“Mental Health Perceptions and Coping Strategies among Female Paramedical Students: A Cross-Sectional Insightâ€

This study examines the perceptions, challenges, and coping strategies related to mental health among female paramedical students. These young women are immersed in rigorous academic programs while simultaneously navigating societal expectations, financial stress, and entrenched gender norms. Using a structured questionnaire, the research gathered both quantitative and qualitative data from students enrolled in various allied health disciplines, exploring their understanding of mental well-being, methods of stress management, and the availability of emotional support systems. The findings reveal a concerning dichotomy: while students demonstrate a theoretical awareness of mental health concepts, their practical confidence in managing emotional distress is relatively low. Most respondents rely on informal coping mechanisms such as speaking with family or friends and engaging in hobbies. Alarmingly, only a small percentage seek professional mental health support, underscoring the lingering stigma and limited accessibility of such services. Emotional stress, academic workload, and financial instability were identified as dominant stressors—exacerbated for those from low-income families. Despite these obstacles, many students displayed commendable resilience and self-awareness, with a strong emphasis on self-belief and the desire to support future generations of women. However, societal support remains inadequate, and institutional frameworks often fall short of addressing the mental health needs of female students. This study calls for the urgent implementation of structured, gender-sensitive counseling programs within educational institutions. Without systemic change, the emotional toll on future healthcare professionals could jeopardize not only their personal well-being but also the quality of care they provide.