Struggling with Harvard Problems
Despite its prestige, attending Harvard University can be an incredibly stressful experience for some students due lack of adequate mental health resources available on campus - leading many feeling overwhelmed and unable cope with their "Harvard problems".
Dec. 24, 2022 3:38AM
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A person sitting alone in a library surrounded by books
Harvard University is a prestigious institution, known for its high academic standards and the many opportunities it provides to its students. However, these opportunities come at a cost – namely, the immense pressure that comes with attending such an elite school. For many students, this pressure can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. One student in particular has spoken out about her struggles while attending Harvard. She says that when she thinks of her “Harvard problems” – like having to walk through the cold to classes or bearing the enormity of study materials – she reminds herself that nobody ever has a “Harvard problem” if they were not in Harvard. While this may be true, it does not make the situation any easier for those who are struggling under the weight of their studies and other commitments. The reality is that many students at Harvard are facing serious mental health issues due to the stress associated with attending such an elite school. According to one survey conducted by The Crimson, nearly 40% of surveyed undergraduates reported feeling overwhelmed by their workloads during their time at Harvard. This number increases even further when looking only at first-year students – over 50% reported feeling overwhelmed by their workloads during their first year alone. The situation is made worse by inadequate mental health resources available on campus; according to another survey conducted by The Crimson, only 34% of surveyed undergraduates felt satisfied with mental health services provided on campus. This means that there are still many students who do not have access to adequate support systems when dealing with mental health issues related to being a student at Harvard University. It is clear that while some may view these “Harvard problems” as good ones to have, they can take a toll on those who are struggling under them. It is important for all members of the university community – faculty, staff and students alike – to recognize this issue and work together towards providing better support systems for those in need so that no one has to suffer in silence anymore.