Unmasking the Struggle: How Intense Pressure to Succeed Affects Malaysian University Students’ Mental Health

University Students Face Rising Stress and Burnout in Today’s Job Market

In today’s world, university students are feeling the heat more than ever before. The pressure to excel and land good jobs is intense. Many students worry that their degrees won’t lead to suitable careers, adding to their stress.

Financial factors play a significant role too. Those attending private institutions often juggle student loans, making their situation even more challenging. Past generations faced stress, but today’s students believe that the stakes are higher.

Dhanika Nagarajan, a 21-year-old English major, expressed it well: “While stress has always existed, the combination of financial strain, academic overload, and job uncertainty creates a tough cycle for today’s students.”

A 2021 study from Universiti Putra Malaysia shed light on this issue. It surveyed over 1,200 students from various institutions and found that 60.5% reported experiencing anxiety, while 45.6% faced depression and 40% reported high stress levels. Notably, students in private institutions experienced more psychological distress than their public counterparts, largely due to costs, online classes, and prolonged academic programs.

Nurul Adlin Nor Mohd Fauzi, who studies sports management, is particularly concerned about the job market. She noted that many students fear their degrees may not lead to relevant jobs, making them more vulnerable to accepting low-paying or part-time work unrelated to their studies. This situation can be especially hard for those with loan repayments looming over them.

A 2024 report by the Khazanah Research Institute found that roughly one in three graduates work in positions that don’t align with their qualifications. This underemployment issue is critical, as it can hinder long-term career growth alongside rising youth unemployment rates.

Fathin Nur Nabila Md Zin shared that many students silently deal with anxiety and stress while trying to manage academic demands, financial strain, and personal responsibilities. Her experience reflects a broader trend of increasing mental health challenges in educational settings.

Psychology student Dhurkkahsri Pushpa Lingam noted that the modern curriculum places a heavy load on students. Additionally, Muhammad Adam Ariff Ramli, a mass communication major, pointed out the fear of missing out that permeates student life. This constant comparison can contribute to anxiety, creating a cycle of pressure.

In conclusion, today’s university students face unique challenges that have evolved from past generations. It’s crucial for schools, families, and communities to recognize these pressures and foster environments that support mental well-being.

For further insights, you can view the Khazanah Research Institute’s report to understand more about the current state of youth employment and education in Malaysia.

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