. Jan 15, 2024;23(1):1-20. [ CrossRef ]
Meng Y, Speier W, Ong MK, Arnold CW. Bidirectional representation learning from transformers using multimodal electronic health record data to predict depression. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform. Aug 2021;25(8):3121-3129. [ CrossRef ]
Bolger N, Davis A, Rafaeli E. Diary methods: capturing life as it is lived. Annu Rev Psychol. 2003;54(1):579-616. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Chen Y, Ishak Z. Gratitude diary: the impact on depression symptoms. Psych. Mar 2022;13(03):443-453. [ CrossRef ]
Hooley JM, Fox KR, Wang SB, Kwashie AND. Novel online daily diary interventions for nonsuicidal self-injury: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry. Aug 22, 2018;18(1):264. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Abdallah CG, Jackowski A, Salas R, Gupta S, Sato JR, Mao X, et al. The nucleus accumbens and ketamine treatment in major depressive disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. Jul 2017;42(8):1739-1746. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Faccio E, Turco F, Iudici A. Self-writing as a tool for change: the effectiveness of a psychotherapy using diary. Res Psychother. Aug 09, 2019;22(2):378. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. Sep 2001;16(9):606-613. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Moriarty AS, Gilbody S, McMillan D, Manea L. Screening and case finding for major depressive disorder using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): a meta-analysis. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2015;37(6):567-576. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Beck AT, Kovacs M, Weissman A. Assessment of suicidal intention: the Scale for Suicide Ideation. J Consult Clin Psychol. Apr 1979;47(2):343-352. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Healy DJ, Barry K, Blow F, Welsh D, Milner KK. Routine use of the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation in a psychiatric emergency department. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2006;28(4):323-329. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Pinninti N, Steer R, Rissmiller D, Nelson S, Beck A. Use of the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation with psychiatric inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or bipolar disorders. Behav Res Ther. Sep 2002;40(9):1071-1079. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
GPT-4. OpenAI. URL: https://openai.com/research/gpt-4 [accessed 2024-09-13]
Wei J, Wang X, Schuurmans D, Bosma M. Chain-of-thought prompting elicits reasoning in large language models. In: Koyejo S, Mohamed S, Agarwal A, editors. NIPS'22: Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems. Red Hook, NY. Curran Associates; 2022:24824-24837.
Brown T, Mann B, Ryder N. Language models are few-shot learners. In: Larochelle H, Ranzato M, Hadsell R, editors. NIPS'20: Proceedings of the 34th International Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems. Red Hook, NY. Curran Associates; 2020:1877-1901.
Jiang Z, Yang M, Tsirlin M. “Low-resource” text classification: a parameter-free classification method with compressors. In: Rogers A, Boyd-Graber J, Okazaki N, editors. Findings of the Association for Computational Linguistics: ACL 2023. Stroudsburg, PA. Association for Computational Linguistics; 2023:6810-6828.
Salvador-Meneses J, Ruiz-Chavez Z, Garcia-Rodriguez J. Compressed NN: K-nearest neighbors with data compression. Entropy (Basel). Feb 28, 2019;21(3):234. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Hicks SA, Strümke I, Thambawita V, Hammou M, Riegler MA, Halvorsen P, et al. On evaluation metrics for medical applications of artificial intelligence. Sci Rep. Apr 08, 2022;12(1):5979. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Guntuku SC, Yaden DB, Kern ML, Ungar LH, Eichstaedt JC. Detecting depression and mental illness on social media: an integrative review. Curr Opin Behav Sci. Dec 2017;18:43-49. [ CrossRef ]
Rude S, Gortner E, Pennebaker J. Language use of depressed and depression-vulnerable college students. Cogn Emot. Dec 2004;18(8):1121-1133. [ CrossRef ]
Stirman SW, Pennebaker JW. Word use in the poetry of suicidal and nonsuicidal poets. Psychosom Med. 2001;63(4):517-522. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Tsui FR, Shi L, Ruiz V, Ryan ND, Biernesser C, Iyengar S, et al. Natural language processing and machine learning of electronic health records for prediction of first-time suicide attempts. JAMIA Open. Jan 2021;4(1):ooab011. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Zhong Q, Karlson EW, Gelaye B, Finan S, Avillach P, Smoller JW, et al. Screening pregnant women for suicidal behavior in electronic medical records: diagnostic codes vs. clinical notes processed by natural language processing. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. May 29, 2018;18(1):30. [ CrossRef ]
Colombo D, Fernández-Álvarez J, Patané A, Semonella M, Kwiatkowska M, García-Palacios A, et al. Current state and future directions of technology-based ecological momentary assessment and intervention for major depressive disorder: a systematic review. J Clin Med. Apr 05, 2019;8(4):465. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Shin D, Kim K, Lee S, Lee C, Bae YS, Cho WI, et al. Detection of depression and suicide risk based on text from clinical interviews using machine learning: possibility of a new objective diagnostic marker. Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:801301. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Horwitz A, Czyz E, Al-Dajani N, Dempsey W, Zhao Z, Nahum-Shani I, et al. Utilizing daily mood diaries and wearable sensor data to predict depression and suicidal ideation among medical interns. J Affect Disord. Sep 15, 2022;313:1-7. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Chepenik LG, Have TT, Oslin D, Datto C, Zubritsky C, Katz IR. A daily diary study of late-life depression. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. Mar 2006;14(3):270-279. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
Burke LE, Shiffman S, Music E, Styn MA, Kriska A, Smailagic A, et al. Ecological momentary assessment in behavioral research: addressing technological and human participant challenges. J Med Internet Res. Mar 15, 2017;19(3):e77. [ FREE Full text ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]

