Background: Mental health is an important factor for academic success and impacts the performance of students pursuing a higher education. The COVID-19 pandemic has created new stressors that affect well-being. Stressors include anxiety about health of self and others, physical and social restrictions due to quarantine, and a substantive change in lifestyle.
Intent of Research: “This research aims to establish key stressors linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and understand its impact on university students’ mental well-being (perceived stress, anxiety, and depression) of PUNJAB students.” (Ali et al., 2021, p. 908)
Methods: Between the time frame of March – June 2020 questionnaires distributed through social media and direct networks. This study targeted students both male and female, sample size of about 250 participants.
Results: Higher stress levels in males than in females. 28.9% of students reported mild to extreme tension. 30.5% reported moderate to severe depression. 46.6% of students had anxiety.
Conclusion: There is a growing concern for the mental well-being of the University students in Punjab. Educational institutions must be aware of the well-being of students and should be providing counselling to aid in coping with social and emotional stressors brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.