THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF STUDENTS IN REGARDS TO THEIR MENTAL HEALTH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA

Abstract

This paper enlists the findings of the Qualitative research study conducted on students at the University of Namibia. This study is concerned with the lived experiences of students registered at the University of Namibia, in regards to their mental health. The study aimed at exploring the mental health issues faced by students at the University of Namibia, investigating how students cope with their mental health challenges as well as the institutional support available at the University of Namibia to promote student’s mental health. This study adapted the phenomenological design and used a qualitative research approach to yield insights around the experiences of students at the University of Namibia. The participants on whom the study was conducted on were 10 students, including 4 significant informants, specifically a lecturer, an SRC, Dean of Students as well as a Social Worker. The study comprised of exploratory and thematic analysis. The findings were categorized into codes. The codes developed from the results were stress, COVID-19, negative encounters with lecturers, codes on their coping mechanisms as well as the institutional support available to them. Some participants portrayed symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress that affect their mental wellbeing, leading to poor academic performance