Academic Pressure: When Success Comes at the Cost of Mental Health

Academic Pressure
Academic pressure is not always reflected in declining grades. More often, it appears in sleepless nights, overwhelming workloads, anxiety over deadlines, and persistent exhaustion. The #HapusSkripsi movement serves as a reminder that academic success should never come at the expense of mental health. Creating a healthy learning environment is a shared responsibility among students, families, and educational institutions. (Illustration: Author's Doc.)

Recently, the hashtag #HapusSkripsi has gained significant attention on social media. Through this movement, many students have shared their frustrations regarding academic demands, particularly the requirement to complete a thesis before graduation.

The discussion has sparked public debate and revealed a larger issue that many students face today: the increasing pressure of academic life and its effect on mental health.

The Growing Burden of Academic Pressure

For many students, academic success is often viewed as the key to a better future. They are expected to achieve high grades, complete assignments on time, participate in extracurricular activities, and graduate according to schedule.

While these expectations can encourage students to work hard and stay motivated, they can also create intense pressure when they become too demanding.

As a result, many students spend most of their time studying, attending classes, and completing academic tasks. During busy periods, they may sacrifice sleep, rest, and social activities in order to meet deadlines.

Although this behavior is often considered normal among students, it can gradually lead to physical exhaustion and emotional stress.

Also Read: Mengapa Makin Banyak Kasus Mahasiswa Bunuh Diri karena Skripsi? Dosen Wajib Pelajari!

Social Media and Unhealthy Comparisons

In addition, social media has made academic pressure even more challenging. Students are constantly exposed to stories of academic achievements, scholarships, internships, and other accomplishments shared by their peers.

While these posts can serve as motivation, they may also encourage unhealthy comparisons. Many students begin to feel that they are not successful enough when they compare their progress with others, even though every individual has a different journey and pace of achievement.

Also Read: Skripsi Bukan Akhir Segalanya: Perspektif Baru untuk Mahasiswa Tingkat Akhir

The Impact on Students’ Mental Health

The effects of academic pressure are not limited to stress alone. Continuous worries about grades, future careers, and family expectations can increase anxiety and emotional distress.

When these feelings persist for a long period, students may experience academic burnout, a condition characterized by extreme fatigue, loss of motivation, and difficulty concentrating on academic responsibilities. This situation can negatively affect both academic performance and overall quality of life.

Building a Healthier Academic Environment

To address this issue, students need to adopt healthier ways of managing academic demands. Developing good time-management skills, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a balance between study and personal life can help reduce stress.

Taking regular breaks, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation are also essential for maintaining mental well-being. Furthermore, students should not hesitate to seek support from friends, family members, lecturers, or professional counselors when they feel overwhelmed.

Educational institutions also have an important role in creating a healthier academic environment. Universities should provide accessible counseling services, strengthen mental health awareness programs, and ensure that academic workloads remain reasonable.

Also Read: Mindfulness sebagai Strategi untuk Mengelola Stres dan Emosi

By offering both academic and emotional support, institutions can help students succeed without compromising their well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the growing popularity of the #HapusSkripsi movement reflects the concerns of many students regarding academic pressure and mental health. Although academic challenges are an important part of the learning process, excessive pressure can have serious consequences for students’ physical and emotional well-being.

Therefore, students, families, and educational institutions must work together to create a supportive academic environment where success is measured not only by academic achievement but also by the ability to maintain a healthy and balanced life.

 


Author: Indah Zakiyyah
Psychology Student, Harkat Negeri University


Supervisor Lecture: M. Sofyan Firmansyah, S.S., M.A.


Editor: Nilam Indahsari
Language Editor: Rahmat Al Kafi

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