Abbreviations

artificial intelligence

Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation

Center For Epidemiologic Studies Depression

chain-of-thought

ecological momentary assessment

GNU Zip

large language model

major depressive disorder

natural language processing

Patient Health Questionnaire–9

Edited by G Eysenbach; submitted 16.11.23; peer-reviewed by Z Su, L Luo; comments to author 30.04.24; revised version received 17.05.24; accepted 11.08.24; published 18.09.24.

©Daun Shin, Hyoseung Kim, Seunghwan Lee, Younhee Cho, Whanbo Jung. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 18.09.2024.

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (ISSN 1438-8871), is properly cited. The complete bibliographic information, a link to the original publication on https://www.jmir.org/, as well as this copyright and license information must be included.

The Integral Role of Sports in Society: a Persuasive Argument

How it works

1 Introduction
2 Physical Health Benefits of Sports
3 Social Skills and Teamwork
4 Mental Well-Being and Academic Performance
5 Conclusion

Introduction

Sports have always been a big deal in our culture and society. They’re not just about staying fit but also about making friends and growing as a person. From the old Olympic Games to today’s huge international events, sports have become a big part of our lives, affecting our economies, cultures, and individual stories. But even with their popularity, sports often don’t get the credit they deserve, especially in schools where grades and academics are the main focus.

This essay argues that sports should be seen as just as important as academics in schools. Why? Because they offer so many benefits like better health, improved social skills, and mental well-being. If schools added more sports to their programs, they’d help students become more well-rounded and ready for all sorts of challenges in life.

Physical Health Benefits of Sports

First off, let’s talk about the health perks. Playing sports is great for your body. Regular exercise helps fight off problems like obesity, heart issues, and diabetes. The World Health Organization says not being active enough is a big reason people die early, so it’s really important to get kids moving from a young age. Sports make exercise fun and give students a way to stay active, building habits that can last their whole lives. Plus, playing sports improves things like motor skills and coordination, which are key parts of staying healthy. Today, with everyone sitting around more because of technology, sports can help balance things out. By including sports in the daily routine, we can make sure kids grow up healthy and strong.

Social Skills and Teamwork

But it’s not just about the physical stuff. Sports also help you grow socially. When you play team sports, you learn how to work with others, communicate, and put in a group effort. These skills are not just useful in sports but also in school projects and future jobs. Research shows that students who play team sports usually have better social skills and are more empathetic. This is super important now, as teamwork is highly valued. Sports also bring together people from different backgrounds, breaking down social barriers and creating a sense of community. This helps students feel like they belong, which is important for personal growth and social harmony.

Mental Well-Being and Academic Performance

Sports aren’t just good for your body and social life—they’re great for your mind too. Regular physical activity can lower depression, anxiety, and stress, which are common problems for students. Exercise releases endorphins, which make you feel happier. Sports also teach discipline, time management, and goal-setting, all of which are useful in school. Studies show that students who play sports often have better focus, memory, and grades compared to those who don’t. The structured nature of sports helps build resilience and perseverance, which are crucial for tackling academic and personal challenges. So, rather than being a distraction, sports can actually boost academic performance and help in overall development.

