Adapting to university life- The current student crisis

Currently we are experiencing a crisis, one that has thousands of students' lives hanging in the balance. A crisis that I feel has not been dealt with enough nor discussed in depth since entering university in 2012. It takes the death of 6 UCT students in the space of a few months for eyebrows to raise and solutions to be attempted to be found. Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Bipolar Mood Disorder- just to name a few affect millions of people around the world and it does not discriminate between races, religions or socio-economic status. Looking specifically at life at UCT, since I am a part of this community, I do however ask myself the question, "Why are university students, specifically Black students been affected to the point where some believe it is much better to no longer live?"

Coming to university, especially one that was far from home was a huge jump for me. I was accustomed to my comfort zone, which was my set group of friends that I had known for five or more years, my daily routine of going to school and coming back home, as well as the guidance and care from my parents and siblings. I did not have to worry about washing my clothes, cooking my own food or just being an adult in general! Coming to UCT seemed manageable in my eyes, I mean how bad could it be? Well nothing prepared me for the amount of responsibility, self control and challenges that would come before me as a first year Medical student. As if living away from home was not enough, the amount of studying and coursework was enormous. To this day I say that even if I jumped from Grade 7 to Varsity I would be the same overwhelmed Carol, as high school did not feel like it bridged the gap nor did it prepare me for university. To add to the list of challenges came an unknown one in my eyes, and this was finances. I say unknown because my parents were in control of this when I was at home and even if we may have had financial difficulties at times, they definitely managed to shield me from being aware of that. Being in charge of my finances was tough and we obviously were not wealthy enough for me to never have to worry about budgeting but I definitely had enough to live comfortably. In my eyes these challenges mentioned were huge and it definitely did not come without lessons being learnt. I had to fall many a time but with the support from my family I was able to dust myself off and kept moving forward.

Now I turn my eyes to the Black child from a rural area who has made his/her family extremely proud by getting into one of the best universities in South Africa. Not only is it a great achievement, especially since his/her childhood might not have been the easiest journey, but it is a glimmer of hope that this child can provide an escape for the family. An escape from the constant and vicious cycle of poverty that they can't seem to get away from. This child makes his/her way to sunny Cape Town but pretty soon the clouds begin to form and the sun can be seen no more. It is here that he/she has no family to support them through the struggles of having to learn words such as mitochondria, poikilothermia, atherosclerosis as well as having to do all learning and exams in a language that is not their Mother Tongue. They come across a thing called institutional racism where you are made to at times resent or be disappointed in the colour of your skin because it is this colour that does not allow you the same opportunities and concessions compared to your fellow classmates. Coming from a low income household you wonder how you will be able to buy that essential textbook or even that stethoscope needed to listen to that patient's heart.

Pretty soon the pressures of achieving, getting DP and basically just surviving becomes too much. Being faced with exclusion- be it financial or academic or even both can weigh heavy on ones shoulders, especially if the last thing your mum or dad said to you was go and make us proud and bring hope back to our family. When you are constantly reminded of the promise you bring and the motivation you are to your community as everyone makes it their mission to come and visit when you are home for the holidays.

So what can be done? With student wellness waiting lists extremely long and other psychologists extremely expensive? I found that being open and honest with friends and family helped a lot. Even if you think your family may not understand, it makes a difference if you actually try to explain your challenges to them. Opening up to friends is very therapeutic and it will open your eyes to the fact that you are not alone in this. Church was also one of my greatest helps. I am fortunate to be a part of a church that is open and understand mental health and illness, where people can openly share their challenges with each other and offer great advice. Find your space that allows you release and where you can receive comfort and where you know you are heard.

This post as well as many other posts on social media are definitely not going to change this situation but it can raise awareness. I want to say to the Black child, that you are stronger than you can ever manage, you are beautiful and you can make it in this world.

#health #wellbeing #mentalhealth #student #university #church #family #friends