To wrap it up, sports are more than just games. They bring a lot of benefits that help in the overall growth of individuals. From keeping you fit and teaching social skills to boosting mental health and academic success, sports play a big role in shaping well-rounded people. Schools should see these benefits and make an effort to include more sports in their programs. This way, they’d not only promote healthier lifestyles but also equip students with the skills they need to succeed in life. In a world that’s getting more competitive and complex, balancing physical, social, and mental development through sports can be a key to future success and well-being.

Cite this page

The Integral Role of Sports in Society: A Persuasive Argument. (2024, Sep 17). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-integral-role-of-sports-in-society-a-persuasive-argument/

"The Integral Role of Sports in Society: A Persuasive Argument." PapersOwl.com , 17 Sep 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-integral-role-of-sports-in-society-a-persuasive-argument/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Integral Role of Sports in Society: A Persuasive Argument . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-integral-role-of-sports-in-society-a-persuasive-argument/ [Accessed: 18 Sep. 2024]

"The Integral Role of Sports in Society: A Persuasive Argument." PapersOwl.com, Sep 17, 2024. Accessed September 18, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-integral-role-of-sports-in-society-a-persuasive-argument/

"The Integral Role of Sports in Society: A Persuasive Argument," PapersOwl.com , 17-Sep-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-integral-role-of-sports-in-society-a-persuasive-argument/. [Accessed: 18-Sep-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

IMAGES

Long and Short Essay on Mental Health 100, 150, 200, 300 and 400 + Words
Mental Health Essay
Essay Summary of Mental Health
Mental Health Essay
Issues in Mental Health: OCR A Level Psychology
Why Is Mental Health Important Essay

VIDEO

Dominance of Social Media Over Indian Youth || @Anmolkwatraofficial #shorts
Essay on mental health in English|Mental Health Awareness|
ESSAY ON MENTAL HEALTH
Take part in mental health research
Care plan on Severe Depression/NCP on Severe Depression (mental health nursing)||
Essay on Impact of social media on mental health || Impact of social media on mental health essay

COMMENTS

Essay on mental health
Answer: Writing an essay on mental health can effectively articulate the nuances and complexities of the topic, making it more accessible to a wider audience. By presenting facts, personal anecdotes, and research, the essay can demystify misconceptions, highlight the prevalence of mental health issues, and underscore the need for destigmatizing ...
113 Mental Health Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
Writing about mental health can help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote understanding and empathy. If you are looking for inspiration for your next mental health essay, here are 113 topic ideas and examples to get you started. The impact of social media on mental health. The stigma surrounding mental illness in society.
500 Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics & Ideas
In this article, we present a comprehensive collection of 500 mental health argumentative essay topics and ideas. This extensive list is designed to inspire students, educators, and professionals to engage with diverse aspects of mental health, from policy and treatment to the social and personal dimensions of mental well-being.
Mental Health
437 essay samples found. This section is dedicated to argumentative and persuasive essays on mental health awareness in the United States. Mental illness and psychological problems are social issues that require a solution. A student can represent their point of view and perspective through an argumentative essay about mental health.
100 Mental Health Essay Topics
For example, if you are writing an essay on the importance of early intervention programs for mental health, your thesis statement might look something like this: "Early intervention programs are essential for improving mental health outcomes and preventing serious mental illness.". Once you have your thesis statement, you can develop an ...
311 Mental Health Topics Write about & Essay Samples
We gathered 225 brilliant essay topics about mental health, paper examples and ideas that would fit for any kind of essay: argumentative, persuasive, discursive, and so on. So…. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts. 190 writers online. Learn More.
Mental Health Essay Topics with Outline & Examples
You may also write about some more serious mental health topics. However, acing a mental health essay on a grave mental health issue will require you to relate your content to people's real-life experiences and start accumulating arguments to support your claims. Here are some interesting but super specific mental health essay topics.
Mental health argumentative essay 30 topics
Argumentative Essay Topics about Mental Health. When considering mental health, there are numerous areas ripe for exploration and debate. From discussing the efficacy of therapy methods to the societal implications of mental health stigma, the breadth of potential subjects is vast. ... It is especially challenging to write a history essay when ...
Should I Discuss Mental Health in My Personal ...
Two common mistakes students make when using the personal statement to disclose a mental health challenge: Focusing more on the "challenge" part of their story than the "what I did" and "what I learned.". This can result in an essay that feels, to quote a past student, "like a sob story.".
Persuasive Essay on Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma and Promoting
The piece will argue for improved mental health services, increased public awareness, and the need for a cultural shift in how mental health is perceived and discussed. On PapersOwl, there's also a selection of free essay templates associated with Mental Health.
How to Write a Mental Health in College Students Essay
If you mention mental health, stay brief and matter-of-fact. Don't let it become the whole point of your essay. Review the Instructions. If you're writing this essay for a college course, start by looking over the assignment instructions. Don't just listen to what your teacher says - look up the assignment on the syllabus to see if you ...
19 Ideas for Essays About Mental Health Topics
The most common mental health conditions are depression, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Discussing these five problems, their causes and treatments work well for your essay. When writing this essay, make sure to look at causes, prevalence, and treatment options.
100+ Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health
7. school counselors are not trained to deal with mental health issues. 8. most school don't have a mental health policy. 9. lack of awareness about mental health among school staff. 10. stigma and discrimination against mental health patients. Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Introduction. Mental health is very important at every stage of our life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood and even until we get old. Mental health is the state of an individual who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment. It affects how we think, act and feel.
Argumentative Essay About Mental Health
Here's a step-by-step guide on how you go about writing this essay:Step 1: Select a Compelling Topic. Choose a topic related to mental health that interests you and is relevant to society. Consider issues like the impact of social media on mental health or the importance of mental health education in schools. Do your research to come up with ...
Mental Health Essay for Students and Children
The mental health essay is an insight into the importance of mental health in everyone's life. Mental Health. In the formidable years, this had no specific theme planned. The main aim was to promote and advocate the public on important issues. Also, in the first three years, one of the central activities done to help the day become special ...
Mental Health Essay for Students in English
Mental health refers to a person's psychological, emotional, and social well-being; it influences what they feel and how they think, and behave. The state of cognitive and behavioural well-being is referred to as mental health. The term 'mental health' is also used to refer to the absence of mental disease. Mental health means keeping our minds ...
7 Tips for Writing About Mental Health
3. Use Neutral Language. When writing about mental health, avoid framing it in terms of things like "suffering" (which suggests pity and passivity) or "battling" (which implies someone has "lost" if they do not recover). Instead, use neutral language: Jane suffers from an anxiety disorder. .
Mental Health Argumentative Essay Examples & Topics
Mental health essay topics listed in this category focus on: forms of mental illness, mental illness as a social issue (especially considering its increasing rates), stigmatization of people affected by it in different cultures, examples, and representation of mental illness in literature and pop culture, correlation with other aspects/ phenomena (e.g. drug addiction), current and past ...
Essay on Mental Health
Introduction. Mental health, a critical aspect of overall wellbeing, is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of modern life. It's a broad term encompassing our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing our handling of stress, relationships, and decisions.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness: 3 Best Essay Examples
Essay Example 1: Breaking the Stigma. Introduction. Mental health is often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. This essay aims to break down the barriers of stigma surrounding mental health and encourages open dialogue about mental illnesses. Body. Understanding Stigma.
Essay on Mental Health And Well Being
250 Words Essay on Mental Health And Well Being Understanding Mental Health. Mental health is all about how we think, feel, and behave. Just like we take care of our bodies by eating right and exercising, we need to take care of our minds too. Good mental health helps us enjoy life, bounce back from problems, and get along with others.
Addressing Depression: a Persuasive Argument
Essay Example: Introduction Depression is a tough and common mental health problem that a lot of people deal with around the world. Even though we know more about mental health today, there's still a lot of stigma around depression, making it hard for people to get the help they need. This essay
Mental Health Essay
February 12, 2024 by Prasanna. Mental Health Essay: Mental Health includes one's psychological, emotional and social well-being - one's mental health affects how they think, feel and act. It also helps in determining how one handles stress, makes choices and relates to others. Mental health can affect one's daily life activities ...
Relationship between mental health and students' academic performance
Mindfulness has become increasingly popular to improve physical and mental health. Its implementation transcends boundaries of disciplines that study its impact. The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the benefits of mindfulness on mental health, academic performance, well-being, mindfulness and prosocial behavior of university students, as well as to identify the most effective way ...
The Impact of Christianity on Mental Health: A Comprehensive
Psychology document from Liberty University Online Academy, 4 pages, 1 Christianity and Mental Health Taylor Trimble Liberty University PSYC 380: Physiological Psychology Professor Ariana McArthur September 9th, 2024 2 Christianity and Mental Health In response to the question, "Does having a Christian faith help improve
Neuroscience: Unlocking the Brain's Secrets
Fellows. Hoover scholars form the Institution's core and create breakthrough ideas aligned with our mission and ideals. What sets Hoover apart from all other policy organizations is its status as a center of scholarly excellence, its locus as a forum of scholarly discussion of public policy, and its ability to bring the conclusions of this scholarship to a public audience.
Writer tells her story of overcoming mental health issues
Author and poet Christina Santiago uses writing to advocate for mental health awareness and wrote a book about her own struggles with bipolar disorder Christina Santiago
Journal of Medical Internet Research
We aimed to validate the value of the semistructured diary text data as an EMA data source. Methods: Participants were assessed for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire and suicide risk was evaluated using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation before starting and after completing the 2-week diary writing period.
The Integral Role of Sports in Society: a Persuasive Argument
This essay argues that sports should be seen as just as important as academics in schools. Why? Because they offer so many benefits like better health, improved social skills, and mental well-being. If schools added more sports to their programs, they'd help students become more well-rounded and ready for all sorts of challenges in life.

113 Mental Health Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

100 Mental Health Essay Topics

Getting Started: How to Write a Mental Health Essay

Doing the Research

Writing the Essay

Editing and Proofreading

Mental Health Essay Topics About Mental Illness

Mental Health Essay Topics About Mental Health Treatment

Mental Health Essay Topics About Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental Health Essay Topics About Mental Health in Schools

Mental Health Essay Topics About the Mental Health of Children

Mental Health Essay Topics About Mental Health Disorders

Mental Health Essay Topics About The Mental Health Of Veterans

Mental Health Essay Topics About Alternative Mental Health Therapies

Mental Health Essay Topics About Outdated Mental Health Therapies

Mental Health Essay Topics About the Impact of Technology on Mental Health

Mental Health Essay Topics About Trauma and Mental Health

Related Posts

Categories:

Recent posts:

Testimonials

311 Powerful Mental Health Topics to Write about & Essay Examples

🏆 Best Mental Health Topic Ideas & Paper Examples

Mental Health Essay Topics with Outline & Examples

Mental Health Essay Topics to Write About

Grave Mental Health Essay Topics

Has a difficult essay got you down? No problem!

Topics on Mental Illness Argumentative Essay

Good Essay Topics on Mental Health

Cause-Effect Essay Topics on Mental Health

Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health

Outline of the Essay

Mental Health Essay Introduction

Important Tips when Writing Mental Health Essay

Frequently Asked Questions

Mental health essay topics

Introduction

Argumentative Essay Topics about Mental Health

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

Top 30 Mental Illness Essay Topics

Tips on Writing an Argumentative Essay on Mental Health

Related articles

Why Homework Is Good for Students: 20 No-Nonsense Reasons

Best Places to Do Homework That Will Create a Perfect Study Heaven for You

How to Write a Table of Contents for Research Paper: A Complete Guide

Discussion Posts: Definition, Overview, Writing Tips

Top Proven Tips on How to Make Homework Fun

How to Write a History Essay: A Guideline for Non-Historians

Top 5 Creative Book Report Ideas That Guarantee Success in Class

How to Write a Mental Health in College Students Essay

One Key Takeaway for Writing a Mental Health in College Students Essay

Search Classrooms.com

Latest News

Automating Administrative Tasks in Education Institutions

How to Apply for Grants for College

How to Get Local Business Sponsorship for School Events

5 Major Issues in Education Today

What Companies Do Sponsorships for Student Groups?

Does Withdrawing From a Class Look Bad?

Why Is English Such a Good Major?

How to Change Your Major: 5 Easy Steps

What Master’s Programs Can I Pursue With an English Degree?

A Guide to Understanding Total Credit Hours On a Transcript

19 Ideas for Essays About Mental Health Topics

1. What Are the Main Mental Health Risk Factors

100+ Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health | Example & Outline

Argumentative Essay Topics about Mental Health

Argumentative essay topics about depression

Argumentative essay about mental health in schools

Argumentative essay on mental health stigma

Mental health debate topics for students

Expository essay topics about mental illness

Debates about mental health

Persuasive topics related to mental health

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You​

Post navigation

Writing an Argumentative Essay About Mental Health: Get Examples and Topics

What is an Argumentative Essay?

How to Write an Argumentative Essay About Mental Health

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you go about writing this essay: Step 1: Select a Compelling Topic

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You